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Summer Wine Sipping in Colorado

Vail / Beaver Creek

Vail is home to some of the most sophisticated restaurants and wine bars in the region. One of the restaurants and wine bars most frequented by Houstonians is Sweet Basil in Vail Village. The Wine Spectator calls it the best restaurant in Vail. The Zagat Survey pronounced that it is the most popular restaurant in Colorado.

Don't miss the Sunday Farmer's Market from Noon to 3:30 in Vail Village. Local farmers and bakers provide samples and local wineries provide a taste of Colorado wine.

If you're a fan of Italian wines, try Toscanini next to the ice rink in Beaver Creek. The selection of Super Tuscans on their wine menu is impressive.

Aspen

What can you say about a city where the local sandwich shop advertises on its awning that it sells caviar? Wealth is prominently displayed in Aspen. With wealth comes fine wine. There is no shortage of restaurants and wine shops where Houstonians can find old favorites and be introduced to new ones. It's mid-August and the temperatures are in the low 70's by day and low 40's by night. With Houston temperatures peaking in the mid to high 90's it's a miracle that more of our fellow Gulf Coast residents aren't spending their summers in Aspen.

For a traditional French country meal and a great selection of wines, try Rustique Bistro. Owner Rob Ittner and Restaurant Manager Doug Kidder have assembled a wine list featuring 300 wines, most of which are French. Chef Ryan Flemming was recently praised by Gourment Magazine for his French "Grandmother Cuisine. Aspen residents flock to the restaurant to try his "Weird Dish" of the night. The goose liver pate is a classic and the braised short rib Pot-au-Feu is more than memorable.

A trip to Aspen would not be complete without a stop at Elevation. This European-style sidewalk restaurant features one of the finest wine lists in Aspen. A string trio plays on the sidewalk while waiters and sommeliers work the tables and help patrons navigate the extensive menu with wines from obscure vineyards around the world. Elevation was recently awarded the Wine Spectator award of excellence. Chef Drew Scott has an amazing ability to combine unconventional flavors and ingredients with surprisingly tasty results. His Wasabi Caesar Salad grabs your attention. His Colorado lamb dishes are exceptional.

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