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PHOTOS: Celeb chefs abound at Aspen Food & Wine Classic opening ceremony
By Austin Colbert Follow
acolbert@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
A few hours after the Aspen Chamber Resort Association’s unofficial kickoff luncheon on Thursday, the Food & Wine Classic truly got underway with its opening ceremony at St. Regis Aspen. A private affair, the event brought out some of the biggest names in the world of celebrity chefs, such as And...
Key takeaway A private affair, the event brought out some of the biggest names in the world of celebrity chefs, such as And...
Why this matters in Aspen News
The Food & Wine Classic's return to Aspen brings a welcome boost to the local economy, with thousands of visitors flocking to the city to sample the best in food and wine. For local businesses, the event is a crucial mid-season injection of revenue, helping to sustain them through the slower summer months. The presence of celebrity chefs like Andrew Zimmern and Stephanie Izard also puts a spotlight on Aspen's own culinary scene, with local chefs like Mawa McQueen showcasing their talents alongside the big names. As the event runs through Sunday, residents can expect a lively atmosphere in downtown Aspen, with seminars, tastings, and parties drawing crowds to the city's hotels, restaurants, and public spaces. With the city's reputation as a cultural and gastronomic hub on full display, the Food & Wine Classic is a key part of Aspen's strategy to attract high-end visitors and support its thriving hospitality industry.
About this story
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Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A few hours after the Aspen Chamber Resort Association’s unofficial kickoff luncheon on Thursday, the Food & Wine Classic truly got underway with its opening ceremony at St. Regis Aspen. A private affair, the event brought out some of the biggest names in the world of celebrity chefs, such as And...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Austin Colbert Follow
acolbert@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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