The FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen is a magnetic intersection of culinary masters, vintners, and wine. Now thirty five years and counting, this premier gathering attracts a collection of gastronomical stars from around the world.
Since the inaugural Classic, which garnered several hundred attendees in 1983 and was held in Snowmass, the event has evolved to encompass 5,000 participants with venues all over Aspen proper.
With boundless variety, the cooking and wine seminars are led by culinary and wine icons with many legends as star acts over the years. Think Julia Child and Jacques Pépin in the kitchen with wine authorities like John Frederick Walker and Elin McCoy.
If your appetite calls for culinary growth, you’ll want to secure your pass right away by purchasing this before the Classic sells out.
If you’re unable to join us in Aspen, fear not – it’s an incredibly well-documented journey from Facebook live coverage to streaming feeds on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and beyond. To navigate your way from afar, we invite you to sit back, relax and follow along with our tips below.
Who Will Be There
Image courtesy of Dan Wilby / Food & Wine
Follow this year’s food talent on Instagram with notable acts including Food Network Top Chef Richard Blais, Iron Chef and Top Chef Stephanie Izard, Food & Wine and Cooking Light editor Hunter Lewis, and TV Host Andrew Zimmern.
To pair, the Classic’s circle of beverage talent warmly welcomes Frasca Food and Wine Co-founder Bobby Stuckey, The Little Nell Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, and Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor at Food & Wine.
(Warning: there is a good chance of developing a case of FOMO from following along on social.)
Individual Events
Passholders can dive into every angle of culinary masterpiece at the Classic from summer meals with Geoffrey Zakarian to eating well with Ming Tsai, and familial lessons with Claudine and Jacques Pépin.
The 2019 Food & Wine Classic event calendar is loaded with sensational activities, plus weekend events presented at The Little Nell, widely considered the epicenter of the action, both at the hotel and atop Aspen Mountain:
Château Palmer Wine Dinner – Ticketed
Join us at the table for a five-course meal created by Executive Chef Matt Zubrod. The evening’s pairing will include rare bottles from the château that have been aged by five decades and a special presentation from Jean-Louis Carbonnier, Director of the Americas for Château Palmer.
Reserve your seat at RESY.com
Harlan Estate Wine Dinner – Ticketed
Relish in a five-course meal, and world class wine pairing, prepared by Executive Chef Matt Zubrod. The evening will be woven with insight and stories from host Don Weaver, Director of the Harlan Estate, which is described by British wine critic Jancis Robinson as “one of the top ten best wines of the twentieth century.”
Champagne Party at Chair 9 – Complimentary
Still feeling energized? Post sunset, gather at Chair 9 to mingle with culinary and wine stars. No cover. No list. Simply a social occasion —plus live music from nightly DJs and drink specials from Dom Perignon and Veuve Clicquot.
Updates and Social
Eager to be more involved? Embark on a sweepstakes challenge via @thefeedfeed with a stay at The Little Nell. We’ll post this link to enter the first week of June.
Throughout the weekend, Classic coverage is hosted on Food & Wine and on the publication’s social via the hashtag #FWClassic. Follow along to get a taste of the latest food and wine trends. And follow The Little Nell on Instagram to get an inside look at events and Aspen.
