For 34 years, the Wine Festival of Colorado Springs has been expanding the city’s wine knowledge and pouring into the community. The annual festival is back this year on March 4-7. As always, the four-day celebration features a lineup of tastings, paired meals, educational seminars, a gourmet winemaker dinner, live auction and the popular Grand Tasting. Its proceeds benefit the Colorado Springs Conservatory and its arts education programs throughout the Pikes Peak region.
“This festival has always been about more than wine,” says Ashley Greeno, development director of the Colorado Springs Conservatory. “It’s about creating experiences that bring people together while directly supporting access to high-quality arts education for students of all ages. Each ticket purchased helps sustain that mission in a very real way.”
The Wines of South America
This year’s theme is The Wines of South America, highlighting the region throughout the guided tastings and winemaker-led experiences. Expect those to be both educational and approachable for a wide range of attendees.
You’re likely to encounter Argentina’s world-renowned Malbecs, as well as Chile’s full-bodied signature cabernet sauvignons and Carménères. But don’t be surprised to find some up-and-comers from Patagonia and Uruguay, as well as Peru’s popular wine-based spirit, pisco.
Signature events include the Wonderful Wines of South America guided tasting and the Grand Tasting on Friday, March 6, both held at The Broadmoor, as well as the Wine & Cheese pairing seminar on Saturday morning. Additional experiences include a Wine Seminar: Sip & Learn, a limited-capacity Vintner Dinner hosted at the Conservatory and a Winemaker Luncheon.
The Grand Tasting is the festival’s crown jewel. It’s an evening of wine exploration and celebration where guests can swirl, sip and savor more than 300 wines from around the world. Plus there are plenty of local beers, spirits and foods to sample. The pulsing dance floor adds energy to the unforgettable evening.
The Colorado Springs Conservatory is a multidisciplinary performing arts school offering music, theater and recording arts education for students of all ages. Some of the Conservatory’s instructors and mentors have performed on the biggest national stages. Some alumni have gone on likewise to perform at a national level. Regardless of where they end up, the Conservatory aims to provide a comprehensive arts education that builds skill, confidence and creativity. It helps students develop their skills and find their voice.
“The visiting winemakers are absolutely blown away when they first visit the Conservatory and hear the students perform,” says Jim Little, co-founder of the wine festival and co-owner of Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer and Spirits. “They instantly know their time and donations are going to a worthy cause.”
It’s definitely a good time for a good cause for everyone.
Tickets and full event details are available at winefestivalofcoloradosprings.com.
Explore More Wine
Want to discover Colorado wineries close to home? Find them in Touring Colorado Wineries Near the Springs.
