Photo courtesy Hugger Industries

High West Distillery, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, will host four signature events including the opening-night party of the Park City Food and Wine Classic to highlighting High West’s award-winning all-American spirits and it’s new spot at Blue Sky Ranch.

“We’re really looking forward to the return of the classic this summer,” High West Proprietor David Perkins said. “It’s such a blast every season, bringing together so many top chefs and food enthusiasts from around the world, and we’re especially excited to be showcasing four events this summer.”

The July 9 opener will showcase Perkins’ new state-of-the-art distillery at Blue Sky- as yet unopened to the public. High West executive chef James Dumas and his kitchen crew will serve an array of culinary creations, each crafted to complement High West’s award-winning spirits and Blue Sky’s stunning views and ranch experience. Wine experts will also be around with a selection of international and domestic wines and they will have live music to boot. Tickets cost $165, and the event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Another classic event returns to Blue Sky on Friday, July 10, from 12-2:30 p.m., for “Moonshine on the Mountain.” Spend the afternoon in a veritable whiskey academy, learning about (and tasting) single malts, bourbons, and ryes, paired with food. Perkins will be on hand, and a VIP tour of the new distillery will follow the luncheon. Tickets cost $95.

On Saturday, July 11, join High West for “Reds, Rye and Ramble,” a hike led by High West ambassadors that offers breathtaking views of Park City. The trek starts at Park City Mountain Resort and weaves through dramatic aspen forests, ending at High West for lunch and winetasting with Moniker Wine Estates. After the meal, enjoy a signature High West cocktail and tour of the distilling operation in the historic building. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and tickets cost $95.

Join High West in closing the weekend with the “Hair of the Dog Road Ride” on Sunday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dumas, Perkins and festival founder Jason Ornstein take you on an intermediate-to-advanced 25-mile road ride through scenic stretches of Park City and Deer Valley. Then after sweating out those ‘toxins’, wolf down lunch – and one last irresistible cocktail to cap off an indulgent weekend. Tickets cost $95. Riders are asked to meet at High West Saloon at 703 Park Avenue at 9:45 a.m.

Unlike other food and wine festivals, Park City’s incorporates our mountain adventure lifestyle so you don’t have to feel guilty imbibing. More than two dozen food and wine tastings, seminars, bike rides, hikes, fishing excursions and more are all led by world-renowned experts in Park City’s famous Wasatch Mountains. “This event blends the absolute best of Park City: outstanding food and drinks, and world-class outdoors,” said Jason Ornstein, owner of Team Player Productions, which organizes the Food & Wine Classic.

Ticket prices range from $50 to $225, and can be purchased by visiting the Classic’s website. Act fast – most events sell out quickly.

 

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the People’s Health Clinic, a nonprofit that provides healthcare for uninsured individuals and families in Utah’s Summit and Wasatch counties. Last year, the classic raised more than $30,000 for the clinic. In all, Team Player Productions has raised more than $2 million for local charities.