The 10 Master Somms Who Make Up The Nell’s Wine Legacy

The Court of Master Sommeliers was established in April 1977 to encourage improved standards of beverage service, particularly wine + food pairing, in hotels and restaurants. The Little Nell opened on Thanksgiving of 1989 and in our 30-year history, 10 staff members have earned the esteemed Master Sommelier diploma, more than any other establishment in… Read more

Learning from the Masters: Wine Academy

How The Little Nell Wine Academy Can Elevate Your Wine Game Wines were tasted. Toasts were made. Friendships were forged. And, at the end of the 2019 Little Nell Wine Academy, a group of 14 wine connoisseurs from across the country celebrated their graduation from what has quickly become a cornerstone of wine education. The… Read more

Looking Back, Looking Ahead: A New Year Dawns on The Little Nell

As the New Year peeks over the horizon like sunrise on our beloved Bells, we wanted to set aside a few moments to muse over the most exciting events of 2018, and all the wonderful things we’ve got planned for The Little Nell in the coming year. We hope you’ll join us as we raise… Read more

How to Experience The FOOD & WINE Classic Without a Pass

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… Read more

The 2018 Guest Chef Series at The Little Nell

More and more often, world-renowned chefs are swapping kitchens with one another to share their culinary creations across oceans, borders, and cultures. It’s a recipe for success. Talented chefs such as Blaine Wetzel land in a new country and stir up a multi-course meal with foreign ingredients, a fresh team, and in a new environment,… Read more

Into The Little Nell’s Wine Cellar [Q&A with Carlton McCoy]

The wine program at The Nell is known around the world for acquiring sought-after bottles, recommending varietals, and setting trends in the industry. Recently I sat down with Carlton McCoy, Master Sommelier at The Little Nell, to discuss a rather new aspect of the wine program: The Little Nell’s Wine Cellar. Whether you’ve been visiting… Read more

How Chef Ryan Hardy Left His Mark on the Roaring Fork Valley

After decamping to Manhattan in 2013, Hardy returns in December to kick-off The Little Nell’s 2nd Annual Guest Chef Dinner Series. An excerpt from Aspen Sojourner, by Laurel Miller. Food-loving locals and devotees of The Little Nell still look back fondly on former executive chef Ryan Hardy’s tenure. The chef, who helmed Montagna (now Element… Read more

2017 James Beard Awards Call for Entries

The countdown to the 2017 James Beard Foundation Awards is underway. Considered the Oscars of the American restaurant world, the Beard Awards are the highest honor for food and beverage professionals working in North America. The awards cover all aspects of the industry—from chefs and restaurateurs to cookbook authors and food journalists to restaurant designers… Read more

Say “Bienvenue” to The Nell’s exclusive Cuvée Champagne

For the past five years, our Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy has partnered with a Champagne House in France to produce a cuvée wine, exclusively available at The Little Nell. In 2016, Carlton collaborated with Maison Bérêche et Fils for this special release, a pinot noir-based brut reserve blend. Just 80 cases were produced, which arrived… Read more

The Experts’ Guide to the FOOD & WINE Classic [Q&A]

This is an excerpt from a post on Aspen Skiing Company’s blog, in anticipation of The FOOD & WINE Classic that’s just around the corner (June 17–19, 2016). While it is easily the most prestigious annual event for foodies and wine connoisseurs in the United States, it is also the most fun. For three days,… Read more