Rooted in the idea of esteemed collaborations, Steamboat Food & Wine Festival is touted as one of the most esteemed festivals in all of Colorado—pairing admired chefs with renowned winemakers. Guests from all over the country come to Steamboat Springs to experience the occasion that emerges from the unique culinary fusion. As a result, the authentic, small-town character of Steamboat Springs creates a sought-after mountain setting where guests can also book and partake in curated Colorado experiences.
Meet the Experts
Steamboat Food & Wine Festival encourages everyone to build a connection to each ingredient’s story—from field to fork and vine to glass. Join 28 celebrity chefs, mixologists and food specialists to discover first-hand how the origins of food and wine unearth the most luxurious of flavors. Stemming from different backgrounds, tastes and experiences, the collaboration of these specialists brings new flavors to the table with every plate.
Chefs
Alex Seidel
Chef and Owner of Fruition Restaurant, Fruition Farms Creamery, Mercantile Dining & Provision, Füdmill and Chook in Denver
Alex Seidel is the owner of five establishments in the Denver area including Fruition Restaurant and Mercantile Dining & Provision. Seidel proudly farms his own fruits and vegetables that are incorporated into his restaurants. This culinary legend began his restaurant journey at the age of 14 as a dishwasher, and then after completing culinary school, he added sous-chef to his resume in his early twenties. And the rest is history.
Dana Rodriguez
Co-owner of Work & Class, Super Mega Bien and Cantina Loca in Denver
Dana Rodriguez was taught how to cook by her mother in Chihuahua, Mexico where she was born before making her way to Colorado. Rodriguez began working at the Italian restaurant Panzano and soon became the sous chef at Rioja. Rodriguez is now co-owner of Doña Loca, a small-batch tequila and mezcal brand, as well as of three restaurants including Work & Class, Cantina Loca and Super Mega Bien, all in addition to her upcoming new role as executive chef at the revitalized Casa Bonita.
Hosea Rosenberg
Owner of Blackbelly in Boulder
Hosea Rosenberg discovered his love for cooking after switching from his engineering career to learn under some of the best chefs in the food industry: Wolfgang Puck, Kevin Taylor and more. In 2011, Rosenberg opened Blackbelly in Boulder transitioning from food truck to farm to a restaurant and continues to use ethically sourced ingredients.
Paul C. Reilly
Executive Chef and Co-owner Beast + Bottle, Coperta and Pizzeria Coperta in Denver
Paul C. Reilly began his culinary journey at the French Culinary Institute of New York and then paved his way to Maine for Browne Trading Company, a seafood market. Reilly brings cultural food from Rome and Southern Italy to Denver through Coperta and Pizzeria Coperata. Reilly is also recognized for curating dishes with fresh and local ingredients.
Mixologists
Jon Schlegel
Founder of Snooze an A.M. Eatery and Attimo Wine
After learning the intricacies of wine in Italy, Jon Schlegel returned to Denver and opened a winery and tasting room. Schlegel produces a wide array of wines made from grapes sourced from Northern Italy. Hospitality is his passion. Schlegel is also the founder of Snooze A.M. Eatery.
Specialists
Kelly Kawachi
Head Butcher at Blackbelly in Boulder
Kelly Kawatchi oversees the whole animal butchery and charcuterie program for Chef-owner Hosea Rosenberg at Blackbelly in Boulder, CO. As head butcher, she Educates customers about the value of buying goods from local meat merchants who source responsibly-raised livestock.
A native Hawaiian, Kelly spent her early years working her way up in the fast-paced kitchen at Alan Wong’s Honolulu, eventually becoming sous chef. Seeking ways to grow her experience led her to Colorado where she attended university in Grand Junction.
Laura Posiak
Owner of Laura the Butcher in Steamboat
Laura Posiak’s passion for culinary diversity has led her from New England to Europe working alongside other famous butchers. Posiak discovered her passion in 2010 when she worked in a village outside of Parma, Italy. Once returning from her international travels, she opened her own butcher shop.
See the full list of chefs, mixologists and specialists on the Festival’s talent page.
Calendar of Events
The esteemed festival offers 25 special events where guests can eat, drink and socialize with other like-minded foodies. From learning to sharpen your palette to a relaxing experience that guides you to self-reflection, there’s an activity for just about everyone. Here’s a snippet of what to expect.
Thursday, September 29
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Guided Fly Fishing Experience on Private Waters
The private fishery at Marabou Ranch consists of over two miles on the famous Elk River and ten still-water fisheries. Experience a single barrel whiskey flight tasting with Maker’s Mark Brand Diplomat, Ian Hosack, while gearing up at the Marabou owners lodge with your guides.
7:00 p.m. Bubbles, Bourbon & Burgers at Truffle Pig
This will not be a regular bun and beef burger. Truffle Pig Chef Schulyer Houfek will be preparing three different mouth-watering sliders accompanied by private label Makers Mark and champagne.
Friday, September 30
2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Tortillas, Tequila and Tinto
Join Dana Rodriguez as you taste all the flavors of Mexico from tortillas to red wine from the emerging wine region of the Valle Guadalupe (Baja Mexico) and Dana’s very own tequila, brand Doña Loca.
