The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey, Harvest Fest 2013

September 30, 2013 • Local Sources, Wine

Every year the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey has a Harvest Fest, and every year they invite a Colorado cookbook author to be featured at the event. What a thrill it was to be selected for this year’s festival, and what a great time we had. Have you ever had a winemaker’s dinner aboard a train? Well that’s exactly what we did this year.As we walked up to the Royal Gorge train, we could see the wine glasses lined up in the window, a small sign of what was to come for our evening ahead.Everyone was escorted to one of the first class dining cars……and I was thrilled to be in this old wood paneled historic car. I’ll fill you in course by course – both wine and food – of what we indulged in!

Shrimp and Scallp Ceviche with Fresh Pineapple Pico de Gallo and Lemongrass
paired with the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve

Pacific Rim Chicken Salad with Crispy Rice Noodles on Fresh Bibb Lettuce
paired with the 2012 Monterey Chardonnay

Buffalo Carpaccio with Balsamic Glace with Capers and Crisp Fried Leeks
paired with the 2011 Colorado Cabernet Franc

Pizza Margherita with Fire-Roasted Tomato, Pesto and Gorgonzola
paired with the 2010 American Merlot

Southwestern Turkey Sausage with Sauteed Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella and Fresh Greens
paired with the 2011 Colorado Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Roasted Lamb Chops with Plum Wine Reduction with Intense Sprouts
paired with the 2010 Colorado Syrah

Colorado Elk Tenderloin with a Merlot Reduction with Crisp Sweet Potatoes
paired with the 2011 Colorado Merlot Reserve

Dark Chocolate Mousse with Chocolate Dipped Almond Brittle
paired with the 2011 Colorado Merlot Divinity

The next day, with a bit of a headache as you can imagine, I was set up at my booth to sell copies of my Tasting Colorado cookbook.

I was given a prime spot right in the center of the grassy area that held the festival, with a great view of the band to keep me entertained during the day.

I did 3 cooking demonstrations during the weekend…

..as I watched the crowd gather each day with their wine glasses and tickets for the tasting.

If you’ve never been to Canon City for this event, it’s a really fun one and the Royal Gorge is just a short drive outside of town, offering incredible views like this.

And the Harvest Fest is more than just wine – it’s vendors, chiles roasting, fresh baked bread, the best apples you’ve ever tasted, and fields of pumpkins waiting to be picked by some excited child. This is a really fun harvest festival, less than 2 hours from Denver. I suggest you mark your calendars now for next year’s party!