The 11th Annual Mesa Verde Country Food, Wine & Art Festival will be uncorked this weekend in Cortez.
On Friday, the festival features a gourmet experience during a winemaker’s dinner at Nero’s Restaurant and Mediterranean Grill in downtown Cortez.
The four-course menu pairs locally sourced meats, fruits and vegetables with Colorado wines carefully selected to match each course. Reservations are required and space is limited for the $75 dinner.
On Saturday, the festival moves outdoors to Cortez City Park from noon to 5 p.m.
Those attending the festival can swirl, sip and purchase wines from various Colorado vintners, including Guy Drew Vineyards, DeBeque Canyon Winery, Whitewater Hill, Mesa Park Vineyards, Fox Fire Farms, Kingman Estates Winery, Stoney Mesa Winery, Garrett Estate Cellars and Pleasant View Vineyards.
Festival goers on Saturday will also enjoy heartfelt blues-rock with a touch of jazz by Thomas Martin Scott; wood-fired pizzas, hand crafted breads, cheeses, infused olive oils, jams, jellies and mustards; and regional artwork.
Admission to the tasting is $20 in advance or $25 at the gate, cash only, and includes a commemorative wine glass and tote. Advance tickets may be purchased at Liquid Assets and West Slope Liquor in Cortez or the Wine Merchant in Durango.
The festival will end Sunday, journeying down McElmo Canyon to Guy Drew Vineyards for an open house from noon to 6 p.m.
For more information about the festival, call 565-8227.