Kate Lessman
VAIL, Colo., March 25, 2025—The Taste of Vail announced its seminar and experience lineup today as part of its 2025 event taking place April 2-5, 2025, in the heart of Vail, Colorado. As one of the nation's top food and wine festivals, it is one of the few events in the country that invites dozens of winemakers and owners from all over the world to pour wine and interact with participants. The Taste of Vail develops a series of new seminars each year designed to help food and wine enthusiasts expand their knowledge in entertaining and interactive sessions. A new experience this year includes a guided snowshoe tour followed by a wine tasting and returning for a second year after a resounding success is the Taste of Vail Opening Celebration Dinner.
“The 2025 Taste of Vail seminars, experiences and wine dinners offer a unique opportunity for wine and food aficionados to engage with some of the country’s most respected vintners and culinary professionals,” said Angela Mueller, executive director of The Taste of Vail. “These exclusive experiences are designed to share knowledge and expertise, delivering exceptional wine education and pairings that will inspire attendees.”
2025 Schedule Includes:
Opening Celebration Wine Dinner, Wednesday, April 2, 6:30-8:30 pm, The Sonnenalp Hotel
Experience an unforgettable intimate evening of fine dining and exquisite wines at the Sonnenalp Hotel. Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with Executive Chef Joshua Marshall from Sonnenalp, who will work with guest chefs Chef Alex Seidel, Chef Melissa Perello, Chef James London & Yoanna Tang, Chef Jesse Maxwell, and Chef Irma Barrera to prepare a delectable menu paired by sommelier Zachary Lewison with the perfect Taste of Vail wines to enhance your dining pleasure. $175
Winemaker Dinner with Alma Rosa’s Samra Morris, La Tour Restaurant, Thursday, April 3 ,7:00PM, Born and raised in war-torn Bosnia, Morris says that she still pinches herself every day that she gets to make wine in one of the most beautiful places on earth. In 2019, Samra was recruited as assistant winemaker at Alma Rosa Winery in Santa Barbara County and was quickly promoted to winemaker in 2020. Since taking the reins as Alma Rosa’s winemaker, she has been recognized by critics for producing wines from the Sta. Rita Hills that offer a striking combination of energy and texture. $250 (gratuity not included) Tickets at La Tour Restaurant 970-476-4403
Seminars and experiences include:
Toyota Snowshoe at Grouse Creek Trail with Taste of Vail, Thursday, April 3, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, The Hythe
Join Taste of Vail for an unforgettable winter adventure! Enjoy a guided snowshoe experience on Grouse Creek Trail, starting with a luxury ride in the Toyota Sequoia from The Hythe. After the scenic trek, warm up with a wine tasting with Perchance and delicious bites from Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea. $55
"Behind the Blind: A Tasting of Skill & Discovery" Friday, April 4, 10:30-11:30 am, The Grandview Room, Lionshead Step into the world of sensory exploration with this expertly guided Blind Tasting Seminar, where perception, palate, and instinct take center stage. This is not about declaring a winner—it’s about challenging your tasting skills, sharpening your instincts, and diving into a thoughtful journey through three iconic grape varietals. Guests will taste wines in each of the following categories, completely blind (bagged and numbered. Winery representatives will join in the fun—tasting blind alongside you and offering insight once the wines are revealed. Whether you're a seasoned taster or curious novice, this seminar is all about honing your skills, trusting your senses, and enjoying the process of discovery. $55
Pinea & Hall Comparative Seminar, Friday, April 4, 3:00-4:00 pm, The Grand View Room, Lionshead
Explore the unique winemaking regions of Pinea (Spain) and Hall (Napa Valley) in this comparative seminar. Learn how terroir, climate, and winemaking styles shape the bold expressions of these renowned wineries. Through a guided tasting, discover the nuances that set these two powerhouse regions apart. $55
From Vision to Napa Grand Cru. The Enduring Impact of Robert Mondavi Winery, Friday, April 4, 5:30-6:30 pm, The Grand View Room, Lionshead
Explore the legacy, innovation, and future of Robert Mondavi Winery in this prestigious tasting. From To Kalon—America’s most famous vineyard—to today’s most celebrated wines, we taste through how the winery continues to shape Napa’s global reputation, redefine luxury winemaking, and earn its place on the world’s finest wine lists, distinguished cellars, and the tables of discerning wine lovers. $55
The Essence of Napa: A Deep Dive into Terroir, Saturday, April 5, 11 am-12 pm, The Grand View Room, Lionshead
Napa Valley is a world-class wine region defined by its microclimates, soil variations, and elevations, all of which influence the character of its wines. This seminar brings together Reynolds Family Winery, Coquerel Wines, and two esteemed Napa producers to showcase how Napa’s distinct AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) shape winemaking styles and flavor profiles. $55
Pushing Boundaries: The Maverick Spirit of Paso Robles Winemaking, Saturday, April 5, 12:30-1:30 pm, The Grand View Room, Lionshead
Paso Robles has become a trailblazer in the wine world, pushing the boundaries of innovation and expression. This seminar celebrates the pioneering spirit of Paso winemakers, exploring how unconventional techniques and diverse microclimates contribute to distinctive and daring wines. Expect a deep dive into varietal diversity, bold blends, and the region’s evolving identity. $55
Van Duzer: Exploring the Willamette Valley: A Deep Dive into Its Sub-AVAs, Saturday, April 5, 2:30- 3:30 pm, The Grand View Room, Lionshead
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is home to some of the world’s most celebrated Pinot Noirs, shaped by its diverse terroir and distinct sub-AVAs. Join the winemaker from Van Duzer Vineyards for an in-depth exploration of the region’s microclimates and how they influence wine expression. This guided tasting features four exceptional Pinot Noirs, each highlighting a different AVA. The session will provide expert insights into the key climatic factors that define the valley’s character, concluding with an engaging discussion on the region’s impact on winemaking. $55
See a full schedule and buy tickets for all events here. Tickets are available at TasteofVail.com.
Access images of the festival here.
About the Taste of Vail Food and Wine Festival
Rated among the top food and wine festivals by Forbes, Travel+Leisure and USA Today, Taste of Vail will celebrate Vail’s world class dining scene and participating wineries' finest wines, at several different venues throughout North America's most popular mountain resort from April 3-6, 2024. The Taste of Vail is one of the nation's only events that invites dozens of winemakers and owners from all over the world to pour wine and interact with participants. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.tasteofvail.com and follow Taste of Vail on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contacts:
Taste of Vail
Kate Lessman, Think Big Media PR, kate@thinkbigmediapr.com, 970-333-3395