Birch Ridge Inn Staff enjoying
Killington Wine Festival Dinner
Innkeepers Assistant Mickalyn,
Mary, and Chef Stephen Byrne

Birch Ridge Inn Staff enjoying
Killington Wine Festival Dinner
Innkeepers Assistant Mickalyn,
Mary, and Chef Stephen Byrne

The Killington Wine Festival kicked off yesterday for the 6th season with an industry tasting yesterday afternoon at the Killington peak and a gala wine dinner last evening at the Killington Grand Hotel.

The industry tasting was a preview of the "Grand Tasting at 4241", the centerpiece public event of the festival. Approximately 200 wines from all over the world will be tasted Saturday during the grand tasting at the top of Killington mountain, known for being 4241 feet above sea level. Tickets are available to the "Grand Tasting at 4241" for $40 per person which includes your gondola ride to the peak plus wine samples.

Last night saw a new event this year at the wine festival, a Gala Dinner with Dancing at the Killington Grand Hotel. Local chefs Peter Mittendorf of the Lookout Tavern, Claude Blais of Choices Restaurant, Brian Aspell of the Killingon Grand Resort Hotel, and Patrick Boandl of the Inn at Long Trail teamed up to create a tasting menu paired with old and new world wines. Music for the event was provided by the Vermont Jazz Ensemble. Killington does not have a lot of "dress up" events. Kudos go to the ladies of Killington for elevating the style of the evening. They did a beautiful job rising above the "sea of blue blazers" donned by the many of the gentlemen of Killington (myself included).

In addition to the "Grand Tasting at 4241", the Killington Wine Festival will also feature "The Crush", a jazz and wine bar at the Killington Grand Hotel on Friday Evening, a wine tasting dinner at the Birch Ridge Inn on Saturday Evening, and a Champagne Tasting Brunch at the Cortina Inn on Sunday.

Keep it in the fairway, and don't forget your sunscreen.