Wining and Dining

Colorado now has 63 wineries. Yes, 63! That number alone was reason enough for the Front Range Winery Association to band together for a tasting. Throw in some food and live music and you've got yourself the first-ever Boulder Food and Wine Festival.

Today from noon to 5 p.m., $40 at the door gets you unlimited samples from 25 Colorado wineries, coupons to taste cuisine from twenty Boulder restaurants, cooking demonstrations from the Culinary School of the Rockies, pairing classes from the Colorado Wine Board and music from the Swingin' Seven Dance Orchestra and Ginja, Bill Kopper's band playing Brazilian bossa, samba and chorinho. At 2 p.m., local restaurant staff will compete in the waiter's race — defending their establishments' honor in a competition of skill, speed and entertainment value as they complete challenges such as running without spilling a glass of red wine on a tray.

Participating restaurants — including the Flagstaff House, the Kitchen and Q's Restaurant — have been encouraged to offer local fare. "Our intention, our plan, our hope is to be the first time that Colorado's produce, meat and wine will be offered all together on such a large scale," says Kuvy Ax, event promoter.

John Garlich of BookCliff Vineyards, a founding member of the Front Range Winery Association, says the response from wineries and restaurants has been so strong that the festival has had to expand its plans. "Frankly, it's more than we'd hoped for," he says.

The festival is located in Boulder's Central Park, Canyon Boulevard and Broadway Street. Advance tickets are $35 and buy you entrance plus a keepsake wine glass, buffet plate and Colorado wine canvas tote. To reserve your place or get more information, go to www.boulderwinefest.com. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Boulder Valley.
Sun., Aug. 12, 12-5 p.m.