Its time once again for the Mesa Verde Wine, Food and Art Festival.
The 10th edition of the festival runs from Friday through Sunday at several area locations.
Events will be held at Neros Mediterranean Grill, Cortez City Park and Guy Drew Vineyards, in that order.
Lynn Dyer, tourism director at Mesa Verde Country, said the festival has changed some over the years. She explained that organizers tried to add locally-grown food to the event in recent years.
Saturdays Wine Fest in the Park will offer hamburgers and wood-fired pizza, along with hand crafted breads, cheeses and infused olive oils, and local jams, jellies and mustards.
Some 65 to 70 wines from nine Colorado wineries will be available for sampling and purchase.
Artists from around the region will be showcasing their work at the festival. Thomas Martin Scott will entertain crowds with his brand of heartfelt blues-rock with a touch of jazz.
Saturdays event runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Cortez City Park.
Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. The price includes a commemorative wine glass.
Advance tickets may be purchased at the Mesa Verde Country office or at Liquid Assets in Cortez.
Friday offers a gourmet winemakers dinner at Neros Mediterranean Grill.
The four-course menu pairs cheeses, swordfish, Kobe beef, and dark chocolate with Colorado wines carefully selected to match each course. Reservations are required and space is limited. Call 565-8227 to make a reservation. Tickets are $75 each and include tax and gratuity.
Guy Drew, owner of Guy Drew Vineyards, will offer an open house on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Wines will be available for sampling and purchasing in the festivals grand finale.
Drew, who bought the McElmo Canyon vineyard 15 years ago, said the open house is a good opportunity to taste a variety of Colorado wines.
Theres always great art and great food, he said. Its lots of fun.