5:30 p.m. Chef Collaboration Dinner at Marabou Ranch
Chef Paul Reilly and Chef William Dissen are known for their passion for food with integrity, locally sourced and healthy ingredients—you can be sure to leave this dinner feeling nourished in body and soul.
6:00 p.m. Baja Dinner at Alpine Mountain Ranch Club
Join Chefs Alex Seidel, Alberto Collarte Pindar, Poncho Candena and Arutro Rivero who will prepare a fire-centric meal for guests. This won’t be your usual sit-down wine dinner either as singer-songwriter Arum Rae performs her new releases that were co-written and produced by Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers.
Saturday, October 1
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Perception Lunch
How does what you’re thinking affect what you’re tasting? Scents may trigger memories and emotions and impact the perception of what you’re drinking. Learn how to create an effective memory and train your brain to recognize what is in the glass and what is on the plate.
2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Grand Tasting and Demonstrating Tent Torian Plum at the base of the Mountain
In a spectacular mountainside setting, enjoy delectable dishes courtesy of 20 well-known chefs, over 70 wines and spirits. This is a great opportunity to talk with and taste food from the chefs who are participating in these collaborative dinners.
Sunday, October 2
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Vinyl Brunch on Yampa Street
The best way to recap a memorable weekend and share stories from the night before is with brunch. Enjoy Mimosas, Bloody Marys and other Sunday libations as well BBQ from Top Chef’s season 15 Bruce Kalman, Green Chili from Carl’s, Whiskey French Toast from Chef JC at Snowbowl and more.
See the full lineup and purchase tickets on the Festivals schedule page.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of places to stay and play in Steamboat Springs that are offering great rates throughout the festival. From upscale, luxury to cozy options, there is something for everyone’s tastes. Check out their special discounts for Steamboat Wine & Food Festival attendees.
Elevated Properties
Enjoy premier accommodations at Bear Claw Condominiums and Edgemont Condominiums, managed by Elevated Properties. With a unique location on the mountain, these properties are sure to exceed your expectations, whether you’re looking for a comfortable home-away-from-home vibe or luxurious lifestyle residence. Now offering 10% to 25% off lodging for Wine & Food Festival attendees. Elevated Properties will also be running a shuttle service for your event weekend needs. Please use the link to book online.
Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs
The Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs offers 117 newly renovated guestrooms and suites. Many with patios, balconies and beautiful views of Mount Werner. Indulge in a delicious meal at its restaurant Rex’s American Grill & Bar, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service with an incredible patio, outdoor bar and live entertainment in the Summertime. Relax in its year-round heated indoor pool and hot tub or get some sun by the seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub. Enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center and free WIFI. All guestrooms provide a refrigerator, microwave and Keurig coffee maker. Book here.
Moving Mountains
Our hand-picked collection of homes and residences represents the very best of Steamboat. They are ideal for families and groups seeking privacy, five-star amenities and all the comforts of home: luxurious high thread-count linens, robes, Egyptian cotton towels and complimentary toiletries to pamper you, flat-panel TVs, surround sound audio, video game systems and board games and puzzles to entertain you. Use this link to book your stay today.
Nomadness Rentals
When you book your stay with Nomadness rentals for The Steamboat Food & Wine Festival, you’ll receive 20% off your reservation. Bring a couple of bottles back to your luxurious getaway and keep the party going! Nomadness Rentals offers luxury accommodations, access to more local activities and the finest in vacation living while you’re in Steamboat Springs. Make your stay at the Steamboat Food & Wine Festival the one you’ll be toasting with friends all weekend long. Book online now.
Vacasa Rentals
Choose from 546 great Steamboat Springs Vacation Rentals & Cabins with Vacasa. Their vacation homes are listed so you can easily find exactly what you’re looking for and know exactly what you’ll get (people only like welcome surprises). You can look forward to the moment you step through the front door. Book through Vacasa to receive a 15% off the published full price rate as a Steamboat Food and Wine Festival 2022 participant.
The Fairfield Inn
The Fairfield Inn & Suites is a Marriott property in Steamboat Springs, strategically located close enough to the mountain, restaurants and grocery shopping centers (within a five to seven minute-drive). They are within an accessible distance from all the city’s action, but far away enough to get a well-deserved, quiet rest for the next day’s adventures. The experience is warm from the beginning–from the genuine welcome and stone fireplace ablaze in the lobby, to the spacious rooms, spa & fireplace suites; all at a surprisingly low price for Steamboat Springs that you can book today.
The Residence Inn
The new Steamboat Residence Inn is delighted to welcome the Steamboat Food & Wine guests. All rooms are full suites with full kitchens, have a seating area with a double sleeper sofa, a workstation, a king bed and free WIFI. Breakfast is complimentary, there is a full-service bar and dinner-only restaurant, a grab-and-go market, pre-arrival grocery delivery service, pet-friendly accommodations, a fitness center, pool and hot tub, outdoor BBQ and fire pit. Reserve your suite today.
