man holds his wine glass with red wine in front of him, he is blurred in the background and wine is clear in the foreground

Insider's Guide to the 2025 Aspen Food & Wine Classic

Known as the unofficial kickoff for summer, the Aspen Food & Wine Classic is celebrating its 42nd year. Though it’s matured in stature and size, the essence of the festival has stayed the same: to taste all that’s happening in the food and wine world. Here is your guide to making the most of the gathering.

Pass or pass-less, here's how to enjoy one of Aspen's favorite summer weekends.

Photography by Craig Turpin

By Christine Benedetti
Updated March 2025

In mid-June, it’s normal to see people walking around Aspen wishing each other a “happy Food & Wine!” The three-day culinary festival draws more than 5,000 attendees to sip, sample and socialize in what’s become a beacon of indulgence in the food and beverage industry—and a beloved local holiday. It’s evolved over its 40-plus years, but the enthusiasm around it is constant.

The Food & Wine Classic was founded in 1983 by Gary Plumley, an Aspen-based oenophile who owns the Of Grape & Grain wine shop. Originally dubbed the International Wine Festival, it drew 300 people in its first year to attend events spread out in both Aspen and Snowmass. The fest quickly grew, and within a few years Food & Wine Magazine signed on as a lead sponsor.

Attendees purchase a festival pass, which grants them access to more than 40 seminars led by industry experts and celebrities; dozens of book signings; and entry to the grand tasting tent, which hosts hundreds of food and wine purveyors for five sessions, each two hours long, over the fest’s three days. In addition to the pass-accessed, scheduled events, there are countless ancillary parties held by brands throughout the weekend—so don’t fret if you don’t secured a pass in time!

The Food & Wine Classic, held this year from June 20-22, 2025 marks the unofficial start to summer in Aspen—and spirits are always high. Here’s how to celebrate.

Have a Pass? Take Some Tips from Us.

Securing a pass to the Food and Wine Classic is the best way to make sure you can participate in all this weekend has to offer.

Food and Wine Passes

1. It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Remember, this weekend is a whirlwind of activity—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The Classic’s full schedule of seminars and tastings is released months in advance, so put in the time to plot out a calendar before you show up. Pass-holders can now sign up for seminars ahead of time, so if there’s a must-see chef or personality on your wish list, ink it into the agenda. Otherwise, make sure to arrive at venues with enough time to snag a seat before they fill up.

2. Drink Lots of Water

Drink lots and lots of water. It’s already important at nearly 8,000 feet to stay hydrated, but combine that with alcohol and a steady diet of snackable bite-size foods that don’t necessarily add up to a meal, and H20 is critical to weekend success.

3. People Watching

Part of the Food & Wine fun is the people-watching, and the dressing up. But don’t make rookie mistakes, like wearing high heels or uncomfortable dress shoes. Not only are they a bad match for downtown’s cobblestone streets, but you’ll have a terrible time navigating the grass of the Grand Tasting Tent. Wear comfortable, walkable shoes, and pack layers. It’s the Rockies, after all, and it can go from sunshine to downpour quicker than you can say “cheers.”

4. Beyond Food, Beyond Wine

Though it’s called Food & Wine, it’s not limited to those ingredients. Spirits, beers, CBD-infused tinctures, nonalcoholic drinks and creative activations from emerging brands pepper the weekend—so don’t be afraid to stray off the traditional path to make the most of your experience.

large light up sign that says "Food and Wine" and Aspen's Food and Wine Classic, words are framed in metal with lightbulbs illuminating the sign

Food and Wine Itinerary

From immersive demonstrations to a vast array of food and drink tastings, find out what the Aspen Food and Wine Classic has in store for you this year.

View 2025 Schedule

Passless? Here Are Some Ideas.

1. Pop-Up at a Party

Some of the best parties during Food & Wine weekend don’t require a pass at all. It could be as simple as walking through downtown Aspen on Saturday afternoon, when restaurants and bars open their doors to various companies looking to show off new products from French rosés to tasty tequilas. These pop-ups range from intimate to raucous, and often the vibe is “the more the merrier.”

2. Restaurants & Their Events

Many restaurants will host ticketed Food & Wine-specific events, such as this year’s wine dinners at The Little Nell, featuring a retrospective of Dunn Vineyards' wines from Howell Mountain in Napa. Reservations are required, so scroll the local newspaper listings and social media channels to find out where these events might be happening and snag yourself a seat.

3. There is Always Next Year

If Food & Wine without a pass just won’t do, make sure to get in on the action early for next year. The next Food & Wine Classic will be held in mid-June 2026. Stay tuned for details on pass sales in the winter.

Woman in chef's coat smiles at the camera, with chocolate tarts in front of her. The sign behind her says "Aspen Food and Wine Best New Chef"

2025 Food and Wine Classic Talent

Each year, Aspen Food and Wine brings in well known Beverage Experts, Chefs and Speakers to assure the experience is top notch. See the 2025 line up.

Learn More

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Food & Wine Classic

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