Critics agree that Taste of Vail is one of the nation’s best spring food and wine festivals — but what are the ingredients to the event’s glory, and who is the orchestrator behind Vail’s beloved annual festival?
“I love seeing the passion of the winemakers and restaurateurs and how so many are excited to come back to Vail year after year,” says Angela Mueller, executive director of Taste of Vail.
Mueller oversees the event and works with the wineries, restaurants, sponsors, Taste of Vail board of directors and the dedicated volunteers and staff. She was asked to join Taste of Vail as executive director after successfully running events throughout the valley including the Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show, Farm to Table Dinners, the Kris Kringle Market and more.
“I’m constantly inspired to innovate Taste of Vail and create an experience that’s fresh and exciting for our guests and partners,” Mueller shares, “By developing these new experiences, Taste of Vail continually attracts guests to Vail that want to experience our event and all Vail has to offer.” Special experiences include the Signature Events, wine dinners and seminars.
Taste of Vail has always been credited as avant-garde, but this year Mueller and the team are taking the event to new heights with fun experiences and education. “This year with Taste of Vail, we have 12 Seminars throughout town and we have incorporated two trade seminars into the event lineup,” Mueller shares, “We are also working with [Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness] to promote health and wellness in the hospitality industry. Attendees can stop by the CHOW booth at our Signature Events to learn more about their work and also make donations when they are purchasing Taste of Vail tickets.”
Guests can delight in exciting eats from chefs near and far. With more than 30 of Vail’s finest chefs and restaurateurs, and nearly 50 of the country’s best winemakers, your palette will surely be satisfied (and possibly surprised). Mueller shares, “We have created a collaboration with the Festival Gourmet and the Tourism Board in Puerto Vallarta and we are bringing in three guest chefs from Mexico this year to participate at our Signature Events, two from Puerto Vallarta, one from Punta Mita. We’ll also have a fourth guest chef from Denver participating who was a longtime chef in the Vail Valley.”
Photos by Zach Mahone
Photos by Zach Mahone
Photos by Zach Mahone
Photos by Zach Mahone
Photos by Zach Mahone
Photos by Zach Mahone
Photos by Zach Mahone
Photos by Zach Mahone
Taste of Vail is designed to elevate and support the ever-evolving food scene (and the artisans who make it so special). This year, Taste of Vail’s commitment to excellence, innovation and connection will be felt throughout the valley as guests flock to experience the state-of-the-art creations.
Mueller is proud to exhibit the ardent efforts and creativity of the valley. Her favorite part of Taste of Vail is showcasing the best of the best in dining and drinking by bringing together exceptional people, food and wine.
Mueller imparts, “The passion, knowledge and exploration that happens each year makes Taste of Vail continue to improve … and inspires all of us involved.”
Thanks to Mueller, her zealous team and the diligent chefs and winemakers, Taste of Vail is coming up April 5-8, 2023. See the full schedule and purchase tickets at tasteofvail.com.
Photos by Zach Mahone.
This spotlight is a sponsored partnership.