Dine Out
AUGUST
28
+ FUTURE DATES
Dine Out
Culinary Auction
Tables, trips, tickets + tastings you won't find anywhere else!
When and
where is it?
- Friday, August 28, 2026 (and future dates)
- Various Locations
Dine Out Auction
Experiences
on Friday, August 28
Stay tuned for more experiences!
Dinner and paired wines for two people at the chef’s counter at Dear Emilia, which is a restaurant love letter to Emilia-Romagna, inspired by Italian food and hospitality. What could be more romantic? 6:30 p.m. reservation on August 28.
A hard-to-get reservation for two on August 28 PLUS a $200 gift card, so you and your favorite person can dine at the hottest pop-up in Cherry Creek from Michelin-starred Fonda Fina Hospitality.
Escape to Baja on a special date at Perdida, including welcome margaritas, two appetizers, two entrees, a dessert to share, plus a bottle of Perdida’s proprietary Marisol Tequila and house hot sauce to take home.
Experience the flavors and history of downtown Denver on a guided 16th Street Food Tour for two on Friday, August 28, 2026. Stroll through the newly revitalized 16th Street and historic Larimer Square while enjoying a curated selection of local tastings at some of downtown’s favorite eateries.
Along the way, you’ll discover Denver’s rich history, vibrant culinary scene, and iconic landmarks with an expert guide leading the experience.
Treat your special someone to dinner at award-winning Xiquita, a vibrant restaurant in Uptown that celebrates ancestral Mexican cuisine and the dining traditions of Mexico City.
Treat your special someone to dinner at award-winning Lucina, a charming restaurant in Park Hill featuring food and drinks inspired by the Americas.
A coveted, four-person reservation at Casa Bonita on August 28. Includes entrees, non-alcohol drinks, and sopaipillas for four people. Cliff divers, Black Bart’s cave, puppet shows, and more included!
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal at Más Chido, a five-course tasting menu served at the Molino Chido counter, designed to be fun, immersive, and expressive—an up-close look at the flavors, technique, and creativity behind the kitchen. The experience honors ancestral flavors while embracing global influences, with a masa-driven foundation and a dynamic balance of seafood and land-based offerings. The experience includes five courses (an amuse, three composed courses, and dessert), plus beverage pairings (mixed alcohol beverages or N/A beverages), tax, and 22% service charge. Available on Friday, August 28 at 7:45 p.m. only.
Enjoy a local night of luxury with a welcome drink and oysters at Traveling Mercies, followed by a three-course chef’s tasting at Annette. Additional drinks during dinner and gratuity not included.”
Enjoy the spectacular Quattro Piatti experience for two at the 2025 James Beard Award Outstanding Restaurant! A guest selected four-course experience, inspired by the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia by Executive Chef Ian Palazzola and Executive Pastry Chef Alberto Hernandez.
Dine Out Auction
Experiences
on future dates
Stay tuned for more experiences!
Celebrate with Champagne Tiger at the 12th annual Great American Bubbles and French Fry Festival (October 10, 2026), hosted on the Champagne Tiger Patio! It’s an unabashed celebration of the worlds’ most delicious pairing: Champagne & French Fries. Celebrate friendship, Champagne Tiger’s 2-year birthday, and yourself and have the best time. They are free pouring bottomless grower Champagne from their friends at Stelvio – only the best for you! – frying up 13 types of crispy fries, and stirring up all the dipping sauces. There will be caviar, a caviar piñata, and local Drag Queens Pony & Anita Goodman – OF COURSE!
Experience the exquisite cuisine and hospitality of James Beard Award-finalist Outstanding Chef Josh Niernberg at his Grand Junction restaurant, Bin 707, through a six-course tasting with paired wines for six people.
Enjoy a Sweet Basil multicourse tasting menu with beverage pairing inspired by seasonal flavors and travels from their culinary team and wine director.
