“Are You Experienced?”
Durango Wine Experience set for May 5-7, 2016
Durango, CO – Reminding all that there’s “No such thing as too much wine,” the 10th Annual Durango Wine Experience is set for May 5-7, 2016, in Historic Downtown Durango, Colo. A special evening VIP welcome reception is also planned for May 5.
With hundreds of wines and dozens of vendors, the Durango Wine Experience offers public tastings, more than six educational wine, craft beer and spirit seminars, and multiple wine dinners.
“It has grown into one of the most respected tasting events in the country,” said Karen Barger, owner of Seasons Rotisserie & Grill and co-founder of the Wine Experience. “We’ve got the perfect venue in Downtown Durango, plus the natural beauty of area. The event has seen steady growth over the years, and we’ve been able to donate significantly to local non-profit organizations.”
The 2016 Wine Experience will benefit the United Way of Southwest Colorado.
The event’s signature, multi-location public tasting event, the “Walk-About,” is set for Friday, May 6, 4-7 p.m. This year’s Downtown Durango venues include Azul Gallery, Sorrel Sky Gallery, Rochester Hotel courtyard, Steamworks Brewing Co. patio, Silk Sparrow, Lively Boutique, Overland, Cocktails and Creations, Four Leaves Winery, and Urban Market Home, among others. New locations include Second Ave. Sports and the Durango Welcome Center. The event will feature hundreds of wines and light appetizers spread among the locations. Check in at the Strater Hotel Lobby, 699 Main Ave.
“Durango Wine Experience brings hundreds of people to town and introduces them to the beauty of Durango,” said Mandi Davis, event coordinator. “It’s really a dual education process: We introduce Durango residents to new and exciting wines and spirits, and through our seminars and events we teach those same ticket holders about the history and viticulture of the wines they love. At the same time we introduce our visiting vendors to Durango and all that it has to offer. Many come back every year for the three-day stay or for separate vacations. It’s hard not to fall in love with this town.”
Saturday, May 7, The Grand Tasting takes place 4-7 p.m. under the outdoor festival tent at First National Bank of Durango, 259 West 9th St. Dozens of vendors, which include wineries, distillers and craft brewers are scheduled to participate. This signature event includes the wildly popular Restaurant Showcase, featuring some of Durango’s most talented and celebrated chefs and restaurants, including The Ore House, Eolus, Seasons, Olio, Fifth Street Eatery, HWY 3 Roadhouse, Jean-Pierre Bakery, Animas Chocolate Company, Guido’s, Kennebec Café, Mahogany Grille, Chimayo, Cyprus Café, BREW, Steamworks Brewing Co., Carver Brewing Co., and El Moro Spirits and Tavern.
Wine Experience attendees may select from among several educational seminars scheduled throughout the event and attended by Master Sommeliers and Certified Wine Educators. All are within walking distance in Historic Downtown Durango. Winemaker dinners are also scheduled at various Downtown restaurants on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
“There’s a lot going on,” said Barger. “We encourage those interested to visit our web site and review the 2016 event schedule. Information on lodging and additional activities is also available there.”
Limited tickets are available for all Thursday, Friday and Saturday tasting events and seminars. Those purchasing Platinum Passes are invited to the VIP welcome event Thursday evening, May 5.
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.durangowine.com. For further information contact Mandi Davis, at [email protected] or 970.946.2408.
