Our Story
The Crested Butte Wine and Food Festival is an annual fundraiser for 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 Crested Butte Center for the Arts in 2013, and the festival has been the Center’s biggest annual fundraiser ever since.
Festival Programs
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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.
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Seminars
Dive into a series of dynamic, fun-filled, and varied culinary, wine and spirits based educational seminars led by enthusiastic experts.
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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.
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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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The Center for the Arts Gala
Step into a world of enchantment at the Center’s "Summer Nights" Gala, where the magic of the arts ignites the evening. Featuring captivating performances, culinary delights crafted by top chefs and exquisite wines, this event celebrates creativity and community in support of our beloved Center mission.
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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.
