Wine Dinners, Bacon & Bourbon, More: These Are The Nine Events You Should Not Miss in January

OAK at Fourteenth [Photo: OAK]

BEST GRILLED CHEESE CHALLENGE
On Saturday January 11 from 1 to 3 p.m., Steve's Snappin' Dogs will challenge some of Denver's chefs and restaurants to create the best grilled cheese. The event is a charity fundraiser for Chow Down for Charity. The competition will be judged by a local celebrity panel with the audience voting for the people's choice. For more information, call 303.578.2330.

DINE OUT FOR EARTH
On Sunday, January 12 from 6 to 9:30 p.m., six Denver chefs, including Justin Brunson of Old Major, Troy Guard of TAG, and Bob Blair of Fuel Cafe, will come together to cook a six-course meal paired with local brews courtesy of Great Divide Brewing Company, wines donated by The Infinite Monkey Theorem and cocktails generously supplied by Roundhouse Spirits. The dinner is hosted at Coohills and costs $85 per person in advance and $125 at the door (if available). More information can be found here.

PINOT POSSEE AT OAK AT FOURTEENTH
The Pinot Posse is headed to Boulder and on Monday, January 13 where Oak at Fourteenth owners Bryan Dayton and Steve Redzikowski will host the group for a four-course menu paired with seven world class bottles of Pinot Noir. At 6 p.m., the evening will kick off with a meet-and-greet with winemakers from the following wineries: AP Vin, Owen Roe, JK Carriere, August West, Point Concepcion Cargasacchi, Loring Wine Company, and Bonaccorsi Wine Company. Tickets for this event and dinner cost $150 per person and can be reserved by calling 303.444.3622. The Pinot Posse will also make stops at The Broadmoor on January 12 (more info at 719.577.5733) and Ajax Tavern on January 14 at Ajax Tavern (more info at 970-920-6334).

BAD APPLE POP UP
On January 19, starting at 5 p.m., Bad Apple will host its inaugural pop-up dinner. A 10 course meal will be offered, featuring produce from Americanum Provisions, meats from Western Daughters, and booze from the Proper Pour. The dinner, hosted at Uncle (2215 W 32nd Avenue) costs $95 per person and drink pairings are included. For reservations and more information, call 720.588.7705.

AN EVENING IN ALSACE
In its first event in the new year, beast + bottle is hosting An Evening in Alsace with Anne Trimbach on January 22. The dinner highlights wines from the Trimbach Estate, a wine producer in Alsace, France that has been in operation since 1626. Thirteenth generation owner Anne Trimbach will be at beast + bottle for the event to answer questions and walk guests through each wine pairing. The four-course dinner is $75 with pairings and interested diners can reserve a spot by calling Beast + Bottle at 303-623-3223.

WINTER BREW FEST
On January 24 and 25, the Winter Brew Fest presents two days of unlimited tasting of great brews from beer-makers like Ska Brewing, Breckenridge Brewery, and more. Each day includes a VIP Power Hour from 6 to 7 p.m. that costs $40 advance/$45 day of event and includes general admission. The main event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. both days and tickets are $30 advance/$35 day of event (cash only at door). The event is held at Mile High Station and tickets can be purchased online here.

JASON FRANEY AT ST. REGIS CHEFS CLUB IN ASPEN
On January 24 and 25, chef Jason Franey of renowned Seattle restaurant Canlis will cook at the CHEFS CLUB at the Aspen St. Regis Hotel. He will offer a prix fixe menu on both nights reflecting Canlis signature dishes and a taste of winter in the Pacific Northwest. Highlights are sure to include game meats, as well as Canlis' signature dessert, a Mille-Feuille with milk chocolate, bananas, caramel, and peanut butter. On January 25 at 11:30 a.m., Franey will host a 90 minute cooking class. He will demonstrate both preparation of game meats, as well as dishes inspired by the menu at Canlis. For more information, call 970.920.3300.

BACON AND BOURBON
On January 25, starting from 2:30 to 5 p.m. (2 p.m. for VIP), come to the McNichols Civic Center Building for Denver's first Bourbon and Bacon event. Taste your way through a wide range of specialty bourbons and unique whiskies from distilleries, both large and artisanal, while you munch on a bevy of smoky, porky treats. Tickets are $45 for general admission and more information can be found here.

SOMMELIER BOOTCAMP
At the end of January, the Broadmoor will host the 3rd Annual Sommelier Bootcamp
This three-day event brings in Colorado-based master sommeliers Jay Fletcher and Damon Ornowski in for a host of wine-centric workshops. A reception kicks off the festivities on January 31. Two days of events follow. For more details, go to the Broadmoor website or call 866-634-7711 ext. 5775.