Are You Experienced?…

Durango Wine Experience set for May 2-4, 2013

Durango, CO – Asking “Are You Experienced?” the seventh annual Durango Wine Experience is set for May 2-4, 2013, in Historic Downtown Durango, Colo. Experience three days of educational seminars, wine dinners and unique tastings. Hundreds of wineries, artisan spirits and craft beers.

“With the support of the community and delighted vendors returning year after year; It 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 will once again benefit the United Way of Southwest Colorado.

The event’s signature, multi-location public tasting event, the “Walk-About,” is set for Friday, May 3rd, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Downtown Durango venues – Azul Gallery, Sorrel Sky Gallery, Urban Market, Cocktails and Creations, Blu, There’s No Place Like Home, Overland, Four Leaves Winery, the Rochester Hotel Secret Garden, Renae Marie Apparel & Gifts, Steamworks Brewing Co.’s patio and the Durango Arts Center – will feature more than 500 wines with light appetizers.

“You will not only get a taste of wine, but a true taste of downtown Durango,” said event coordinator and wine specialist, Leah A. Deane. “Winery representatives will be on hand to pour you a glass, at twelve of our favorite Durango galleries, shops and outdoor spaces, all within a block or two of one another.” New in 2013, attendees will have the opportunity to win an “All-Access VIP pass” to the 2014 event and a framed limited edition print of “Coyote” by Phyllis Stapler, donated by Sorrel Sky Gallery; for of visiting all twelve Walk-About locations.

On Saturday, May 4th, the premier event, the Grand Tasting, will take place under the festival tents at the First National Bank of Durango’s downtown parking lot from 3:30 to 6:30pm. In excess of a thousand wines, spirits and craft brews will be featured, including offerings from Gruppo Mezzacorona, Franciscan Wine Estates, The Sorting Table, Steamworks Brewing Co., Left Coast Cellars and Lange Twins, to name a very few. Twelve of Durango’s top chefs will showcase their restaurant and cuisine, at the fourth annual Restaurant Showcase during the Grand Tasting. This year Cosmo Bar & Dining, 6512 Restaurant & Lounge, ENO, Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen, Cyprus Cafe’, Jean Pierre Bakery & Wine Bar, Steamworks, the Mahogany Grille, Seasons Rotisserie & Grille, the Kennebec will be featured. Music from the Jeff Solon Trio and opportunities to bid on packages during the Silent Auction.

Wine Experience attendees may select from seven different educational seminars, all taught by experts in their topics, including Master Sommelier, Jay Fletcher and Doug Reed of Spiegelau & Riedel Glassware scheduled throughout the event. Seminar topics include: Bubbles on a Budget, Jelly Bean Wine Component Tasting, Animas Chocolate & Wine Pairing, Spiegelau Beer Glassware, Panache for Grenache, the Wines of France and Bourbon, Baby!

Winemaker dinners are scheduled all weekend in the evening at Seasons, the Kennebec and the Mahogany Grille in the Strater Hotel.

“There’s a lot going on,” said Barger. “We encourage those interested to visit our web site and review the 2013 event schedule. Information on lodging and additional activities can also be found there.”

A limited number of tickets are available for all Thursday, Friday and Saturday tasting events and seminars, and may be purchased for individual events or in money-saving packages online at www.durangowine.com. 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. Those purchasing VIP All-Access Platinum Passes are invited to the special, invite only VIP Welcome Reception, Thursday, May 2, from 3:30-6:30pm at Steamworks Brewing Co.

For additional information visit www.durangowine.com.