Q. Can children or pets attend the festival?
A. Being a wine-related event, please leave children and pets behind. We know it is hard. We have kids and pets as well. But, our attendees are looking to escape reality for a few hours and having no kids helps! This is an adult event. IDs will be used to verify age and all adults will be clearly marked as attendees and drinkers.
Q. How many wines will there be?
A. We will have over 800 wines at the Toast of Steamboat Grand Tasting.
Q. Can I purchase wine at the festival?
A. Colorado law prohibits the sale of wine at the festival. However, please visit Central Park Liquors. They are the Official Wine Headquarters of the festival and have the wines on sale that weekend.
Q. Will there be food?
A. The Toast of Steamboat Grand Tasting will have food from 10-12 restaurants. It is enough to compliment your wine drinking and provide you a good taste of Steamboat. The idea is to leave you wanting more so you will visit one of these fine restaurants that weekend. Ample food will be provided at the Wine on the Mountain Kickoff Celebration. The Stroll of Steamboat will feature bite size samplings so that you can get a great idea of where you want to eat that night.
Q. What is the Viking Outdoor Kitchen?
A. The Kitchen features local, regional and national chefs in cooking demonstrations and/or competitions. It is a great way to learn (steal) your next idea to impress in your home kitchen!
Q. I'm from out of town. Where should I stay?
A. The Steamboat Grand is a great choice since most activities are located there or nearby. ResortQuest is another great option since the signature event is held at the Torian Plum Plaza.
Q. Where is will call?
A. Will call will be available at each event. Check out our "Directions" link for where each event is held.
Q. Can I purchase tickets other than on-line?
A. Yes. You can purchase tickets at Central Park Liquors in Steamboat Springs. Only the two grand tastings and Wine on the Mountain Kickoff Celebration tickets will be available here. Tickets also can be bought on a walk-up basis for events, including seminars. However, some events are restricted (Kickoff Celebration and seminars) and most events sold out in 2007 so we encourage that advance tickets be purchased. Finally, you can always call to purchase tickets: 877-328-2783.
Q. Can you really walk around with a glass of wine on the Stroll of Steamboat?
A. No. You must empty (consume or dump) your wine before you leave one stroll area to reach another. Also, wine cannot leave the grounds of any event.
Q. How much goes to the non-profit?
A. Last year we generated nearly $20,000 for our non-profit. partner. In 2008 we will donate 5% of all ticket sales as well as hold additional events for the non-profit group.
Q. What is the live entertainment?
A. Depending upon the event, the live entertainment can range from the Viking Outdoor Kitchen (Saturday), live music (Saturday/Friday/Thursday), auctions and cooking demonstrations.
Q. Where is the event?
A. The event is held at various locations. The seminars and main check-in are primarily at the Steamboat Grand. The Stroll of Steamboat starts downtown at the County building. The Toast of Steamboat Grand Tasting is held at the Torian Plum Plaza (base of the mountain next to the Sheraton). And, the Wine on the Mountain Kickoff Celebration is held at Thunderhead – top of the gondola!
Q. Where do I park?
A. For events located at the Grand Hotel or Torian Plum there is ample parking located at the parking structures near the hotel. For the Stroll of Steamboat, there is public parking on the streets downtown and parking lots. Our hotel guests should consider using the hotel's shuttle service to get them downtown.
Q. What are the events?
A. Check out our schedule of events on-line. Look at the navigation at the top of the site and note Schedule of Events.
Q. I can only attend one event. Which should I attend?
A. That's a hard one since all the events are good. But, the Toast of Steamboat Grand Tasting on Saturday probably provides the most wines and entertainment as it is the signature event.
Q. Is there a designated driver program or pregnant woman price?
A. Yes. Prices for these folks are half price. You will be given a different set of credentials and no wine glass for the event. Please call our offices to get your tickets. 877-328-2783.
Q. What if I buy tickets and can't come to the event?
A. We are sorry. Just like a sporting event there are no refunds.
Q. What if there is inclement weather that cancels an event?
A. We will do our best to run the event the day of the event. Depending upon the day, we may push the event back one day due to bad weather. However, most likely the event will occur rain or shine just like a concert. It is outdoors and summer in Colorado. There tends to be periodic rain.
Q. Where do I pick up my seminar tickets?
A. If you order seminar tickets 2 weeks in advance of the event(s) we will mail your tickets. Previously, all seminar tickets were picked up at will call. If you purchase under 2 weeks in advance we will leave your tickets at will call.