By Kim Cassels
The Durango Wine Experience returns April 24-25, 2026, and the word is out: Weekend Passes are officially sold out. The good news for locals? Individual tickets to both the Friday Walkabout (April 24) and the Saturday Grand Tasting (April 25) are still available. The full schedule of satellite tastings, chef’s dinners, seminars, and showcases is now live, with reservations open across participating venues.
Presented by Elevation Custom Builders, the Durango Wine Experience benefits the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado and its network of local nonprofit partners. From an intimate whiskey-and-chocolate pairing on Thursday night to hundreds of wines poured at Buckley Park on Saturday afternoon, there’s something here for everyone who loves this town and loves to sip well.
A Week of Flavors: April 22–26
Before the main weekend kicks off, a lineup of ticketed dinners, tastings, and seminars gives locals even more to enjoy. Reservations are open now at participating venues.
The week runs Wednesday through Sunday, with highlights including a happy hour with Aquila Cellars at Graze Colorado (April 22) and a whiskey-and-chocolate pairing at Animas Chocolate Company with Laws Whiskey House (April 23).
Five-course wine dinners are on tap Thursday, April 23 at Eolus with Duckhorn Vineyards and at Mahogany Grille with Foley Wines.
Friday brings the beloved annual Rosé Seminar and Picnic at Seasons of Durango and a wine and hors d’oeuvres evening at Baron Creek Vineyards.
A Boozy Brunch Pairing at Graze Colorado closes out the weekend Sunday, April 26.
For the full schedule, pricing, and reservation contacts, visit durangowine.com.
The Walkabout: Friday, April 24 | 4–6:30pm
The Walkabout is the Wine Experience’s signature event: a self-guided stroll through Historic Downtown Durango, stopping into 10 local shops for wine pours and decadent appetizers.
All 2026 locations are within two walkable blocks on Main Avenue, between 8th and 10th street. This year’s stops include Animas Chocolate Company, Blues MTN Soul, Cold Banker Mountain Properties, Lizard Head Trading Company, The Sparrow Mercantile, Pine Needle Dry Goods, Sorrel Sky Gallery, Blue Rain Gallery, Urban Market, and the Durango Welcome Center.
Each stop also features a local nonprofit to learn about, a reminder that this event is as much about community as it is about wine. After the Walkabout, guests are encouraged to stay downtown for dinner at one of Durango’s outstanding local restaurants.
Giving Back: 2026 Nonprofit Partners
A core purpose of the Durango Wine Experience is supporting the organizations doing essential work across our region. Each of the 10 nonprofit partners receives a $2,500 grant from the Community Foundation and contributes vital volunteer support that helps make the event run.
This year’s partners are Aspen House & Aspen Services in Pagosa Springs, Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County, Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, Durango Farmers Market, Durango PlayFest, Durango Winter Sports Club, Mancos Valley Resources, Riverhouse Children’s Center, Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative, and Volunteers of America Colorado.
The Grand Tasting: Saturday, April 25 | Buckley Park
Under the tents at Buckley Park, guests can explore hundreds of wines from around the world alongside regional Colorado spirits, while Durango’s top chefs serve up creative dishes that reflect the flavor and creativity of this special mountain town.
Look for pairing recommendations in the Big Tent to take the experience to another level. This year’s Restaurant Showcase features 11 amazing restaurants: 636 Main Ave., Chimayo, Durango Natural Foods Co-Op, Eolus, Farm to Fingers, Graze Colorado, Mahogany Grille, Odd Bird Baking Company, The Prospector at Glacier Club, Seasons, Serafina’s Steakhouse, and SUP Craft BBQ.
A Community Celebration
The Durango Wine Experience would not be possible without the generosity of its sponsors, partners, and the community members who show up year after year to make it happen. A heartfelt thank you to presenting sponsor Elevation Custom Builders, and to every local business, volunteer, and supporter who makes this beloved annual spring tradition possible.
Tickets for the Friday Walkabout and Saturday Grand Tasting, as well as Information for reservations for satellite events is available at durangowine.com.
About Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado
For more than 25 years, the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado has connected donors with nonprofits, facilitated strategic giving, and helped strengthen the social fabric of the region. The Foundation supports a thriving, generous Southwest Colorado through philanthropy that meets community needs and creates lasting impact.
Kim Cassels is Marketing Manager, Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado.