Epicurean Passport Weekend returns for sixth year in Aspen

Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection, will host its sixth annual Epicurean Passport Weekend between June 18-21. 

Hotel Jerome, founded in 1889, will host a weekend-long program open to locals and visitors featuring outstanding culinary events and tastings. It showcases multi-course dinners by award-winning chefs, including the upcoming winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef” season 23.  Renowned vintners and mixologists will also host intimate lounges. 

“We are pleased to welcome back Epicurean Passport, a beloved tradition at our historic property, inviting guests to experience a dynamic weekend shaped by leading culinary talent and innovators in food and beverage,” General Manager Stephane Lacroix said. “The weekend blends the key elements that define Hotel Jerome: world-class culinary offerings, distinctive design, bespoke partnerships and a passionate community. We’re proud to highlight Aspen as a leading epicurean destination during one of its defining culinary weekends, with Epicurean Passport at the center of it all.”

Partners include Waterford, Laurent-Perrier, Petrossian, Casa Dragones and Death & Co. Events are open to guests and locals. Additionally, 10% of the weekend ticket sales will benefit the Aspen Institute, a partner and global nonprofit founded in 1949. Founded in Aspen, the institute has served the community for more than 75 years. It uses “dialogue, leadership, and action” to address major social challenges, according to a release. The partnership reflects Aspen’s culture of ideas, community and shared experiences.

Renowned event design and production firm Rafanelli Events will return for its fourth year as a creative partner. The firm will lead the design and guest experience, transforming areas of the property for each event.

“Hotel Jerome is a property that already tells a story the moment you walk through the door, and Epicurean Passport Weekend is our opportunity to deepen that narrative through design. Now in our fourth year as creative partners, we approach each space not as a backdrop but as a character in the experience itself. Every detail, from opening night to the intimate dinner settings within Prospect, is an intentional expression of the spirit of Aspen and the legacy of this remarkable property. We are proud to help bring this weekend to life in a way that feels both singular and true to the Hotel Jerome tradition,” Founder of Rafanelli Events Bryan Rafanelli said.

The Epicurean Passport weekend begins Thursday, June 18, in Hotel Jerome’s courtyard. The hotel will host a vibrant open-air farmer’s market, reimagined into a chef’s market-style tasting experience. Attendees can sample bites from three Auberge Collection chefs: Anthony Stagnaro, Bear at Stanly Ranch in Napa; Cornelis Suhr, White Barn Inn in Maine; and Michael DeCicco of Linnette’s at The Dunlin in South Carolina.

The evening features live music by Feeding Giants. Partners on site include Kemo Sabe & GRIT Tequila, Aero, Laurent-Perrier, Shafer Vineyards, Woody Creek Distillers, Clos du Val, WaterOuai, Deja Nu and The Farm Collaborative.

The festivities continue Friday, June 19. Felix Roasting Co. will lead a tasting and master class. It features a guided filter-coffee flight of rare specialty selections, paired with pastries from the Hotel Jerome culinary team.

In the afternoon, a tasting will mark 50 years since the Judgment of Paris, which reshaped the perception of California wine after a landmark tasting. To honor the milestone, wineries will pour library vintages and current releases to show how the wines have evolved.

Wine partners include Freemark Abbey, Chateau Montelena, Domaine Leflaive, Clos du Val, Heitz Cellars, Mayacamas and Ridge Vineyards.

Friday and Saturday evenings will feature two after-hours events. Felix After Hours will transform Felix Roasting Co. with a DJ, Belvedere cocktails and express martinis from 6 to 9 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, with no ticket necessary. Death & Co. will cover Bad Harriet for a two-night residency — serving cocktails featuring LALO Tequila from 8 p.m. until late.

Night of SHE will highlight women in the culinary field. Four chefs will lead the dinner: Daisy Ryan of Bell’s in Los Angeles (a James Beard finalist); Melissa Perello of Frances and Octavia; Suzanne Tracht of Jar; and Sofia Cortina, Latin America’s Best Pastry Chef in 2020. They will serve a multi-course menu with dishes from each chef. 

Wines from women-led producers include Laurent-Perrier, Flowers Vineyards & Winery, Quintessa, Faust Wines, The Macklowe and Casa Dragones Tequila. Wines will be served in Waterford crystal. The dinner at Prospect at Hotel Jerome aims to blend “storytelling, innovation and connection.”

The Tasting Library continues Saturday, June 20, with tastings of wine, spirits and culinary craft.

Estate Director at Flowers Vineyards & Winery Jen Beloz will lead a tasting of Sonoma Coast chardonnay and pinot noir. Petrossian and Laurent-Perrier will host a caviar-and-champagne master class featuring Grand Siècle cuvées. Domaine Faiveley and Hudson Valley Farms will lead a tasting on the connection between vineyard and farm. Casa Dragones and Manolo Vega will host a pairing at Bad Harriet featuring sipping tequila and cigars.

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Saturday evening features The Winner’s Table — a one-night-only dinner with the season 23 winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” The single-seating event at Prospect will serve a menu of the chef’s winning dishes from the season, utilizing Waterford crystal. Guests will be able to engage with the chef in a personal setting.

On Sunday, June 21, the weekend closes with a garden-side Recovery Brunch in Hotel Jerome’s courtyard with views of Aspen Mountain. The brunch caters to an equal part of indulgence and breezy effortlessness, offering PopUp Bagels and Petrossian caviar to design a unique take on the classic bagel-and-schmear.

Partners include Waterford, Grounded Wine Co., Poggio Costa Prosecco, LALO Tequila and Tito’s Vodka.

In addition to singular culinary moments, Epicurean Passport Weekend offers a series of immersive weekend-long experiences across Hotel Jerome. The Tasting Library, a pairing program in the Wheeler Room, is presented with Waterford, to a line-up of thoughtfully prepared activations run throughout the property.

On Friday and Saturday afternoons, “Sky Terrace Caviar, Champagne & Cocktails” experience features the world’s finest caviar service, carefully crafted cocktails by Casa Dragones tequila and champagne pours on the hotel’s fourth-floor terrace set against the stunning backdrop of Aspen Mountain. 

Epicurean Passport weekend is designed to bring to life every corner of the property, according to a release.

For more information and check availability, visit auberge.com/hoteljerome/experiences/epicurean-passport-weekend. This passport is only valid for Hotel Jerome programming and is not affiliated with the 2026 Aspen Food & Wine Classic. Hotel Jerome will also offer select a la carte programming with event tickets available online. 

For limited tickets and a full breakdown of events, visit auberge.com/hotel-jerome.