Where is the event? The Grand Tasting is held in the Grand Ballroom in the Lodge at Mountaineer Square in Mt. Crested Butte, the Evening on Elk Avenue will be held through businesses on Elk Avenue, the Bubbly BBQ location is still TBD, the Wine Seminars are held at different locations throughout the Town of Crested Butte, the Winemaker Trails will be held on different mountain bike trails and ending locations, and the Chefs' Events are held at private homes.
Where can I purchase tickets other than online? After January 15, 2009, tickets can also be purchased at the offices of the Crested Butte Land Trust at 308 Third Street in Crested Butte or at Colorado Mountain Events offices at 1430 Larimer Square, Suite 200 in downtown Denver. If new retail locations are added, we will be sure to post them to our web site.
Are there ticket packages or is everything a la carte? Tickets can be packaged with accommodations through Crested Butte Mountain Resorts. The only ticket package is the Grand Tasting event with the Evening on Elk Avenue with a packaged price of $100 ($10 savings) when purchased together. 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, Evening on Elk, and Bubbly BBQ will be sent for online ticket orders as they are received after January 15, 2009. Tickets purchased after July 14 will be available for pick-up at Will-Call. Tickets are not issued for the wine seminars, winemaker trails or chefs’ dinners – 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 events that have the most different wines to try are the Grand Tasting and Evening on Elk Avenue.
How many wines will there be at the Grand Tasting and Evening on Elk? We are adding new wineries daily, yet we hope to have more than 500 different wines to sample.
How do the Grand Tasting and Evening on Elk Avenue differ? Both events will have the same wineries participating, yet with 500 wines, we can pretty much assure you that you will not have too much duplication on your tasting, unless you design it that way. The Grand Tasting tickets are sure to sell out faster as there are fewer to sell. Finally, the Grand Tasting takes place at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square on Saturday and the Evening on Elk takes place through the merchant locations along Elk Avenue in the Town of Crested Butte on Friday – giving you a great opportunity to experience this great town.
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 is only a designated driver ticket for the Grand Tasting event – sold for $15. 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 the Chefs’ Dinners, Winemaker Trails or the Wine Seminars. 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. There is a special ticket price for those under the age of 21 to attend the Evening on Elk Avenue and Bubbly BBQ. 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? As the exclusive beneficiary of the Festival, the Crested Butte Land Trust receives a variety of mechanisms to generate dollars for its conservation efforts. Everything associated with the Festival has a proceeds percentage to CBLT – from room bookings and silent auctions to tickets for all events. Any additional donations to the Crested Butte Land Trust 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 Seminars, Evening on Elk, and Grand Tasting? Absolutely! Some of the local restaurants are kind enough to donate appetizers for you to enjoy during these events. This should not be considered your dinner however! We ask that you remember these restaurants when deciding where to go for dinner after the Grand Tasting and Evening on Elk Avenue.
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 2008 – that is why we added three new events this year: Evening on Elk Avenue, Bubbly BBQ and Winemaker Trails. As events sell 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/