Enjoy an evening that celebrates the simple pleasure of sharing great food in good company. This exclusive experience invites four guests to enjoy a curated, family-style dinner at Major Tom by Chef Duncan Holmes, accompanied by a bottle of wine selected and poured by wine director Andrew Bouton. Inspired by the tradition of lingering Sunday meals, this experience is designed to be shared with your favorite people. Includes: Chef-selected family-style dinner for four; a cocktail for each guest upon arrival; one sommelier-selected bottle of wine; dessert to share.
Enjoy a date-night staycation at the stunning Oxford Hotel in Denver! Includes one-night stay at the Oxford Hotel + a $150 gift certificate for a meal at Urban Farmer Denver.
Go beyond the chef’s counter and experience an intimate evening that celebrates the people behind Beckon. Created exclusively for the Denver Food + Wine Festival Dine Out auction, The Salon at Beckon invites four guests to join us for a one-of-a-kind evening in our private Sommelier Salon. Enjoy Beckon’s seasonal tasting menu with thoughtfully curated beverage pairings while spending time with the creative minds who shape the experience each day. Throughout the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Executive Chef Duncan Holmes, Beckon Farm Manager Kevin Oster, Wine Director Andrew Bouton, and Bar Director Joe Buckley as they share the stories, inspiration, and collaboration behind the season’s menu, from the farm and the kitchen to the wine cellar and the bar. Designed for those who love food, wine, and hospitality, The Salon at Beckon offers a rare opportunity to experience the stories and collaboration that bring each evening to life. Includes: Seasonal tasting menu for four in Beckon’s Sommelier Salon; curated beverage pairings; an intimate conversation with Executive Chef Duncan Holmes, Farm Manager Kevin Oster, Wine Director Andrew Bouton, and Bar Director Joe Buckley; and signed seasonal menus.
Drawing inspiration from Duke Ellington’s opulent style and eye for detail, Nocturne has created the “Ellington Experience” — the ultimate night out at Nocturne. This experience features a decadent five-course tasting with wine pairings, served at tables in the club’s favorite nook on the main level under the curve of the grand art deco staircase. There are just two “Ellington Experience” tables available per music set.
Host effortlessly with a beautifully curated cocktail party package designed for 15 guests. This bespoke Footers experience features a personalized acacia wood charcuterie board styled with a chef’s selection of premium meats, cheeses, and thoughtfully paired accoutrements, alongside a selection of mini desserts. Paired with red and white wines and finished with custom details to elevate your table, this collection brings together everything you need to entertain with ease and style.
Enjoy a feast for 15! Includes 4 whole signature Chook rotisserie chickens, 1 salad, 3 sides, 15 rolls, and dessert.
In this interactive baking class, Rioja Pastry Chef Eric Dale will teach you how to prepare and roll out two types of pie dough (sweet and savory). You’ll learn how to create other pies with the same doughs, such as bourbon pecan and a double-crust apple pie. Guests will leave with a petite pie and recipes for everything discussed during the class. Includes non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks, too.
Win a custom three-tier cake for any occasion that feeds up to 75! Work with Four Birds Cakes and Bakes to create your dream cake for any special occasion. Whether your vision is thematic or decorative, you will work together to design the perfect three-tier cake.
Escape and experience elevated urban luxury with a date-night staycation package for two, including a one-night stay at the five-star The Ritz-Carlton, Denver; complimentary valet parking; and $300 in dining credit at Elway’s Downtown.
Discover the magic of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science with 4 General Admission tickets!
Gather your crew and enjoy one of Colorado’s favorite brunch experiences! From crave-worthy entrees to signature cocktails and over-the-top Bloody Marys, this is the ultimate weekend outing for 6 people. Package includes: Brunch or lunch for 6 people, including entrees and signature cocktails. Good at any Hashtag location.
Gather your crew and enjoy bold flavors, hand-shaken margaritas, and unforgettable good times at any Los Chingones location. Package includes: tacos and margaritas for up to 6 guests.
Embark on a guided mezcal tasting featuring five premium mezcals crafted from different agave species sourced throughout Mexico. Enjoy shareable appetizers as you discover the rich flavors, traditions, and stories behind each pour.
