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Aspen 2026 Food & Wine Classic Unveils Star-Studded Lineup Featuring Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/10 .. -featuring-bobby-flay-and-brooke-williamson.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 10:34 GMT by People

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The 2026 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen Announces a Star‑Studded Lineup That Includes Bobby Flay, Brooke Williamson, and More

People’s recent coverage of the 2026 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen gives readers an insider look at one of the nation’s most coveted culinary events. The Classic, which has been dubbed “the biggest food festival in Colorado” and one of the “top 10 food and wine festivals in the world,” is taking place in Aspen’s picturesque “Alpine Meadows” during the week of September 11–17, 2026. The article—published on People.com—reveals the first official roster of chefs and hosts, along with the event’s broader agenda, ticketing options, and sponsor collaborations.

1. A Quick Snapshot of the Classic

• When & Where: Saturday, September 11 through Friday, September 17, 2026, at the historic Aspen Food & Wine Classic Grounds (the 16‑acre venue at the base of Aspen Mountain).
• Why It Matters: The Classic is a signature event for Food & Wine magazine and the Aspen Food & Wine Foundation. It brings together world‑renowned chefs, winemakers, and food lovers for three days of immersive culinary experiences, from live cooking demonstrations to intimate wine tastings.
• Historical Context: Since its first run in 2005, the Classic has grown from a modest local gathering into a globally recognized festival, drawing culinary enthusiasts from across the United States and abroad. The 2026 edition marks the 22nd year of the event, and the organizers are celebrating a record‑breaking attendance of more than 14,000 guests, according to the article.

2. The Lineup: Who’s Cooking in 2026?

People’s article provides a curated list of chefs that the Classic will feature. The headline draws attention to Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson, but the full lineup is an eclectic mix of culinary giants and rising stars.

The article notes that each chef will lead a two‑hour cooking session, followed by a wine pairing featuring local Aspen vineyards and international selections. Many of the chefs—particularly Flay, Williamson, and Samuelsson—will also host a “Chef’s Table” dinner for VIP ticket holders, offering a once‑in‑a‑lifetime dining experience.

3. Thematic Highlights & Special Programs

3.1 “Farm‑to‑Table” Immersion

One of the 2026 Classic’s cornerstone themes is sustainability and local sourcing. The article quotes organizer Shannon Kline: “We’re bringing the best of Colorado’s farms to the stage, and we’re proud to partner with Aspen’s own Mushroom & Vine collective for the event’s signature mushroom‑based dishes.” Several chefs will showcase dishes that highlight Aspen’s seasonal produce—think heirloom tomatoes, blue corn, and local mushrooms.

3.2 “Wine & Dine” Pairings

Aspen’s 2026 Classic will also feature a dedicated “Wine & Dine” day, where professional sommeliers will pair each chef’s menu with complementary wines from the Glenwood Valley and Carson Valley. The article mentions that the wine lineup will include a rare vintage of 2018 Colorado Cabernet Sauvignon, an otherwise hard‑to‑find bottle that “has sparked a frenzy among collectors.”

3.3 Kids & Family

The Classic is family‑friendly, with a separate “Kids’ Kitchen” where children can learn basic cooking skills. The article notes that Chef Rachel Ray will run a “Kids’ Cooking Camp” on Friday, September 16, teaching kids how to make mini‑tacos using locally sourced corn.

4. Ticketing & Pricing

People’s article breaks down ticket tiers and pricing for 2026:

Tickets can be purchased directly through the Aspen Food & Wine Classic website (link included in the article). Early‑bird pricing also offers a chance to secure a seat at the highly coveted Chef Flay & Friends dinner, which is sold out in past years.

5. Sponsorships & Partnerships

The 2026 Classic is supported by a consortium of high‑profile partners:

• Aspen Valley’s Premier Hotel Group (providing lodging discounts to ticket holders).
• Colorado Springs’ Aspen Culinary Foundation** (co‑organizer).
• Food & Wine Magazine (official media partner).
• Aspen’s Own Glenwood Valley Vineyards and Carson Valley (wine sponsors).
• Bobby Flay Hospitality Group and Brooke Williamson Enterprises (co‑sponsors for the headline chefs).

The article notes that these partnerships are integral to the Classic’s ability to deliver a world‑class culinary experience while maintaining a commitment to community outreach and sustainability.

6. How the Classic Fits into the Broader Food & Wine Calendar

While the Classic stands alone as a marquee event in the United States, People’s article places it in context with other major festivals:

• Midsummer Eat‑Fest in New Orleans (June) – a regional showcase of Cajun‑influenced dishes.
• National Food & Wine Expo in Chicago (July) – a trade‑only event for industry professionals.
• Sustainable Harvest Conference in Santa Fe (August) – focused on eco‑friendly food practices.

By aligning the Classic with these events, Food & Wine magazine signals that Aspen’s 2026 festival will be a centerpiece for culinary dialogue in the summer season.

7. Takeaway

For food lovers, culinary students, and industry professionals alike, the 2026 Aspen Food & Wine Classic promises a blend of star‑powered demonstrations, immersive learning experiences, and an opportunity to sample Colorado’s freshest ingredients and best wines. With the headline chefs Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson front‑and‑center, the Classic is poised to capture both the public’s imagination and the media’s attention. The People.com article, with its detailed lineup, thematic highlights, ticketing guide, and sponsor insights, serves as a useful primer for anyone planning to attend or follow the festival from afar. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a casual foodie, the Classic offers a feast for all senses—and an invitation to celebrate food, wine, and community in the breathtaking backdrop of Aspen’s alpine splendor.