GRAND TASTING DENVER AND FOOD&WINE CLASSIC ASPEN - Wine sector

Prodeca - Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Catalonia is organising the group participation of Catalan companies in the Grand Tasting wine sector event on 16 and 17 June 2026 in Denver and at the Food & Wine Classic fair in Aspen from 19 to 21 June.

These activities are organised under the European project Taste the Difference (TTD.EU), of which Prodeca and Italy's UIV are partners.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT

GRAND TASTING DENVER

The Grand Tasting is a top-tier industry event designed to showcase Catalan wineries that already have a presence in the US market and that wish to promote their products through their importer or to expand their geographical footprint in this market on their own account.

This high-impact show, in an exhibition and tasting format, will bring together buyers, sommeliers, importers, distributors, journalists and industry opinion leaders, offering a dynamic platform to present wines in a structured yet interactive setting.

FOOD & WINE CLASSIC ASPEN

This is one of the most prestigious annual food and drink fairs in the United States, held in Aspen, Colorado. It brings together renowned chefs, sommeliers, wine and spirits producers, as well as gourmet sector professionals and specialist media.

The event facilitates connections with experts from the food and wine industry: Michelin-starred chefs, restaurant managers, sommeliers, distributors, importers, specialist journalists and opinion leaders gather to discover new trends, innovative products and positioning strategies for the North American market.

Taking part in this fair allows exhibitors to:

• Reach high-level contacts within the United States food and wine sector
• Present their products to opinion leaders and specialist media
• Learn about emerging trends in gastronomy and premium wines
• Expand business opportunities and distribution channels. As well as strengthening brand positioning and image in an exclusive, high-visibility setting.

TRIP PROGRAMME

The GRAND TASTING DENVER AND FOOD&WINE CLASSIC ASPEN will be organised as follows:

• 16/06: Networking cocktail dinner
• 17/06 GRAND TASTING: Masterclass
• 17/06 GRAND TASTING: Walkaround Tasting
• 18/06 travel day
• 19-21/06 FOOD&WINE CLASSIC ASPEN fair

ORGANISATION OF THE SPACE

GRAND TASTING DENVER

The event includes the following activities:

• Networking cocktail dinner: a dinner is organised bringing together wineries, importers, distributors and attendees so they can get to know one another and make connections.  
• Masterclass: Catalan wines with a designation of origin
• Walkaround Tasting: The main event will follow a walkaround format, with each winery given a dedicated space to show and pour its wines and to interact directly with attendees. This set-up allows industry professionals to explore a wide range of wines at their own pace, encouraging natural conversations and potential business opportunities.

FOOD & WINE CLASSIC ASPEN

Prodeca is organising the group participation of companies, with the aim of promoting Catalan wines and helping to improve their positioning in the North American market, especially in the premium segment.

On both occasions, each exhibitor will have its own table with materials and signage to promote its wines. The basic table decoration will be uniform for all companies under the TTD.EU project branding.

CONDITIONS AND COST OF PARTICIPATION

Companies interested in taking part must meet the following requirements and conditions:

• The activities are aimed at wineries whose products are already present in the United States and that wish to promote them through their importer or to expand their geographical footprint in this market on their own account.
• Wines must comply with US requirements and hold FDA registration.
• The exhibition space must be staffed throughout both activities (DENVER and ASPEN), either by the winery or by the importer / distributor. 

IMPORTANT! 

Taking part in this programme means taking part in both activities*: Grand Tasting Denver + Food & Wine Aspen.

*Where applicable, and always with prior notice to Prodeca, they may be undertaken separately.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

• The participation fee is: €300 + VAT
• Closing date for applications: 20 March 2026

The fee covers participation in both activities. Product supply and local transfers will be at the company's expense.

A company will be considered admitted once Prodeca confirms it, after the registration form has been completed.

The organisers reserve the right to select companies according to criteria of sector fit and product suitability for the market.

TRANSPORT OF SAMPLES

Under the European TTD.EU project, Prodeca will cover the cost of outbound sample transport, from the assigned carrier's warehouse to the fair or event venue.

Further details will be provided to registered companies once the call for applications has closed.