They call it the “Colorado” wine festival for a reason. All you’ll find at the Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival is wine made in the state of Colorado. With 33 wineries to choose from, there will be something to tickle the palettes of all wine tasters.
This year’s event will be held June 3 at Memorial Park and marks the 20th year for the event. Jenna Gallas, Special Events Coordinator for Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, explained this festival kicks off the chamber’s summer events.
The Manitou Springs Wine Festival Continues to Evolve
Planning for the event began at the beginning of the year. Gallas has been in charge for the past six years. Although the premises remain the same, changes are made each year to enhance the event.
“We are a staff of three people in our office, so I basically head up the planning alone,” she explained. “We do have a group of volunteers that help the day of the event, many of which return year after year.”
Five years ago, the event expanded into a park across the street FROM WHAT?? for additional space and wineries. Enhancements this year, Gallas said, include the addition of a wine valet, which will hold bottles of purchased wine while festival attendees shop and taste.
“In the six years since I’ve been involved with the festival, we’ve grown to become a sell-out crowd,” Gallas added.
This year the festival is planning on reducing trash and eliminating single-use plastic products. “Our vendors will all be using recyclable or compostable products,” Gallas said. “We will be composting this year and we encourage everyone to bring refillable water bottles.”
What to Expect at the Festival
There’s a lot going on during the festival, and wine tasting tops the list. Returning wineries include Aspen Peak Cellars, Cottonwood Cellars, D’Vine Wine and Ten Bears Winery among others. New to the festival this year is Blendings at the Hillside Vineyard, Fountain Creek Winery and Eatery, and Whitewater Hill Vineyards.
Food vendors will be offering everything from grilled items and gourmet foods to nuts and candy. Fifteen Colorado-based retail vendors, Gallas said, will also be selling items ranging from hats to hammocks.
Three musicians will be providing entertainment, Gallas added.
The Festival Logistics
The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine. VIP entry starts at 11 a.m. The minimum age to participate in the wine tasting is 21 years of age. Those 16 and older serving as designated drivers may enter free of charge with a paying guest. Designated drivers will not be allowed to drink or taste wine.
This is not an event for infants, children, or pets, Gallas explained. “It’s an adult day,” she said. “A day to leave the two and four-legged kids at home.” Entrance to the event is limited to those at least 16 years old.
All bags will be checked at the entrance; lawn chairs and blankets are allowed. People are asked to leave large coolers and wagons at home.
Four paid parking lots in town provide a short five to 15-minute walk to Memorial Park. A free shuttle will be operating from Fields Park while the Metro city bus provides another transportation option. “We are expecting 3,000 attendees this year and we highly encourage responsible transportation,” Gallas said.
Festival Tickets
General admission tickets cost $45; tickets for military, healthcare, police, fire, and EMT personnel are $40. Tickets include admission into the park, a wine tote that holds six bottles of wine, a tasting glass, and unlimited tastings.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are limited and are currently on sale.
For additional information and tickets, visit the website at www.manitousprings.org/manitou-springs-colorado-wine-festival/. You can also contact the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce Visitors Bureau & Office of Economic Development at 719-685-5089.
