Sip, Savor + Celebrate At The Ouray Winter Wine Festival: Plan A Weekend Getaway This February
There’s a certain kind of magic that settles over Ouray in winter. Steam rises from the hot springs, snow drapes over Victorian rooftops and the sharp peaks of the San Juans glint like glass under the sun. It’s a town that feels both timeless and alive — a place to slow down, warm up and celebrate everything Colorado winter has to offer.
And if there’s ever a perfect time to experience it all, it’s Valentine’s Day weekend 2026, when the Ouray Winter Wine Festival returns to the historic Wright Opera House for its fourth year. This cozy, fireside celebration of Western Slope winemaking is the perfect excuse to turn a single Saturday into a long, luxurious weekend in the mountains.
A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
Once you’ve arrived and checked into one of Ouray’s charming inns or lodges, ease into mountain life with a stroll down Main Street — ducking into shops and galleries before settling in for dinner at one of the town’s cozy restaurants.
On festival day — Saturday, February 14 — fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then decide how to spend your morning. If you’re booked for Session 1 (12–3 p.m.), lace up your boots for a short hike to Cascade Falls or Box Canyon, where ice walls shimmer in blue and silver. Attending Session 2 (4–7 p.m.)? There’s time for a classic Ouray adventure — sledding down Vinegar Hill, ice skating at Rotary Park or cross-country skiing at Ironton.
When the tastings wind down, the perfect finale awaits: a soak beneath the stars at the Ouray Hot Springs, surrounded by peaks glowing in the moonlight.
“What’s great about the Ouray Winter Wine Festival,” says Krysta Cossitt, festival co-founder and organizer, “is that it always falls on a holiday weekend, giving guests an extra day to pack it all in.” With President’s Day on Monday, February 16, it’s an invitation to linger — and to savor every moment.
A TOAST TO THE WESTERN SLOPE
Set in the heart of Colorado’s “Switzerland of America,” the Ouray Winter Wine Festival is more than a tasting — it’s a love letter to the Western Slope. This year’s lineup features seven wineries, one cidery and two distilleries, each pouring their passion into every glass. Guests can sip, savor and connect directly with the makers behind the bottles.
“The collaboration between two winemakers, a wedding and event planner, and a historic venue has proven to be the perfect combination,” says Cossitt. “Together, we’ve created an immersive experience that engages all senses.”
Inside the Wright Opera House, the setting is as enchanting as the wine itself. Lounge seating, flickering firelight and the hum of conversation fill the 1888 landmark with warmth and wonder.
“Guests don’t just taste the wine — they engage with the makers,” adds Patric Matysiewski, local winemaker and festival co-founder. “It’s about connection, conversation and discovering what makes Western Colorado’s wine community so special.”
The festival experience extends beyond the glass, too, with fresh oysters on the half shell, perfectly paired with local whites, and live glassblowing demonstrations that showcase another side of the region’s artistry.
“Hosting this elegant celebration in Ouray’s historic opera house is a natural fit,” says Kate Jones of the Wright Opera House. “It’s the perfect marriage of heritage, luxury and mountain charm.”
COME FOR THE WINE, STAY FOR THE WARMTH
The Ouray Winter Wine Festival is intentionally intimate, with attendance capped to ensure every guest enjoys a personal connection with the artisans and winemakers. Tickets are $50 per person (or $25 for non-drinkers) and include a custom wine glass, tote bag and notepad for tasting notes.
This slower, more intentional approach mirrors the town itself. Here, wine isn’t rushed, conversations linger and every sip feels like a celebration of place.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile, a mountain adventurer or simply seeking a memorable Valentine’s Day escape, the Ouray Winter Wine Festival is your invitation to experience Colorado’s high-country charm at its finest.
Come for the wine, stay for the warmth — and raise a glass to the beauty of Western Colorado, where love, community and craftsmanship shine brightest against the snow.
TICKETS & INFORMATION
ouraywinterwinefestival.com
$50 Advance
$65 Day-of
$25 Non-alcoholic
This spotlight is a sponsored partnership.