Durango has been hosting a one-of-a-kind experience since 2007: Wine Experience! Every April, Historic Downtown transforms into a two-day celebration of wine, food, and community, and this year's event is shaping up to be the best one yet.

What Is Durango Wine Experience?

The Durango Wine Experience is a beloved springtime event organized by the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado, which took over operations in 2020. What makes it special isn't just the wine, it's the mission behind it.

As a community facilitator, our Foundation works to increase efficiency, resiliency, and success for nonprofits, while maximizing effective grantmaking for philanthropists, to make Southwest Colorado a better place to live.

Each year, ten local nonprofits receive a $2,500 grant in exchange for volunteering throughout the weekend, and the remaining proceeds benefit the general operations of the Community Foundation.

Friday Walkabout — April 24, 4–6:30 PM

The Friday Walkabout is the event's signature experience: a multi-location tasting that sends you strolling through Historic Downtown Durango with a glass in hand, stopping into local businesses for delicious pours, light appetizers and great shopping at each location.

This year's stops span from art galleries, chocolate shops, fashion boutiques to outdoor outfitters:

Walkabout Locations:

Animas Chocolate Company, featuring nonprofit A Safe Place in Pagosa

Blue MTN Soul, featuring nonprofit Durango Bluegrass Meltdown

Blue Rain Gallery, featuring nonprofit Durango Playfest

Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties, featuring nonprofit Mancos Valley Resources

Lizard Head Trading Company, featuring nonprofit Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative

Pine Needle Mountaineering Dry Good, featuring nonprofit Durango Winter Sports Club

Sorrel Sky Gallery, featuring nonprofit Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County

The Sparrow Mercantile, featuring nonprofit Riverhouse Children’s Center

Urban Market, featuring nonprofit Durango Farmers Market

Welcome Center, featuring nonprofit Volunteers of America Colorado

Saturday Grand Tasting — April 25, 3–6 PM

Under the tents at Buckley Park, the Grand Tasting is the premier tasting event, featuring hundreds of wines from around the world alongside regional Colorado spirits, craft beer, and creative mocktails. To pair perfectly with any drink in hand is the Restaurant Showcase, where Durango's top culinary talent serve up delectable dishes.

This year's participating restaurants include 636 Main Ave, Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen, Durango Natural Foods Co-op, Eolus, Farm to Fingers, Graze Colorado, Mahogany Grille, Odd Bird Baking Company, Prospector at Glacier Club, Seasons of Durango, Serafina’s Steakhouse and SUP Craft BBQ.

What to Wear

Durangoans who are desperate for an opportunity to look snappy, this is your moment to get dressed up in your springtime best. Think flowy dresses, linen blazers, and your favorite statement piece. Of course, always bring a layer and an umbrella just in case!

Make It a Weekend — Where to Stay

Book a room at the iconic Strater Hotel, steps from the Walkabout route and charmed with Victorian character. It's the perfect home base for a wine weekend or staycation in Downtown Durango.

Insider Tips

Grab your wristband early. Wristband pickup is available Thursday and Friday at the Community Foundation Office (765 E. College Dr.) from noon to 5:30 PM, and Saturday at Buckley Park from noon to 5:00 PM. Don't wait — no wristband, no entry.

Make a dinner reservation. After the Walkabout wraps at 6:30 PM, you'll be ready to top the evening off with a great meal. Book ahead at one of Durango's excellent restaurants so you're not scrambling for a table.

Play the Passport Game. Nonprofit partners are stationed at all 10 Walkabout locations with a stamp passport. Collect 5 stamps, hand it to any ambassador (the folks in the fun hats), and you're entered to win two Weekend Passes for Durango Wine Experience 2027.

Tickets are available – for now! See you downtown, cheers!