Our Story 

The Crested Butte Wine and Food Festival is an annual culinary event brought to you by the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, the premier visual and performing arts venue in the region.

For over 30 years, the Center has been dedicated to providing arts and cultural experiences that inspire and entertain all audiences, whether they call Crested Butte home every day or just for the weekend.


Originally Founded by Jeff Hermanson. Jeff Hermanson is widely known for founding Denver-based Larimer Associates. The Crested Butte Wine + Food Festival has been a summer staple in the Gunnison Valley since 2008. After taking a year off in 2012, Jeff and Larimer began working with the Center for the Arts in 2013 to bring you the annual celebration to the heart of the West Elk Mountains.

Festival Programs

  • Tour de Fork Dinners

    Embrace the essence of summer at our winemaker dinners, where the season's vibrant energy is captured in multi-course dinners crafted by some of the finest chefs and paired with boutique and elite wines. Join us for a night where every detail is infused with the spirit of summer, leaving you with memories that will linger long after the last glass is poured.

  • Seminars

    Dive into a series of dynamic, fun-filled, and varied culinary, wine and spirits based educational seminars led by enthusiastic experts.

  • Field Trips

    Pack your spirit of adventure and come along on our Field Trips! It's not just a journey; it's a full-on flavor expedition set against a backdrop of postcard-perfect Crested Butte scenery.

  • Bar Takeovers

    Set against the backdrop of our intimate festival atmosphere, join guest bartenders and sommeliers for exclusive cocktails, wines and the art of the pour at local Crested Butte restaurants, bars and tasting rooms. These are nights where every glass tells a story, and you can indulge in a unique experience designed to captivate your palate and elevate your spirits.

  • Grand Tasting

    Get ready to sip and swirl your way into a world of flavors at the Grand Tasting, the Wine + Food Festival’s signature event! It's more than just a tasting—it's a summer day full of celebration, packed with vibrant energy and the thrill of discovery.

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  • Arts Ball

    Immerse yourself in an evening bursting with artistic energy—captivating live performances, art and color everywhere you turn, an exquisite dinner paired with fine wines, and a thrilling live auction packed with rare and one-of-a-kind experiences.

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