Estes Park, Colorado, is among the leading vacation destinations in the state. The city not only serves as the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, but it's packed full of impressive lodging, fun activities, and unforgettable natural scenery.
This city has something for everyone, from the seemingly endless list of outdoor activities, to the local wineries and breweries that are making a name for themselves across the world. If you're an outdoor enthusiast this city is your summer paradise. The landscape is breathtaking, the vibrant green landscape only gives way to the city and mountain peaks. As you head out into the wilderness, you’ll run into a variety of great activities. Wildlife viewing and photography here are unmatched due to the various backdrops and diverse selection of wildlife.
Estes Park and the surrounding communities lay claim to craft breweries and Snowy Peak Winery. These locations are perfect for tastings, tours or purchasing a bottle. The city is a hub for great community events and festivals. A great festival that ties this unique community to the great local wineries is the Estes Park Wine Festival.
Estes Park Wine Festival has established itself among the top wine events in the state in only its second year. The event is 21+ and will feature over 20 different wineries that can only be found in Colorado. The unique setup of the event allows you to sample the different vintages while also purchasing the wines by the glass or even by the bottle. In addition to the wine, you’ll encounter vendors selling unique items, great food options and live music. The event will be taking place at Bond Park, a venue known for is lush surroundings and beautiful views of the mountains. Take your next Colorado adventure to a new level of fun and visit the Estes Park Wine Festival! We got the chance to interview Tim Bowers, a representative for the festival, to talk about this event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
TB: This will be the 2nd year of the Estes Park Wine Festival. We originally began with the Front Range Wine Festival in Windsor, Colorado, which will celebrate its 5th Anniversary in 2016. With very positive experiences at the Front Range Wine Festival, participating wineries encouraged us to organize other festivals. After researching and evaluating locations, feasibility, demographics and more, the Estes Park Wine Festival was established in 2015.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
TB: Last year, we had between 1,000 and 1,500 people per day at the festival. This year, we’ve already seen an increase in pre-event ticket sales and an increase in response to marketing efforts, so we expect to see a rise in attendance as well.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
TB: Since it is a wine festival, the event is for those 21 years of age and older. We see a variety of folks. Many use the festival as an opportunity to get away for the weekend with their friends and/or loved ones. Some are arriving to their first wine festival and wine tasting experience, while others are well versed.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
TB: All wine, cider and mead at the Estes Park Wine Festival is produced right here in Colorado. It comes as a surprise to many that Colorado has such a robust wine industry. Our state has over 100 wineries. Many times, the winemakers themselves are pouring samples at the festival, giving guests a unique opportunity to engage at a very “local” level. Our liquor license also allows guests to purchase wine by the glass, or bottle.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
TB: The festival runs 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at Bond Park in downtown Estes Park. There is one entry to the festival, located on the south side of the park, off of Elkhorn Avenue. Guests will need to show their ID to receive a wristband prior to entering the festival. Depending upon the time of day, there may be a wait to get through the gate. Once inside, patrons will be greeted by our volunteers and given their very own glass and wine tote.
The wineries are spread throughout the site. Guests may determine which booths they'd like to visit. There may be small wait as others sample their wine. As a courtesy, we ask guests to step aside once their sample has been poured. Intermingled with the wineries are retail vendors. A handful of food vendors will also be onsite. While we encourage purchasing from our food vendors, we also allow patrons to bring their own food. This is particularly useful for those with allergies or sensitivities. Re-entry to the festival is not allowed. We recommend our patrons to plan accordingly!
The entertainment stage will host three musical acts each day. Musicians are handpicked by festival organizers in an effort to showcase some of the local talent. Patrons are welcome to bring their chairs, or find a spot on the grass, to take a break and enjoy the music. Our musicians love playing at this festival because of the gorgeous view from the stage!
Sat Aug 13
11:00 am - 12:30 pm - Denny Driscoll
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm - Dahlby & Nadine
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Nick Critchlow & Friends
Sun Aug 14
11:00 am - 12:30 pm -David Henning w/ Jon Portillo
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm -Joel Kachel
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Ran Off The Rooster
RAL: What will attendees find for local lodging options?
TB: Estes Park offers a large selection of lodging options. We encourage guests to inquire with local lodging about special rates for the Estes Park Wine Festival.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
TB: In only its second year, the festival is finding its place in the community. We encourage festival guests to stay for the weekend and enjoy what Estes Park has to offer. In 2015, the Estes Park Wine Festival partnered with the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park to bring awareness to their organization, while also engaging their members with the festival through volunteer opportunities. The Estes Park Wine Festival donated $1000.00 to the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park. In 2016, we will be partnering with the Estes Park Lions Club.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
TB: The Estes Park Wine Festival is a great destination event, at a reasonable price. Tickets prior to the event are $30 online at TicketsWest or any King Soopers location. Tickets purchased on event day will be $40/ticket. With 25(ish) wineries, it offers an intimate atmosphere, with access to some of the same great Colorado wine, cider and mead that you’ll find at bigger festivals. The Rocky Mountains offer a different experience than that of other Colorado wine destinations. As a two day event, it also leaves our guests the flexibility to enjoy both the festival and exploring Estes Park.
For more information about the Estes Park Wine Festival, please visit website.