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 the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Creations and Libations will be held at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Ski Resort under the Grand Tasting Tent. The James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour will be announced soon.
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 back to this year's event. Each dinner will feature renowned Celebrity Chefs who will create an incredible multi-course dinner paired with some of the world's finest wines.. Tickets will be available soon 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, 2012, 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 at the Will Call booths in town, and at the resort. The most up to date schedules will be posted online.
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, 2012. Tickets purchased after July 16 will be available for pick-up at Will-Call at each event; if you purchased a seminar, just check in with the volunteer at that event. 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 $20 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 beneficiary? A percentage of proceeds from the Grand Tasting benefit a local nonprofit. 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 click here.
What if I bought tickets and I can no longer use them? Unfortunately tickets are non-refundable.
Will there be food at the Grand Tasting? As with many other wine tastings, a sampling of palate-cleansing light hors d'oeuvres will be served at the Grand Tasting event. This should not be considered your dinner however. Make a reservation now at one of Crested Butte’s many wonderful restaurants!
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 of 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. 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/