The Durango Wine Experience

Calling all wine lovers! This is the ultimate weekend to show what you know and maybe even learn something new about wine and possibly discover your new favorite bottle! The Durango Wine Experience is happening Thursday, April 28th - Saturday, April 30th. Over 100 different wines will be featured and presented this weekend! Not much of a wine drinker? Not to worry, there will be other spirits and craft beers featured at this three day event that aims to expedite the cultural and economic growth of the Durango community!
WARNING: Must be a pro wine taster to participate…KIDDING-- but here are a few tips!
- FIRST. Don’t just down the wine like you’re in college again and slapping the wine bag that came out of a cardboard box-- not saying that there is anything wrong with boxed wine, we all love it.
- SECOND. Look at it. That’s right, just take a look at the wine sitting in your glass. The more natural light you’re using to analyze your wine the better. The simple sight of wine can say a lot about the integrity of it.
- THIRD. Did you know that about 80% of your taste comes from your sense of smell? Don’t believe it? Just google it! Smell your wine to see what aromas float to your nose. Bet you that you will already be able to tell what those fermented grapes are going to taste like.
- FOURTH. Drink it. The fun part is here! Make sure to give it a little swirl right before you send it to your mouth. This isn’t a necessity of wine tasting, it’s just fun to do.Try to distinguish the different accented flavors in each glass you try throughout the weekend.
*NOTE: We’re not expert wine tasters, so don’t hold it against us if these tips are not up to par.
WHY YOU NEED TO BE THERE
This is THE one and only festival to attend in Durango, Colorado if you love all things wine. With hundreds of wines, spirits and craft beers to taste and enjoy all weekend long, what other reason do we need to give you for you to take the plunge and attend the Durango Wine Experience? Don’t forget to check out the event schedule and book your tickets NOW! Cheers!
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE for either The Full Experience Weekend Pass, The Friday Walkabout or the Saturday Grand Tasting. Pick up your tickets at the Durango Wine Experience Event Office at R Space on Wednesday, April 27th from 2PM - 6PM, Thursday, April 28th between 10AM - 6PM, Friday, April 29th between 10AM - 6PM, or Saturday, April 30th between 10AM - 1PM.
THE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, APRIL 28TH | 5PM
Enjoy an evening of delightful whiskey and chocolate pairings, featuring a flight of whiskey from the Laws Whiskey House portfolio skillfully paired with Animas Chocolate Company's single origin, bean to bar chocolates.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28TH | 5PM
Join in on the fun with a night of freakishly delicious wines, fun entertainment and fabulous nibbles at Sunnyside Farms Market! Taste the full lineup of Freakshow wines accompanied by fresh market bites and Charcuterie by Boar's Head. Entertainment to be provided by the Secret Circus Society!
THURSDAY, APRIL 28TH | 6PM
Old World, exploring regions and history through wine with five deliciously decadent courses being beautifully paired with every glass you drink. Be sure to book your seat at Seasons restaurant in advance as this event sells out quickly!
THURSDAY, APRIL 28TH | 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Led by Sommelier Andrew Cameron Walter from Denver and Beverage Director Chad Riddles, this six flight journey of bubbles will travel from Europe to the Americas, featuring Brut, Cuvee, Rose, Prosecco, Blanc de Noir, and Asti.
Each glass will be paired with delicious small bites designed to highlight and expand upon the wine's flavor profile.
FRIDAY, APRIL 29TH | NOON
Every girl’s best friend is the perfect bottle of Rose! Join in on the picnic at Seasons outdoor patio and enjoy a perfectly paired picnic to go with your perfect glass of wine.
FRIDAY, APRIL 29TH | 4PM - 7PM
Hundreds of wines featured with light appetizers at multiple downtown Durango locations. The Walkabout is THE signature, multi-location, tasting event. You will not only get a taste of wine, but a true taste of downtown Durango! Libation tables will be featured at some of our favorite Durango galleries, shops & outdoor spaces, all in our cute downtown. Light appetizers provided at each location and save room to purchase dinner at one of our amazing local restaurants!
SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH | 12:30PM - 1:30PM
Meet the owner and master distiller from Locke + Co. Enjoy tastings and a Bookcase Original cocktail from this unique Colorado Aspen Aged Rye.
SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH | 3:30PM - 6:30PM
Under the BIG tent at the Smiley Building, there will be hundreds of wines, beer, and spirits featured for you to enjoy. Wineries will be on hand from right here in Colorado to all over the world! Durangos finest restaurants showcase their cuisine in our 10th Annual Durango Restaurant Showcase. Look for pairing recommendations in the BIG tent to take this culinary delight to a new level.
THE WINE YOU WILL BE INDULGING IN
*RIDE RESPONSIBLE
Durango Wine Experience is partnering with Ride Responsible to ensure our guests will have options for safe rides. There will be a Ride Responsible Zone on both Friday and Saturday where Buckhorn Limousine and Durango Taxi will be available to facilitate rides. Look for the Ride Responsible logo to find your safe ride home!