Summer Festivals Offer Great Culinary, Drink and Music Options

By
Mountain Jackpot
-

Teller’s infamous “Summer of Fun” is off to a booming start

Courtesy of such early events as Donkey Derby Days, Old Fashioned July 4th, Symphony Above the Clouds and America’s Music Festival, locals have gotten their share of spectacular High Country entertainment. But another feature often overlooked for these events is a rare showcasing of the best of Colorado spirits, whether it consists of wine, beer, specialty drinks and much more, not to mention incredible food dishes, art exhibits and vendors.  The music too shatters the myth that the Teller region can’t draw quality entertainment, including national acts, recently exhibited at the recent AMF celebration.
The local festival drum continues, and we plan to keep you updated in our regular dining and “Savor and Sip” section.

A forthcoming festival, and one highly recommended by Editor Rick, and especially for vino, food and music lovers (yes, guilty of all three sins) is the annual Vino & Notes festival in Memorial Park in downtown Woodland Park in early August. The gala showcases some of the best wineries in the state, prime culinary offerings, a unique musical flair and an overall great atmosphere. In addition, it includes sponsors from our little mountain abode, namely Wines of Colorado, Park State Bank & Trust, Foxworth Galbraith and Judge’s Char-grill.

As noted in the event’s webpage, “This brings together some of Colorado’s finest wineries, great food, and local musicians. Vino & Notes 2025 will take place in Woodland Park’s beautiful Memorial Park on Saturday, August 2nd from 11 am to 5 pm. This wine, food, and jazz festival is one of the premier events in Teller County.  This year’s event will benefit Helping Those in Needy Teller County.”

Vino & Notes, which started nearly 20 years ago under the direction of former business owners and civic leaders Ben and Jamie Caperton, regularly attracts many visitors from outside the area. Its popularity also can be attributed to the growth of the Colorado wine industry that has taken off in the last two decades. The climate in parts of the state have produced ideal conditions for vino grapes and wine development, especially in the Western Slope.

If you haven’t tried to sample Colorado vino, make a special stop to Wines of Colorado and ask for their Wine Flights, or take suggestions from their knowledgeable staff, or owner Arin; and yes, enjoy their award-winning bar and Creekside dining experience and trophy-level entrees.

Vino & Notes will feature 20 premiere wineries in Colorado, including five new additions, according to festival organizer Tracy Vinton.  In some ways, the sampling offers a vino version of touring the entire state.

For the music, the event showcases more of an eclectic, jazzy atmosphere, with such acts as Tidal Breeze Jazz Arts, Shakin’ Like Sammy and Deryk Cunningham. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information, including VIP opportunities, visit their website or call 719-310-2335.

 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR