After being postponed in 2020, the Aspen Food and Wine Classic brought together accomplished winemakers, chefs, and culinary influencers – all serving delectable food and drinks.
Aspen Food and Wine has become a staple in Aspen, Colorado for foodies, designers, and Aspen locals alike. Aspen Food and Wine offers a unique and educational experience where you can not only network, but also learn about the business of wine and food – and get to enjoy it!
This year, Laura joined Monogram, our presenting partner of the Mountain Lane Show House (MLSH), for the exclusive festival. The Food & Wine Classic sure does know how to put on a show, and 32 years in the making the event exceeded all of our expectations!
. Aspen Food and Wine – 32 Years in the Making .
In June 1983, founders Gary Plumley of the Grape and Grain in Aspen and Bob and Ruth Kevan of Chez Grand’mere in Snowmass Village came together to launch the Aspen/Snowmass International Wine Classic.
With Food & Wine Magazine becoming the title sponsor the following year, the name is changed to Aspen/Snowmass Food & Wine Classic and the program expands to include food exhibitors, cooking demonstrations, and wine seminars.
Over the years, celebrity and legendary chefs join the event like Julia Child, Jacques Pépin, and Patricia Wells. With more than 2,500 attendees in 1991, the event outgrew the facilities in Snowmass Village and relocated to Aspen for it’s tenth anniversary celebration. In addition, the name is changed once again to Aspen Food & Wine Classic.
The event’s popularity and line-up has continued to grow – adding live music and more than 80 seminars and demos where food and wine experts share their secrets and passion – Aspen Food & Wine is the premier culinary event in Colorado.
. Monogram™ Sponsors 2021 Aspen Food & Wine Classic .
Everything Monogram does is exquisite, and we always jump at the chance to partner with their amazing team. Known for impeccable craftsmanship and sophisticated design, Monogram offers luxury appliances and are always Laura’s choice for her family home.
As a multi-stage title sponsor, Monogram partnered with Chef Marcus Samuelsson to celebrate culinary innovation at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic.
Laura joined Monogram at the Grand Tasting Pavilion for their interactive experience that featured an art installation made of up of more than 17,000 wine corks by the talent artist, Scott James Gundersen.
Next up, Laura joined Monogram for the Rodney Scott cooking demonstration – Family Dinner: Home is Where the Perloo is. Rodney Scott prepared a delicious chicken perloo and sipped on Coors Light while engaging the crowd. If you are ever in Charleston, SC or Birmingham, AL, Rodney Scott’s BBQ is not to be missed.
. Monogram’s Pro Range & Wine Sommelier Steal the Show .
Chef Samuelsson delivered an unrivaled culinary experience with a range of Monogram’s signature products, including the 30″ Smart Flush Heart Oven 2.0, the 48″ Professional Range, and the newly launched Wine Sommelier.
For the first time, Laura saw the completely redesigned and reimagined 48″ Professional Range and the Sommelier, both being her selections for MLSH.
In addition, the smart five in one wall oven, smart integrated column refrigerator and freezer, the smart fully integrated dishwasher, and a custom brass hood will also be included at MLSH. All of Laura’s selections are from Monogram’s beautiful Statement Collection which has subtle brass accents and a timeless aesthetic, all while keeping our favorite kitchen features.
. Laura’s Favorite Moments from Aspen Food & Wine .
Seeing the Mountain Lane Show House Selections
“Seeing the MLSH selections in-person really got me excited for my new kitchen,” said Laura. “The best part of the design process is seeing your design come to life, and getting to experience the pro range and wine sommelier at Aspen Food and Wine was very special.”
The Wine, Of Course!
The wine at the festival was impeccable. Laura loved the Belle Glos tasting, an elegant company that is built on family legacy. Belle Glos showcases distinctive Pinot Noris from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions. Laura’s favorite is their Eulenloch Pinot Noir from Napa Valley.
The PRE & After Parties
To kick-off Aspen Food and Wine, Laura and Michael attended the chic Aspen Magazine party hosted at the Snowmass Collective. Outside with string lights and a Texas-favorite, El Tesoro Tequila – it was the perfect night to see friends and get excited for the weekend events.
To cap off a wonderful festival, Laura and Michael stopped by the Dalwhinne after-party at the W Hotel for a Gray Goose slightly dirty martini and then attended a Justin Wine Tasting at the Caribou Club, one of their favorite spots.
To learn more about designing luxury kitchens with Monogram, check out our Q&A with their team on the MLSH blog.