This was my first year at the Vail Wine Classic and it was an absolute blast. As expected, the wine was exceptional and getting to meet the people behind the wine made it all the more special. But maybe the best part was the Wine & Wildflower hike!
I’m going to be completely honest, after how much fun I had at the Best of Fest the night before I was a little hesitant to take part in a hike the next morning – especially when I learned it was Berry Picker Trail, not an easy hike – but I’m so glad I rallied. We all hiked at our own pace and then when we found a nice spot we stopped and popped some bubbly!
It was only then that I realized we were hiking with the people behind the wine, from Michael David Winery. They told the story behind the sparkling wine – which you couldn’t buy outside of their winery so it made it even more special. There’s something surreal about drinking delicious bubbles on the side of a mountain with a group of people you just met.
After the hike (which we cut a little short in order to make it back in time for lunch) we made our way back to the Grand Hyatt Vail where they had more glasses ready and waiting for us. No surprise the food was incredible and it’s always fun and educational to have the wine pairings to go with it. I also appreciate how informative yet brief the winemakers were, a quick update on what we’re drinking then we were all back to chatting. That was probably the best part of the whole experience: the people from all over the country coming together over a love of hiking & wine!
