The weekend kicks off on Friday evening at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel with the Estate Wine Tasting. This exclusive event features estate and reserve selections from the world’s leading winemakers, paired with a selection of appetizers from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Killington Grand Resort Hotel’s Ovations Restaurant. Estate Tasting is $50 per person and reservations are recommended.
Also on Friday evening, the Crush Wine Bar unfolds poolside at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music as the sun slowly sets behind the ski slopes of Killington Resort. Enjoy free admission and meet the vintners behind some of the weekend’s wines and enjoy an extensive cash wine bar.
In addition to the Estate Wine Tasting, and the Crush Wine Bar at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel, other events on Friday evening include a “Wine and Wings Welcome Party” at Casey’s Caboose starting at 3:00 p.m., and a wine tasting dinner at Hemingway’s.
The highlight of the weekend takes place on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. with the Green Mountains and Killington Resort as a backdrop. Sample wines from across the globe at two venues at Killington Resort, including the Grand Tasting atop Killington Peak (4,241 feet elevation), the second-highest summit in Vermont. Start at the K-1 Gondola base where the Killington Wine Festival tent welcomes wine tasters to begin their sampling adventure. Then ride the K-1 Gondola to the top of Killington and sample more fine wines from around the world. Tickets are available for $50 per person, with advance ticket purchase recommended.
Saturday evening features wine tasting dinners at both the Birch Ridge Inn and the Vermont Inn. Reservations are recommended. Saturday evening closes out with an after party at the Outback/Tabu Night Club. The “Swing from the Vine” dance party begins at 9:00 p.m.
Before leaving Killington on Sunday, enjoy a brunch complemented with samples of sparkling wines from across the globe. The “Bubbly Brunch” at the Birch Ridge Inn in Killington features Chef Stephen “Frizzie” Byrne’s legendary brunch menu paired with additions from the award winning Birch Ridge Inn restaurant menu.
The Eighth Annual Killington Wine Festival weekend closes out with a special golf outing at Green Mountain National Golf Course in Killington. Specially selected "Golf Friendly" wines combine with nine holes of golf with friends (scramble format, cart included), a buffet dinner and awards.
Over the last seven years, the Killington Wine Festival has become a signature summer event for the Killington region. Every year the wine festival continues to grow, using the Green Mountains of Vermont and Killington Peak as a scenic backdrop. The 2008 edition displayed 300 wines represented by 33 wineries/suppliers.
Additional information about the eighth annual Killington Wine Festival can be found at www.killingtonchamber.com, or by contacting the Killington Chamber of Commerce at (802) 773-4181.
