Hotel Jerome Hosts Sixth Annual Epicurean Passport Weekend in Aspen

The scent of truffle oil and wood-fired smoke hangs heavy in the June air outside the Hotel Jerome, a historic landmark that has stood sentinel on Galena Street since 1889. Inside, the courtyard buzzes with the clink of crystal and the low hum of conversation, a stark contrast to the quiet dignity of the building’s original timber-and-stone facade. This is the sixth annual Epicurean Passport Weekend, and it is already transforming Aspen into a culinary playground for locals and visitors alike.

Running from June 18 to 21, the event isn't just a series of dinners; it’s a curated immersion into the world’s most exclusive food and drink circles. General Manager Stephane Lacroix describes it as a "beloved tradition," but let’s look closer at what that actually means for the folks buying tickets. It means access to award-winning chefs, including the winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef” season 23, and intimate lounges hosted by renowned vintners and mixologists. It’s high-end hospitality, sure, but it’s also a significant economic engine for a town that thrives on seasonal tourism.

"We are pleased to welcome back Epicurean Passport, a beloved tradition at our historic property, inviting guests to experience a dynamic weekend shaped by leading culinary talent and innovators in food and beverage," Lacroix said. He didn’t just stop there. He noted that the weekend blends the key elements that define the Hotel Jerome: world-class culinary offerings, distinctive design, bespoke partnerships, and a passionate community. It’s a pitch for Aspen as a leading epicurean destination, and the hotel is positioning itself as the epicenter.

The partnerships are as specific as they are prestigious. Waterford, Laurent-Perrier, Petrossian, Casa Dragones, and Death & Co. are on site, ensuring that every sip and bite is curated to perfection. But there’s a civic angle here that often gets lost in the glitz. Ten percent of the weekend’s ticket sales go to the Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit founded in 1949 that has called Aspen home for more than 75 years. The institute uses "dialogue, leadership, and action" to address major social challenges, according to a release. So, when you’re sipping champagne from a crystal flute, you’re also indirectly supporting a organization dedicated to solving big-picture problems. It’s a nice touch, assuming the numbers add up.

The design work is handled by Rafanelli Events, which is returning for its fourth year as the creative partner. Founder Bryan Rafanelli says they don’t just set the stage; they make the space a character in the experience. "Hotel Jerome is a property that already tells a story the moment you walk through the door, and Epicurean Passport Weekend is our opportunity to deepen that narrative through design," Rafanelli said. He emphasized that every detail, from the opening night festivities to the intimate dinner settings within Prospect, is an intentional expression of Aspen’s spirit. It’s not just decoration; it’s storytelling with tableware.

The weekend kicks off on Thursday, June 18, in the hotel’s courtyard with a reimagined open-air farmer’s market turned chef’s market-style tasting experience. Attendees can sample bites from three distinct Auberge Collection chefs: Anthony Stagnaro from Bear at Stanly Ranch in Napa, Cornelis Suhr from White Barn Inn in Maine, and Michael DeCicco from Linnette’s at The Dunlin in South Carolina. That’s a lot of geography on one plate. Live music by Feeding Giants will fill the air, and the partners will be on site, pouring, pouring, pouring.

For locals, it’s a chance to step into a world that usually feels reserved for the ultra-wealthy tourist. For visitors, it’s the Aspen experience distilled into four days of gastronomy. The Hotel Jerome doesn’t just host events; it curates memories, or at least, that’s the promise. As the sun sets over the Elk Mountains, the courtyard lights will flicker on, and the real work of consumption will begin.