Decanting the Wine Festival

THE ANNUAL FOUR-DAY Taos Winter Wine Festival takes place Jan. 26-29. The not-for-profit event got its start in 1987, showcases the culinary arts in Taos and the Taos Ski Valley. The festival schedule is filled with opportunities for nearly everyone, including collaboration with some of the best restaurants in town, seminars, tastings and a silent auction of wine and art to benefit the Great Chefs of Taos, Taos High School’s culinary program.

The festival kicks off at the El Monte Sangrado Resort with Master Sommelier Tim Gaiser, who will present one of two wine seminars to be held on-site. Gaiser’s ‘Message in the Bottle’ promises to shed light on some of the secrets of professional wine tasting — a copy of Gaiser’s book of the same name will be included with the seminar. Later that afternoon, William Davis will present ‘Two Sides of the Cabernet Coin.’ Day one will also include a champagne and caviar reception prior to the popular Reserve Tasting, which will feature 30 wineries and tastes from the chefs of ACEQ, De la Tierra, Doc Martin’s, Love Apple and others.

Greg O’Byrne, president of the Taos Winter Wine Festival, described the event as having two parts. “The festival is made more inclusive because it straddles the town of Taos and the Ski Valley.” O’Byrne talked about the unique qualities of this particular event. “In the world of international wine events, the Taos Winter Wine Festival is unique because it attracts winery owners who like to ski.” Indeed, rather than vendors coming in to represent their particular wines, this intimate setting not only pairs quality wines with local cuisine, but it also pairs winery owners with their slopes and trails of choice. “Locals and tourists can meet the owners of these wineries, enjoy the tastings, and enjoy the skiing too,” commented O’Byrne.

On Friday, the event moves to the mountain with a special tasting scheduled for the Martini Tree Lounge that overlooks lift one. A noon-time tasting will include Oregon wines and salmon, and an après ski tasting will feature California wines.

O’Byrne is happy to report the Grand Tasting has returned after a twoyear suspension due to the pandemic. “The Grand Tasting is back on the schedule for Saturday and all 30 winery partners will be serving tastes alongside some of the area’s best restaurants.” The Grand Tasting will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday following an international wine tasting and lamb roast experience.

A total of 30 wineries and wine importers will be featured throughout the four-day event, each represented by the winemaker or owner including Beaux Freres, Belle Pente, Capture, Charles Neal, Dalla Terra, Jose Pastor, Martin Woods and more. Additionally, every evening, Taos-area restaurants will host winery principals for special wine dinners.