Experience the Denver Food + Wine Festival: Your Ultimate Guide to Culinary Delights

It’s the most anticipated time of the year for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike! The Denver Food + Wine Festival is back, marking a glorious transition from summer’s warmth to autumn’s crisp embrace. For me, this week is an absolute highlight, a vibrant celebration that kicks off the fall season with an epic bang. Join me as we explore the events I cherish the most below!

Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by the Denver Food + Wine Festival! As always, all opinions expressed here are genuinely my own. Thank you for supporting the incredible partners that make Cake ‘n Knife possible!

While my heart holds a special place for the holiday season, there’s another week each year that stirs an equal, if not greater, sense of joy and anticipation within me. This extraordinary period is none other than the illustrious week of the Denver Food + Wine Festival. As it rapidly approaches, typically running from early to mid-September, I find myself brimming with excitement for this year’s lineup of spectacular events.

For those unfamiliar with this magnificent annual gathering, or perhaps haven’t had the pleasure of attending, the Denver Food + Wine Festival is essentially a week-long showcase of the absolute best culinary and libation experiences Denver has to offer. My personal journey with this festival spans five incredible years – a testament to its enduring appeal and consistent excellence. Each year has surpassed the last, evolving into an even more spectacular celebration of taste and talent. Attending feels like waking up to Christmas morning, but for an entire week, indulging in a continuous feast for the senses.

With an impressive array of events throughout the week, choosing which ones to attend can indeed be a delightful dilemma. While my heart urges you to experience every single one, there are two particular events that stand out as absolute must-dos. These are the ones I will always and forever *implore* you to experience for yourselves.

These two cornerstone events are The Shakedown and The Grand Tasting. Every September, my anticipation builds for this exhilarating week of culinary exploration. It’s a glorious period dedicated to indulging in an abundance of exquisite food, fine wines, and artisanal spirits – so much so that I often find myself needing a full week afterward to recover from the sheer deliciousness!

And let me tell you, it is SO. DANG. WORTH. IT.

Reflecting on previous years, especially the unforgettable festivities, my excitement for the upcoming Denver Food + Wine Festival events reaches new heights. The organizers consistently go above and beyond, elevating every aspect from the innovative dishes and crafted drinks to the captivating atmosphere. If you’re eager for more details on my two absolute favorite events, keep reading, my friends… 😉

The Shakedown: Denver’s Premier Cocktail Showcase

For those who harbor a deep affection for the art of mixology, The Shakedown stands as the ultimate celebration during the Denver Food + Wine Festival. Every single year I’ve attended, I’ve been introduced to a dazzling array of new and incredibly unique cocktails, boasting flavor combinations that push the boundaries of what I thought was possible. Imagine vibrant concoctions with unexpected herbal notes, or classic spirits transformed by exotic fruits and spices – it’s a true playground for the palate.

A vivid memory that still tantalizes my taste buds is the tiki-style cocktail from Sarto. Their Aperol Palizzata offered a wonderfully tropical twist on the classic Aperol spritz. Typically, such drinks aren’t my usual preference, but that particular combination completely reshaped my perception and left an unforgettable impression. It’s this kind of innovative spirit that defines The Shakedown.

The variety of spirits showcased is simply astounding. From robust bourbons and smooth vodkas to nuanced whiskies and intriguing sherries, there is truly a libation crafted to delight every attendee at this lively shindig. You’ll have the chance to chat with talented mixologists, learn about their inspirations, and witness their craft firsthand as they shake, stir, and pour their masterpieces.

But The Shakedown isn’t just about the drinks; it’s also a fantastic culinary experience. The event flawlessly integrates delectable bites designed to perfectly complement the cocktails, creating a symphony of flavors that dance over your taste buds in the most delightful way. These aren’t just ordinary appetizers; they are carefully crafted culinary expressions.

I still recall, with a mix of awe and amusement, the ingenious “jala-cannoli” created by talented *high school students* participating through the ProStart program at a past event. It was essentially a jalapeño popper transformed into a cannoli – an unexpected, yet absolutely brilliant, fusion that truly blew my mind! UM YEA. FOR REAL.

