Herald Staff Report
Ouray’s Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Festival is celebrating its 10th consecutive year with a five-course wine dinner Dec. 7, followed by the festival itself Dec. 8.
This year’s festival will feature Swing City Express, a 10-person swing and jazz band, with live music from around the world to match this year’s theme: Around the World in 80 Days.
“I’m super excited about the 10-piece band, it will bring lots of energy,” says Faith Parry, the festival director, in a news release.
The festival organizers are expecting 20 vendors, specializing in regional wines, chocolates and artisanal cheeses.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in costumes from around the world to compete in the festival’s costume contest. The festival takes place at the Ouray Community Center from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 8. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Friday’s five-course dinner will be created by Lucas Wentzel, a Swiss chef trained in European-style fine dining, and paired with wines from Talon Wine Brands of Palisade. The dinner will take place at the Ouray Community Center at 5 p.m. on Dec. 7. Registration is required by Dec. 1 and tickets are $75 per person or $90 for both the wine dinner and festival.
Tickets are available online at coloradowinefest.org or at the Wildflower Boutique in downtown Ouray. Proceeds benefit the Ouray Women’s Club. For more information, call 325-4438 or email coloradowinefest@gmail.com.
