Real Good Denver Podcast with Denise from Denver Food and Wine Festival
Location: Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus
Dates: September 3–6
Format: Week of tastings and competitions culminating in the Grand Tasting
How Denver Food and Wine Festival funds the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and why that matters for local workers
The full schedule for festival week including the Riedel glass seminar, Shake and Break Showdown, and the Grand Tasting
VIP benefits including lounge access, dedicated restrooms, exclusive restaurants, and tasting seminars
How ProStart gives 2,300 Colorado high school students real event experience
Who should attend and important policy notes including 21 plus entry
Denver locals who love restaurants, chefs, wine, and craft cocktails
Food and drink fans planning a downtown weekend
Supporters of the hospitality community who want to invest in scholarships, mental health resources, and emergency grants for workers
VIP seekers who want elevated access and seminars
Wednesday Sept 3, 6 pm
Riedel wine glass seminar with guided tasting and a take-home glassware set. Learn how glass shape changes aroma and flavor.
Thursday Sept 4, 7 pm
Shake and Break Showdown. Eight food trucks and twelve bartenders. Taste and vote for your favorites. Music and games on the Tivoli Quad.
Saturday Sept 6, noon–4 pm
Grand Tasting. Approximately 2,500 attendees. About 50 restaurants. Hundreds of pours. Photo activations, music, games, and swag.
Note: 21 plus only. No exceptions including infants in carriers.
VIP lounge presented with 5280 Magazine
Dedicated restrooms
Four VIP-only tasting seminars
Access to an additional set of restaurants exclusive to VIP
Denver Food and Wine is the signature annual fundraiser for the Colorado Restaurant Foundation supporting scholarships, training, apprenticeships, emergency assistance, and mental health resources
ProStart students work alongside chefs and teams during the festival which builds the future talent pipeline
Expect top Denver restaurants plus statewide representation from Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen
Full service dining remains challenged which makes community support and attendance more important
Tickets and details: https://denverfoodandwine.com
Colorado Restaurant Foundation: search for Colorado Restaurant Foundation
Colorado Restaurant Association and Hospi Awards information: search for Colorado Restaurant Association
5280 Magazine: https://www.5280.com
Real Good Denver newsletter and podcast: https://realgooddenver.com