And who could forget the exquisite brown butter eclairs with salted caramel Bavarian cream from Williams & Graham from two years prior? That remains, to this day, one of the finest dessert bites I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. The Shakedown is a true testament to the culinary creativity thriving in Denver.

One of the most engaging aspects of The Shakedown is the interactive element: you, the attendee, get to cast your vote for Denver’s best cocktail and best bite! This friendly competition adds an exciting layer, empowering guests to champion their favorite creations and celebrating the incredible talent on display. It’s an opportunity to truly engage with the Denver food and drink scene.

The Grand Tasting: A Culinary Journey Through Denver’s Best

I’ve declared it before, and I will enthusiastically state it again: The Grand Tasting is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite foodie event in Denver. How could one possibly argue with an entire afternoon dedicated to sampling an unparalleled selection of delectable bites, exceptional wines, and diverse spirits, all sourced from the finest establishments across Colorado and beyond? It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way, offering an expansive view of the region’s culinary prowess.

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer scale of the wine offerings: with over 700 different wines available for tasting, this event is a veritable paradise for oenophiles and aspiring connoisseurs alike. If you’re looking to expand your wine knowledge, or simply discover your next favorite bottle, this is unequivocally the place to do it. To enhance your experience, you can download the Denver Food + Wine app, a brilliant tool that allows you to track and remember every wine you taste and adore. The range of wines is impressive, spanning from accessible $12 bottles perfect for everyday enjoyment to premium selections exceeding $50+, ensuring there’s something to captivate every palate and budget.

Then, let’s talk about the fooooooood! Approximately 40 of Denver’s finest restaurants gather to present their best bites, ensuring an endless supply of tantalizing tastes to indulge in throughout the entire afternoon. From innovative appetizers to decadent desserts, each station offers a unique glimpse into the diverse and thriving Denver culinary scene. It’s an opportunity to discover new restaurants, revisit old favorites, and interact directly with the chefs who craft these amazing dishes.

You’ll encounter beautifully plated creations, like the exquisite bite from River & Woods a couple of years ago – a dish that was as much a work of art as it was a culinary delight. These are not just samples; they are miniature masterpieces designed to showcase the skill and creativity of Denver’s top chefs.

And for those with a sweet tooth, there are gloriously indulgent bites, such as the unforgettable donut from Habit Dispensary. Each bite is a testament to the diverse range of culinary experiences awaiting you, proving that gourmet doesn’t always mean savory.

No Grand Tasting is complete without a sensational display of spirits, and the Patron booth consistently delivers. Each year, it’s a show-stopping experience, offering all the Patron drinks a gal (or guy!) could ever desire. You simply won’t be able to miss this vibrant and engaging area once you step into the venue, often featuring creative cocktails and interactive elements.

From savory sliders and gourmet tacos to an incredible variety of other tempting bites, the culinary landscape at The Grand Tasting is designed for pure indulgence and discovery. Each station presents an opportunity to taste something new, or savor a perfectly executed classic.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they even had snow cones last year! This delightful addition perfectly showcased the festival’s commitment to surprise and delight its attendees with unexpected treats and a playful atmosphere. JUST SAYIN’.

Make sure to follow me over on Instagram so you can get an exclusive peek into the experience of a lifetime. If you’re planning to attend any of the incredible Denver Food + Wine Festival events, please let me know! I’d love to connect and share the excitement.

Why You Can’t Miss the Denver Food + Wine Festival

Simply put, if you possess a passion for all things food, fine wine, and expertly crafted cocktails, then the Denver Food + Wine Festival is an absolute must-attend. This isn’t just an event; it’s a vibrant celebration of Denver’s thriving culinary landscape, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore, taste, and connect with the best of the local food and drink scene. It’s where creativity meets flavor, and every dish tells a story.

It’s a chance to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of gourmet delight, discover new favorite restaurants, engage with talented chefs and mixologists, and expand your palate like never before. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this incredible festival. Get your tickets, gather your friends, and prepare for an unforgettable journey of taste!

What event are you most looking forward to attending at the Denver Food + Wine Festival? Or perhaps, what’s the most memorable dish or drink you’ve ever had at a food festival? Tell me in the comments below – I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!