At 7,908 feet above sea level, on a mountain meadow in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, the world's greatest chefs, winemakers, spirits producers, and culinary journalists gather for a weekend that has defined American food culture for over four decades. The Aspen Food & Wine Classic is not a trade show or a convention — it is the culinary world's most celebrated annual party, and it happens to be outstanding.
The 2026 Classic runs June 19–21 in Aspen, Colorado, coinciding with the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills and the final week of the Aspen summer social season. Register your interest below for LXV member access and weekend coordination.
The Classic
The centerpiece is the Grand Tasting Pavilion — a large tent in Wagner Park at the base of Aspen Mountain, open each afternoon of the weekend. 400+ wines poured by winemakers; cheeses, charcuterie, and artisan food producers; and the informal energy of 5,000 food and wine enthusiasts who have all earned their way here.
Surrounding the Grand Tasting are cooking demonstrations, seminars, and intimate dinners. Celebrity chefs — the list typically includes multiple James Beard Award winners and Michelin-starred restaurateurs — demonstrate techniques, lead tastings, and appear in an unusually accessible format for the industry's most recognized names.
Seminars & Tastings
Ticketed seminars run Friday morning through Sunday afternoon and represent the highest-value programming at the Classic. A typical weekend includes sessions on wine regions, spirits flights, winemaker panel discussions, chef-winemaker collaborations, and exclusive reserve tastings of wines not commercially available.
The best seminars sell out within hours of release. Advance planning — and, in some cases, early credential access — is essential for the most sought-after sessions.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Fri, Jun 19 — AM | Seminars & Tastings (ticketed, by session) |
| Fri, Jun 19 — PM | Grand Tasting Pavilion opens · Opening parties |
| Sat, Jun 20 — All Day | Full seminar programme · Grand Tasting Pavilion |
| Sat, Jun 20 — Evening | Chef dinners, winery events, private gatherings |
| Sun, Jun 21 — AM/PM | Final seminars · Grand Tasting Pavilion closes |
Timing note: The 2026 Classic (June 19–21) runs the same week as the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills (June 18–21). For members attending both, LXV can coordinate a New York → Aspen combination with private air — Teterboro to Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE) is a 4-hour flight.
Aspen in June
Aspen at Classic time is the best version of itself. The ski season has ended; the summer crowds have not yet arrived in full force. Wildflower season is approaching its peak in the Elk Mountains. The days are long (sunset near 8:30 PM), warm (low 70s), and clear. The hiking — the Maroon Bells, Cathedral Lake, American Lake — is at its absolute finest.
The town's restaurant scene rivals any mountain resort in the world: Matsuhisa, Element 47, The White House Tavern, and Cache Cache are among the anchor institutions. During Classic weekend, pop-up dinners, chef collaborations, and winery events fill every evening slot in town.
Golf in Aspen
The Aspen Golf Course (18-hole, city-owned, public) sits at 8,000 feet with views of the Elk Range — one of the most scenic rounds of golf in America. The Maroon Creek Club is a private Tom Fazio design, one of the finest high-altitude private courses in the country. LXV can pursue guest access for members interested in combining golf with the Classic weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Aspen Food & Wine Classic?
June 19–21, 2026. The Grand Tasting Pavilion opens Friday afternoon and runs through Sunday. Seminars begin Friday morning.
How do I get tickets?
Weekend passes and individual seminar tickets are available through Food & Wine magazine's website. Weekend Grand Tasting passes typically range from $400–$600 per person. Seminar tickets are sold separately. The most popular seminars sell out quickly after release.
Where should I stay in Aspen for the Classic?
The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and W Aspen are the top options closest to Wagner Park and the social activity. Book well in advance — the Classic weekend fills Aspen completely. LXV can assist with accommodations through preferred partner relationships.
Is Aspen accessible by private jet?
Yes — Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is a short-runway field accommodating mid-size jets (Citation XLS, Learjet 60, etc.) but not large-cabin aircraft in all weather. Eagle County (EGE), 70 miles east, accepts all aircraft. LXV can assist with charter coordination into either airport.
