Two Events to Fling into Spring
In its sixteenth year, the very popular Edesia (uh-deh-see-uh) food and wine festival is returning to the Grand Valley! This 2-day event, hosted by the Wine Country Inn in scenic Palisade to benefit PrimeHealth+, attracts hundreds of foodies and festival-goers each year. One event is sit-down-fancy, and the other is known for its gourmet grazing. The best news is that both events are open to the public and will benefit PrimeHealth+ (formerly MarillacHealth).
1) The Wine Pairing Dinner is Saturday, March 28 and begins with a Welcome Cocktail at 5:00 pm; dinner follows at 6:00. Inspired by the exciting possibilities of pairing local wines with traditional flavors of Brazil, Executive Chef Chad Griffith’s five-course menu is designed to entice diners with an array of pork, lamb, chicken, beef, vegetables, and dessert courses will delight all the senses when paired with some our region’s finest wines. Both reds and whites will be poured -- from Centennial Cellars, Colorado Cellars, Grande River Vineyards, Restoration Vineyards, Whitewater Hill Vineyards, and Varaison Vineyards and Winery. Seating at the Wine Dinner is selling out fast, so be sure to visit EdesiaPalisade.com without delay! Individual tickets are $175 each and a table for eight is $1,400.
2) Edesia: A Culinary, Wine, & Spirits Adventure – Carnaval in the Vineyards begins at noon on Sunday, March 29th and lasts until 4:00 pm. Attendees will enjoy live
entertainment while sampling sweet, savory and ethnic food delights; and tasting local wines and non-alcoholic cocktails. This year’s food lineup so far includes Bella Balsamic, Caroline’s, Colorado Q, Decadence Cheesecake, Enstrom Candies, Enzo’s, Green Junction, Ocotillo Restaurant, Pali Thai, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and many others.
Participating wineries include Carboy Winery, Carlson Vineyards, Peachfork Orchards and Vineyards, Grande River Vineyards, Talon Wines, Colorado Cellars, and Talbott’s, to name a few. Ocotillo Restaurant will be serving refreshing mocktails; Peach Street Distillers will serve their delicious cocktails; and cold craft beer will inevitably flow thanks to local brewers.
We are excited to announce that the soundtrack and entertainment for the afternoon will be energetically provided by Samba Fogo, a professional Brazilian cultural arts troupe based in Salt Lake City and dedicated to keeping Brazilian dance and music alive in our region. In addition, all in attendance are urged to visit the silent auction to bid on a variety of experiences and goodies generously donated by regional businesses and individuals. Tickets are available for $65 in advance, at EdesiaPalisade.com, or $75 at the door on Sunday.
This event is not just about personal indulgence: Edesia is a fundraiser for PrimeHealth+, Mesa County’s Community Health Center. PrimeHealth+ provides comprehensive medical and dental health care to anyone who seeks it, regardless of income level or insurance status.
Edesia is presented by FCI Constructors. Other major sponsors include Colorado Health Foundation, DWC CPAs and Accountants, D.A. Davidson, Whitewater Building Materials, Legacy Wealth Management, Ray of Hope, Contexture, Clifton Larson Allen, and Alpine Bank. Media sponsors include KKCO, Magic 93.1, The Vault 100.7, and Suzi Productions. The Wine Country Inn is located at 777 Grande River Drive off I-70's Palisade Exit #42. Edesia, by the way, is the Roman goddess of food and wine! Sponsorships still available; contact Martha Graf.