Where is the event? The Grand Tasting is held outdoors at the base of the world-class Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The Wine Seminars are held at different locations throughout the town of Crested Butte. The Chefs' Dinners are held in private homes and the James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour is held at Uley's Cabin- Mid Mountain Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
What is the James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour? The Crested Butte Food & Wine Festival is excited to welcome the James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour to this year's event. The evening, hosted by Chef Eric Jaeger of the Crested Butte Mountain Resorts, will feature an incredible multi-course dinner prepared by celebrity Guest Celebrity Chefs Ryan Hardy of The Little Nell's Montagna and Richard Sandoval of the Modern Mexican Restaurants. This spectacular event will be staged in the famous Uley's Cabin, situated mid-way up the mountain of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. With limited seating, and one of only 20 stops in the United States, it is expected that the James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour dinner will sell out quickly. Tickets are now available and proceeds from the evening will benefit the James Beard Foundation. For more information about the James Beard Foundation, visit www.jamesbeard.org.
Where can I purchase tickets other than online? After April 30, 2010, tickets can also be purchased at the offices of the Crested Butte Land Trust at 308 Third Street in Crested Butte. If new retail locations are added, we will be sure to post them to our web site.
How will I find out about any last-minute schedule changes or tickets still available through the weekend? Look for any last minute changes on our scheduling boards, located inside the entrances of the Lodge at Mountaineer Square, the Grand Lodge and Elevation Hotel, as well as in town.
Are there ticket packages or is everything a la carte? Tickets can be packaged with accommodations through Crested Butte Mountain Resorts. Otherwise, all tickets are sold a la carte. We feel this allows you the most flexibility in designing your perfect weekend!
I bought my tickets already. When should I expect to receive them? Tickets for the Grand Tasting will be sent for online ticket orders as they are received after March 1, 2010. Tickets purchased after July 11 will be available for pick-up at Will-Call. Tickets are not issued for the other events throughout town - your name will be on a list and location provided via email.
What is the best event to attend? While all of the events during the Festival have their own merits, the event that has the most different wines to try is the Grand Tasting.
How many wines will there be at the Grand Tasting? We are adding new wineries daily, yet we hope to have more than 500 different wines to sample.
Where should I stay when I am in Crested Butte? We suggest booking your accommodations with our partners at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
What is the best way to get around to the events? There is a FREE circulator shuttle that runs through the Town of Crested Butte and up to the Town of Mt. Crested Butte. Click here to download the shuttle map in PDF format. We highly suggest using these buses to get to the Grand Tasting and the Wine Seminars. If you are attending the Wine Seminars, we suggest being a “local” and taking a cruiser bike to the event.
Is there a designated driver ticket price? There are only designated driver tickets for the Grand Tasting event – sold for $15 each. Otherwise, there are not designated driver tickets. We feel strongly that everyone use the free shuttles to move around between the events. Parking is limited throughout the area and this makes for the best possible time when visiting Crested Butte.
What if there is bad weather? The events are either held indoors or we have provided enough tenting that should there be inclement weather, there is room for all to stay dry and keep enjoying the event.
Are those under 21 allowed at the events? Those under 21 years of age are not allowed at any of the events around town. There is a special ticket price for those 12 and under to attend the Grand Tasting—we understand that these youngsters cannot be left at home alone and sitters can be hard to come by, but space is extremely limited at this event. NO ONE under the age of 21 will be served under Colorado State law.
Are dogs allowed at the events? Even as much as we love Fido and Fluffy - unfortunately no, because food is being served at all events.
Are there special offers from local businesses if I attend the Grand Tasting? Absolutely! Festival attendees can and should support the local business and several are offering you something special!
How much goes to the Crested Butte Land Trust? The Crested Butte Land Trust receives a variety of mechanisms to generate dollars for its conservation efforts. Proceeds from the Grand Tasting benefit the Crested Butte Land Trust. Any additional donations are always appreciated.
Where is will-call? Will-call will be located at the entry to each of the events. To see a full schedule of events, times and locations, please see the web page for each.
What if I bought tickets and I can no longer use them? Unfortunately tickets are non-refundable.
Will there be food at the events throughout town and the Grand Tasting? Local restaurants are producing these events and will likely appetizers for you to enjoy during these events. This should not be considered your dinner however! Many local restaurants have donated food for the Grand Tasting event. We ask that you remember these restaurants when deciding where to go for dinner after the Grand Tasting.
Is wine by the bottle available for purchase at the Grand Tasting? Unfortunately no - Colorado law prohibits us from doing this. We do suggest visiting area wine and liquor stores, who will have many of the choices available in their inventories. Stores are open on Sunday, so you can even grab a couple bottles on your way out of town!
Are the events expected to sell out? We do expect many of the events to sell out prior to the event week, so get your tickets sooner than later. Most events sold out in 2009—including the Grand Tasting. As an event sells out, it will be posted to our web site.
What else is there to do in Crested Butte? In these amazing mountain communities, there is so much to do! It has some of the best mountain-biking and hiking anywhere, beautiful landscapes with stunning wildflowers (great for photographers), dynamic events, shopping in a great collection of stores, and dining to suit all different palettes. For a full list of things to do, we suggest visiting: http://www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/