Top chefs and vintners are preparing to gather in the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the 27th Annual Taste of Vail, April 5–9. This year’s event will welcome more than 30 guest chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers and 55-plus global wineries. The yearly event is recognized as one of the premier food and wine festivals nationwide, with plenty of opportunities for attendees to mingle with chefs and vintners. Among the signature events are The Debut of 2016 Rosé (April 5), held in the Arrabelle Ballroom at Lionshead Village, with the first of the 2016 releases from all around the Northern Hemisphere available for sampling.

The annual American Lamb Cook-Off & Après Ski Tasting (April 6) will find local chefs competing for prizes in a cook off presenting their best lamb dishes, served up with varietals from guest vintners. The Mountain Top Tasting on Vail Mountain (April 7) is a chance to dine 10,350 feet above sea level in a handcrafted snow arena overlooking the peaked landscape. Vail’s own top chefs will offer small places of their signature dishes, alongside selections from leading winemakers. Ticketholders are able to ski to the dinner, or board the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead for a scenic ride en route. The festival culminates April 8, with the Grand Tasting & Silent Auction at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort, with a menu created by Vail chefs and wine selections from around the country.