The 35th Annual Colorado Mountain Winefest, taking place Sept. 19 at Riverbend Park in Palisade, has been reimagined as an elevated Food & Wine experience that’s designed for true wine enthusiasts.

In a July 29 news release, event organizers said this year’s event marks the most significant evolution in Winefest’s 35-year history. Attendance has been intentionally reduced to just 1,400 guests, allowing for a more spacious and unhurried experience, shorter lines, more personal interactions with winemakers, additional seating and a relaxed atmosphere designed for savoring every pour and every bite.

“After 35 years, we challenged ourselves to create an experience that truly reflects where Colorado wine is today,” said Cassidee Shull, executive director of the Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology. “Guests will discover an event that’s more curated, more immersive and more focused on celebrating the incredible quality of Colorado wines alongside outstanding local food.”

Unlike previous years, food is now included with every ticket, the news release said. Throughout the festival, guests will enjoy unlimited culinary offerings from the CMU Tech Culinary Department, each thoughtfully designed to complement Colorado wines and encourage exploration of unique pairings.

Additional enhancements include:

• Unlimited culinary tastings included with every admission.
• A curated selection of Colorado wineries, showcasing award-winning wines from across the state.
• More shaded seating, gathering spaces and opportunities to connect directly with winery owners and winemakers.
• On-site priority parking and complimentary shuttles throughout Palisade.
• A completely digital event guide through the Drink Colorado Wine mobile app, providing winery information, tasting notes, event maps, schedules and more while reducing paper waste.

Wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to taste wines from many of Colorado’s premier wineries, including producers from the Grand Valley, West Elks, Four Corners and other wine-growing regions across the state. From crisp whites and vibrant rosés to elegant reds and innovative blends, Winefest offers one of the largest showcases of Colorado-grown wines anywhere in the country.

Participating wineries may be viewed at ColoradoWinefest.com.

This year, guests may also enjoy tastings of Colorado Cru wines at the festival. Colorado Cru was launched earlier this year and is a winemaker-led collection of 100 percent Colorado-grown blends, highlighting the distinctive character of Colorado’s viticultural landscape and signature winemaking style. Colorado Cru aims to elevate recognition of Colorado wine, strengthen the region’s wine identity and foster local pride in the state’s rich viticultural heritage.

To learn more about Colorado Cru, visit WineColorado.org/colorado-cru.

More than just a wine festival, Colorado Mountain Winefest provides live entertainment, interactive experiences, educational opportunities and artisan vendors.

Tickets are available now at ColoradoWinefest.com.