As an Instagram influencer with a serious love for food and travel, I always find myself chasing the next big experience. This summer, that experience was the legendary Aspen Food & Wine Festival. I’ve been hearing about this event for years—how it’s a heavenly combination of gourmet cuisine, world-class wine, and the most beautiful mountain scenery you could imagine. So, when I finally got the chance to attend, I knew I had to go all in.
I flew into Grand Junction because it was the easiest place to land before heading into Aspen, where all the magic happens. The ride from Aspen to Grand Junction took about two and a half hours, but the breathtaking views of the Colorado landscape made it totally worth it. I was ready for a weekend of indulgence, and by the time I arrived in Aspen, I knew this trip would be one for the books.
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The Arrival: From Grand Junction to Aspen in Style
Let’s be honest—if you’re going to do Aspen, you have to do it right. After landing in Grand Junction, I wanted to arrive in style, so I booked a private limo to take me from Aspen to Grand Junction. The drive was gorgeous, with scenic mountain views, rolling vineyards, and lush greenery lining the roads. The landscape was so stunning that I actually lost track of time on the drive. By the time I rolled into Aspen, I was buzzing with excitement for what the weekend had in store.
Day 1: A Gourmet Adventure Begins
The Aspen Food & Wine Festival is a foodie’s paradise. Picture this: rows of tents filled with some of the world’s best chefs serving up small plates of culinary perfection, paired with wines from renowned vineyards across the globe. My first day was spent navigating this wonderland of food and wine, and I made it my mission to try everything. From fresh oysters and decadent charcuterie boards to innovative takes on classic dishes, each bite was better than the last.
One of my favorite tastings that day was from Chef Stephanie Izard, the culinary genius behind Girl & the Goat. She served up an incredible dish of goat empanadas with a tangy chimichurri sauce, which I paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It was the kind of pairing that made my taste buds sing. I posted about it on my Instagram Stories immediately because it was just that good.
Of course, the wine kept flowing all day long. I’m not going to lie—by the end of the afternoon, I was definitely feeling the effects of sampling so many different wines. But that’s part of the charm of the Aspen Food & Wine Festival, right? You’re meant to indulge, let loose, and savor the experience. And that’s exactly what I did.
New Friends, New Adventures
One of the best things about the festival, aside from the food and wine, was the people I met along the way. Aspen attracts an incredible crowd, from fellow food enthusiasts and sommeliers to influencers like myself, all here to celebrate their love of great food and drink. It didn’t take long for me to make some new friends.
I connected with a group of fellow influencers who had flown in from New York, and we instantly clicked. We spent the next few hours hopping from tent to tent, sampling dishes and wines together, sharing notes on our favorites, and taking photos for the ‘Gram. Aspen has this way of making you feel like you’re part of an exclusive club, and by the end of the day, it felt like we were all old friends.
We capped off the evening at a private afterparty, hosted at one of Aspen’s chic rooftop venues. The night was filled with more wine (of course), champagne, and plenty of laughter. By the end of it, we were all a little more than tipsy, but that’s what happens when you’re sipping on world-class wine all day in the Aspen sunshine. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Day 2: Wining and Dining in Style
If you think Day 1 was indulgent, Day 2 took things to a whole new level. After a slow morning (I’ll admit, I was feeling the effects of all the wine from the night before), I headed back to the festival for more tastings. This time, I was determined to hit up some of the wine seminars and cooking demonstrations.
One of the highlights was a seminar on pairing wine with unexpected flavors, led by a master sommelier. It was fascinating to learn how different types of wine can elevate dishes you wouldn’t normally think of—like pairing a bold red with spicy street food or a sweet Riesling with a savory dish. After the seminar, I headed straight to the tents to test out my newfound wine pairing skills.
Later in the afternoon, I joined my new friends for a sit-down dinner at one of Aspen’s top restaurants, Element 47 at The Little Nell. Let me just say, this was a meal to remember. We indulged in a multi-course menu paired with wines from their extensive collection. The standout dish was a perfectly seared wagyu beef, served with a rich truffle jus. Each bite was heaven, and the wine—an earthy Pinot Noir from Oregon—was the perfect complement. By the end of the meal, I was in full food coma mode, but it was worth every calorie.
The Festival Vibe: Luxury Meets Laid-back Fun
What I loved most about the Aspen Food & Wine Festival was the atmosphere. Yes, it’s all about luxury, but it’s also laid-back and fun. People are there to enjoy themselves, and that creates an infectious energy. Everyone I met was friendly, open, and just as excited as I was to be there.
The setting in Aspen only adds to the magic. The festival takes place against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, and it feels like you’re in another world. Even when you’re tipsy from too much wine, the crisp mountain air and beautiful surroundings bring you back to life. Aspen has this incredible mix of natural beauty and sophistication that I’ve never experienced anywhere else.
Saying Goodbye to Aspen
After two days of indulgence, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences, it was time to head home. I’ll admit, I wasn’t ready to leave Aspen behind.
As I sat in the limo on my way from Aspen to Grand Junction, I couldn’t help but reflect on the amazing weekend I’d just had. The food, the wine, the people—it was all perfect. I left Aspen with a full heart (and maybe a bit of a wine hangover), grateful for the memories and new friends I’d made along the way.
Aspen Food & Wine Festival lived up to every bit of the hype, and I can’t wait to return next year for round two. If you’re a foodie or wine lover like me, this is one event you don’t want to miss. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of room on your phone for all the photos, because trust me—you’re going to want to capture every delicious moment.
barua 
Varsha