“Are You Experienced?”…

Durango Wine Experience set for April 24-27, 2014

Durango, CO – Posing the question “Are You Experienced?”, the eighth annual Durango Wine Experience is set for April 24-27, 2014, in Historic Downtown Durango, Colo. The “Experience” offers three days of educational seminars, wine dinners and unique tastings, featuring thousands of wines, artisan spirits and craft beers.

“With the support of the community and delighted vendors returning year after year, this has grown into one of the most respected tasting events in the country,” said Karen Barger, sommelier and 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.”

Proceeds from the 2013 Wine Experience benefited the United Way of Southwest Colorado.

The event’s signature, multi-location public tasting event, the “Walk-About Durango,” is set for Friday, April 25, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Attendees tour around Downtown Durango, visiting 12 unique venues, all featuring more than 500 wines with light appetizers, for $45.

“You will not only get a taste of wine, but a true taste of Downtown Durango,” said Leah A. Deane, event coordinator and wine specialist. “Winery representatives will be on hand to pour you a glass, at 12 of our favorite Durango galleries, patios, boutiques, a secret garden and a brewery, all within a block or two of one another.”

Attendees will once again have the opportunity to win an “All-Access VIP pass” to the full 2014 event when they visit all 12 Walk-About locations.

On Saturday, April 26, the premier event, the Grand Tasting, will take place under the festival tents at the First National Bank of Durango’s Downtown parking lot, 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. More than 1,000 wines, spirits and craft brews will be featured, including offerings from Wilson Daniels, Stuhlmuller Vineyards, Steamworks Brewing Co., Jackson Family Wines, Banfi and Lange Twins, and more.

Twelve of Durango’s top chefs will “show off” their restaurants and cuisine at the fifth annual Restaurant Showcase during the Grand Tasting.

“We encourage those interested to save money and buy Grand Tasting tickets in advance for only $85, as they will be $100 at the door,” said Deane.

Wine Experience attendees may also select from seven different educational seminars, taught by Master Sommeliers, Certified Cicerones and other experts in their fields. Seminar topics and special guests are listed at, www.durangowine.com.
A limited number of tickets for all Thursday, Friday and Saturday tasting events, luncheons and seminars are available, and individual events or money-saving packages can be purchased in advance online at www.durangowine.com. The “Weekend Tasting Pass” ($100) includes a 2014 DWE Riedel wine tasting glass and both the Walk-About Durango Tasting and the Grand Tasting.

Tickets will also be available the week of the event at the Durango Wine Experience Event Office located in the back lobby of the Historic Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave. Sponsors, vendors and those purchasing VIP All-Access Platinum Passes are invited to the special, invitation only, VIP Welcome Reception, Thursday, April 24, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. on the patio of Steamworks Brewing Co.

Additional winemaker luncheons, dinners and brunches will also be scheduled throughout the weekend at various Durango restaurants.

“There’s a lot going on,” said Barger. “We encourage those interested to visit our web site and review the 2014 event schedule. Information on lodging and additional activities can also be found there.”