The Denver chapter has over 100 active members, making it one of the largest AWS chapters in the country. Throughout the year, members can participate in a variety of theme-based events, typically the 3rd Wednesday of every month. The events are typically held at local restaurants in Denver with approximately 30-50 people attending. Although there are a variety of formats for the events, they usually include 6-7 wines that are paired with a dinner specially designed for the wines. Expert speakers share information about the history, viticulture and characteristics of each wine. Speakers have visited our chapter from around the world, and have ranged from wine makers to importers to master sommeliers. Every evening is a unique experience filled with good food, friends, fun conversation, some education and, of course, great wine.
The Denver Chapter Board of Directors is comprised of volunteer wine enthusiasts in the Denver area. The group has a passion for wine and works hard throughout the year to conceive of and bring to life unique wine events for the AWS membership.
Starting in 2020, we'll update our list of prior events. If you're unfamiliar with Denver AWS, the list will give you a sense of the quality and diversity of wine events that we host. If these sound like fun, they are! Consider joining the Denver AWS.
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Spanish Wine Dinner (January 15, 2020)
Tempranillo from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. We tasted the impact that terroir and winemaking styles have on these versatile red wines. Rioja is Spain's fine wine capital, a region characterized by rich tradition as well as innovation. Most wine lovers know Rioja as the first Spanish region to regulate and export high-quality, age-worthy wines to the U.S. The Ribera del Duero is a younger DO and is an important region in Castilla y Leon in northern Spain. Its reputation centers around embracing the winemaking style of Bordeaux, France.
Our guest speaker was Andrea Rogers, owner of Colorado Creative Beverage, a brand development company. Chef Tim Downs and the Culinary team at DU created a custom menu for this event that included wild mushroom croquettes, albondigas romesco, traditional Spanish paella and almond biscotti.
Hosted at the Denver University's Wine Cellar at the Knoebel Event Center.
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Chile versus California (February 19, 2020)
Wow, this sold out fast! Speaker Jake Pippin (Portland, Oregon) is the Brand Ambassador of Fetzer Fine Wines and Spirits and is an expert in wines of the Southern Hemisphere. He presented to the AWS for this special comparative tasting.