Durango Wine Experience set for May 5-7, 2011

 

DURANGO, Colo. – Reminding all that there’s “No such thing as too much wine,” the fifth annual Durango Wine Experience is set for May 5-7, 2011, in Historic Downtown Durango, Colo. A special VIP welcome reception is also planned for the evening of May 5, with unique Sunday brunches set for May 8.

With thousands of wines and dozens of vendors, the Durango Wine Experience offers two unique tasting events, seven educational wine, craft beer and spirit seminars and multiple wine dinners, brunches, and even a special Kentucky Derby Day party.

“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 2011 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. Downtown Durango venues – Azul Gallery, Sorrel Sky Gallery, Rain Dance Gallery, Toh-Atin Gallery, Coldwell Banker lounge, Artesano’s, Rochester Hotel courtyard, Steamworks Brewing Co.’s patio, Sutcliffe Vineyards Tasting Room 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 Leah A. Deane. “Winery representatives will be on hand to pour you a glass at ten of our favorite Durango galleries, shops and outdoor spaces, all within a block or two of one another.”

            On Saturday, May 7, The Grand Tasting will take place under the festival tents at the First National Bank of Durango’s downtown parking lot. In excess of a thousand wines, spirits and craft brews will be featured, including offerings from Ravenswood, Trefethen, Rodney Strong Wine Estates, Michael David Winery, Souverain, Steamworks Brewing Co., Gran Centenario Tequila and Chateau St. Jean, to name a very few.

Wine Experience attendees may select from seven different educational seminars, all taught by experts in their topics, scheduled throughout the event. Seminar topics include Into the Blue, Tequila; Grower Champagne; Old World, New World; Steamworks Beer & Food Pairing; Picnic Italiano, Malbec Makes Page Six! and Riedel Glassware. Winemaker dinners are scheduled on Thursday and Friday nights at the Strater Hotel, the Palace Restaurant and Guido’s Favorite Foods.

“There’s a lot going on,” said Barger. “We encourage those interested to visit our web site and review the 2011 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 VIP Welcome Reception Thursday evening, May 5, at Steamworks Brewing Co.

For additional information visit www.durangowine.com.