Foodie Field Trip: Visiting the Aspen Food and Wine Classic

Case in point: Every year the June, the air fills with the tantalizing aromas of five-star cuisine as the Aspen Food and Wine Classic kicks off its three-day event. If you think it's an ordinary food festival, think again. It's the best of the best and a real foodie's paradise featuring global cuisine and some of the world's best wines.

This annual culinary event attracts thousands of hungry visitors to Aspen every year. Whether you're considering attending for the first time or you're a repeat expert, this quick guide gives you all the details you need to enjoy this deliciously upscale festival and ensure you get the most out of your Aspen getaway.

What Is the Food and Wine Classic?

Renowned Michelin-star chef Thomas Keller calls the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen the "superstar" of culinary events. It all started back in 1983 when founder Gary Plumley teamed up with Ruth and Bob Kevan to create the Aspen/Snowmass International Wine Classic. It was held in June and attracted hundreds of people.

Fast forward to 1986, and Food & Wine magazine became the titled sponsor, officially putting the event on the culinary map. The following year, the festival's itinerary expanded to include speeches from master chefs, cooking demonstrations from renowned cooks, and various food exhibitions. By this point, the festival had grown to more than 1,000 attendees, and that number continued to grow as the annual June event continued to expand its offerings.

What to Do at the Classic

Aspen offers the perfect backdrop for this mouthwatering food event — everyone from previous organizers to Iron Chef America stars agree. Tickets to the picturesque festival include access to five grand tastings and all the seminars held throughout the festival weekend, except the restaurant trade event, which is only accessible with the American Express Restaurant Trade Pass.

Everyone who attends the Aspen Food and Wine Classic walks away with a greater appreciation for food and wine. Past seminars included Carla Hall teaching attendees how to make the perfect biscuits — she grates cold butter into the dough — and Gail Simmons explaining why hand height matters when seasoning food. Of course, there's always plenty of food, but many of the festival's attendees choose to head to local eateries for full meals, rather than battle the crowds for small bites and tastings.

Get a Taste of Local Cuisine

Whether you saved your appetite to eat at a local restaurant, or you left some room after sampling the stellar global cuisine at the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, you won't be disappointed in the local flavors served up at the town's eateries. The restaurant scene is sizzling in this mountain town, with many of the town's best restaurants. A few of the standout options include:

• Element 47: Located inside The Little Nell hotel, this restaurant offers famous artfully prepared dishes like dry-aged duck breast and butter-poached lobster.
• Matsuhisa: The sushi and Nobu-inspired fare includes hot dishes like Yellowtail tataki and entrees like lamb with anticucho.
• Cache Cache: This French-American restaurant serves dishes like black fettuccine with Alaskan king crab, Colorado rack of lamb, and seasonal vegetarian creations. The beef tartare is the dish to try if you feel adventurous.
  

Exploring Aspen's Unique Charm

While you're in town for the festival, be sure to set some time aside to explore some of the area's renowned attractions. Colorado is known for its outdoor recreation, and Aspen hits all the high points. Maroon Bells is a popular hiking spot filled with gorgeous, postcard-worthy scenery, but you may want to consult with local pros if you want to do any rock climbing.

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You could also take a few hours to drive up Independence Pass, a scenic roadway that travels along the Continental Divide at an elevation of 12,095 feet above sea level. Near the top is the ghost town of Independence, and old silver mining town that put Aspen on the map. In addition to being one of the highest roadways on the continent, Independence Pass offers plenty of thrills as it winds around tight twists and turns, through dense forests, and next to jaw-dropping cliffs. Along the way, several spots are perfect for pulling over to hike, picnic, or take a few photos.

Where to Stay in Aspen

After all that eating, drinking, and exploring, you're going to need a good night's sleep. Fortunately, Aspen is home to numerous luxury hotels and charming bed and breakfasts like Hearthstone House. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, this inn boasts a central location just two blocks from all the downtown action. It has 16 guest rooms, each with sweeping mountain views and access to amenities like an outdoor hot tub, indoor steam room, and daily continental breakfast.

If you're looking for a more traditional hotel, consider one of these popular options:

• The Little Nell: Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, this hotel regularly tops must-stay lists, thanks to its lavish accommodations and five-star service.
  
• Hotel Jerome: This lavish ski lodge with a historic exterior and modern amenities includes an onsite bistro and spa.
• The St. Regis Aspen: A resort that attracts many guests with its luxe amenities, the St. Regis offers a full-service spa and an onsite restaurant, Chefs Club by Food & Wine.

Are you heading to the Aspen Food and Wine Classic this year? Keep us in the know on your travel adventures by tagging us on Twitter.

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