Colorado Mountain Winefest
An Elevated Food & Wine Experience
Honoring the Legacy,Embracing the Future
Colorado Mountain Winefest: Celebrating 34 Years of Impact, and a Taste of What’s to Come
For 34 unforgettable years, Colorado Mountain Winefest has been more than just a wine event, it’s been a vibrant celebration of community, craft, and Colorado’s unique wine culture. Thanks to you, it has grown into the state’s premier wine experience, supporting our growers and winemakers while bringing wine lovers together in celebration.
As we look ahead to the 35th anniversary in 2026, we’re thrilled to unveil a bold new vision. This next chapter will focus on quality, connection, and an elevated experience designed for wine lovers who want to savor every moment.
What makes this transformation truly special?
No Crowds, No Rush, Room to Breathe
We are dramatically reducing capacity to fewer than 2,000 guests and shrinking the event footprint to create a welcoming, spacious environment. This means no lines, no crowded tents, no feeling rushed, just plenty of room to relax, explore, and enjoy.
Exclusive Early Access for Reserved Guests
Reserved ticket holders enjoy the benefit of arriving an hour early, from 11:00am to 12:00pm, when the festival is calm and inviting. This is your opportunity to engage deeply with vintners and vendors, ask questions, and experience the event at your own pace, before the main session begins.
Elevated Atmosphere with All the Extras You Love
Enjoy live music in shaded lounges, concierge wine storage, interactive activities, and more, all wrapped in an elegant setting that reflects the quality and sophistication of Colorado’s wine country.
Reserved Ticket
For the serious collector, seasoned taster, and true wine enthusiast, the Reserved ticket offers an unparalleled, premium experience. Your day begins with exclusive early entry from 11:00am to 12:00pm, an unhurried hour to connect personally with Colorado’s top winemakers, taste rare pours, and explore offerings at your own pace before the main session begins. Reserved guests enjoy priority parking at Riverbend Park and access to the elegant, shaded Reserved Pavilion, designed with comfort, space, and ambiance in mind. You’ll sip from a Riedel crystal wine glass, receive a premium wine tote filled with curated gifts, and enjoy elevated passed appetizers crafted and served by the award-winning CMU Tech Culinary team. Concierge wine storage ensures a seamless tasting experience, allowing you to relax and savor without interruption. This ticket is designed for those who value depth, discovery, and a refined celebration of Colorado wine and food.
This ticket is designed for those who value depth, discovery, and a refined celebration of Colorado wine and food.
Signature Ticket
Crafted for the passionate wine lover, the Signature ticket offers a relaxed yet luxurious tasting experience in a beautiful environment. Enjoy unlimited pours from Colorado’s finest producers, paired with access to the CMU Tech Culinary Showcase, where top chefs and culinary students serve freshly prepared gourmet bites throughout the day. Signature guests receive a custom Winefest wine glass and tote, with access to ambient décor, shaded seating, and open-air lounges designed for comfort and conversation. Enhancing the atmosphere is live music, ice carving demos, lawn games, and engaging activations throughout the park. A complimentary shuttle service offers easy access to and from downtown Palisade, ensuring a carefree and connected experience. The Signature ticket is ideal for those who want to taste, learn, and enjoy at their own pace, surrounded by beauty, flavor, and the best of Colorado’s wine culture
The Signature ticket is ideal for those who want to taste, learn, and enjoy at their own pace, surrounded by beauty, flavor, and the best of Colorado’s wine culture.
Winefest 2026
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This is more than a festival
FAQ
When and where is Winefest 2026?
Winefest 2026 will be held on the third Saturday in September at Riverbend Park. The event will take place during a single session from 12:00pm–4:00pm, with early entry at 11:00am for Reserved Ticket holders.
Will the event be crowded?
No! One of the biggest changes for 2026 is a significantly reduced capacity capped at under 2,000 attendees. The event footprint will also be smaller, designed to offer more open space and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere—so you can enjoy your experience without feeling rushed or crowded.
How will this new layout improve my experience?
With fewer guests and more room to move, you’ll have the time and space to connect with winemakers and chefs, savor each wine and bite, and participate in engaging activities at your own pace. It’s a more thoughtful, elevated Winefest where quality and connection take center stage.
What does early access mean for Reserved ticket holders?
Will there still be music and entertainment?
How does the new format affect food and wine offerings?
Both Reserved and Signature ticket holders enjoy unlimited tastings of Colorado wines and expanded culinary offerings by the talented chefs and students at CMU Tech, available throughout the event to perfectly pair with your wine journey.
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