Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

For 26 years and counting, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen has been the premier culinary and wine event of its kind.

Last weekend, 5,000 consumers, members of the restaurant industry, retailers and press convened in Aspen for cooking demon-s­trations, food samplings, wine tastings and more. In addition to the established superstars of the culinary industry who annually attend — including Bobby Flay and Jacques Pépin — were rising stars from the world of wine.

Rosé connoisseur Mark Oldman led several seminars on his preferred varietal, edu­cating and entertaining his audiences in tandem with a sharp wit and congenial per­sonality. Describing the delicate process of creating rosé, Oldman likened it to a flower and suggested drinkers approach each blend with some sensitivity.

The weekend weather was ideal, with blue skies and warm temps. As flowers soaked up the sun in town, the Skico’s snowcat crew groomed sections of the upper mountain for skiing. “Even Rocco got a few runs in today,” said Skico spokesman Jeff Hanle of the celebri­ty chef’s Saturday activity of choice.

To be continued … check back next week for more coverage from the Classic.

To send May info, insight or invites, e-mail allthewaymaymay@hotmail.com