Coming to the DTC this fall, G&G Surf Club is Chef Troy Guard’s latest restaurant — and this package gets you early access! Be among the first to dine at G&G, which is inspired by Troy’s Hawaiian roots and shaped by celebrated kitchens across Asia and the United States. G&G Surf Club blends exceptional seafood, prime Guard & Grace steaks, handcrafted cocktails, music, art, and warm island hospitality into one unforgettable destination. TOP TWO HIGHEST BIDDERS EACH WIN ONE $100 GIFT CARD.
Take a tour of G-Que Barbeque’s pit room, learn all about how the barbeque is made, and then settle in to spend a $100 gift card on a meal of your choice. Package also includes a bottle of house spice rub, a bottle of house barbeque sauce, and pitmaster Jason Ganahl’s new book, G-Que Barbeque: A Mile Above the Rest―More Than 75 Proven Recipes for Breaking Barbeque Boundaries.
Enjoy a Wing Shack feast for four! Package includes 60 wings (boneless or traditional; 5 wings per sauce), a Shack Pack of fries, a choice of Shack Beer or fountain drink per person, and a choice of dessert.
Create something delicious together during a hands-on cooking class at Create – paired beer or wine included! Choose your class – From Rome, With Love; Brunch in France; and Izakaya Night are just a few examples of upcoming fall classes – and let the chef-led team at Create take it from there.
Feast on Ace Eat Serve’s spectacular whole Peking duck, carved tableside, with all the fixings, including mu shu crepes, pickled chiles, scallions, cucumbers, apricot-chili jam, and sesame hoisin. All beverages included.
Enjoy a memorable Colorado Springs getaway with a one-night stay at The Broadmoor, one of Colorado’s premier luxury resorts. This package also includes admission and food tickets for four people at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, offering a fun-filled day of wildlife experiences and family-friendly adventure.
The perfect combination of a relaxing overnight escape and a day of exploring one of Colorado’s favorite attractions!
Experience effortless luxury with a two-night stay at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. During your visit, enjoy a $150 dining credit to use at Local Jones — a laid-back yet refined dining experience rooted in seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and genuine hospitality. From rooftop lounging to unforgettable meals, experience the best of Cherry Creek at its most relaxed and refined.
Experience the multiverse at Meow Wolf Convergence Station! One General Admission, timed-entry ticket.
Escape to Pagosa Springs with a complimentary night at the RiverWalk Inn, where relaxation begins the moment you arrive. From there, enjoy a scenic stroll along the River Walk to Riff Raff Brewing Company for an exclusive four-course beer, cheese, and chocolate pairing featuring handcrafted chocolates from PS Chocolates. Next, settle in for dinner for two, complete with two drinks of your choice. And because no visit to Pagosa Springs is complete without experiencing the World’s Deepest Hot Springs, this getaway also includes two Wellness passes to The Springs Resort. This package is a perfect blend of flavor, fun, and unforgettable moments — all waiting for you in Pagosa Springs.
Enjoy a luxurious one-night stay at Le Méridien Denver Downtown, valet parking for one vehicle, a $200 voucher to dine at Corinne, and a $100 voucher to dine and/or drink at 54thirty!
People have been making bread for thousands of years with nothing but flour, water, salt and vibes – and Savannah King, founder of Aunt Letha’s Bakery, wants to prove it’s easier than you think. Join her for beginner-to-intermediate sourdough classes at Homestead in the Hood Mercantile (a new local grocery, gift, and honey shop featuring only Colorado-made foods and products, located at 1385 Carr Street, Lakewood, CO) for a 2-hour demonstration-style workshop designed to take the mystery out of sourdough baking. Guests will learn the fundamentals of starters, the science behind temperature, seven steps of making a classic sourdough loaf, essential techniques like adding inclusions and more. Homemade treats for snacking during class are provided and drinks are available for purchase from the Mercantile.
Get ready for the ultimate game day with this fun-filled Polidori Rockies Tailgate Package! This package includes a 5-pound box of Polidori grilling sausage, a signature Polidori sausage hat, and four tickets to the Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 6:40p.m.
Whether you’re firing up the grill before heading to Coors Field or enjoying a backyard barbecue, this package has everything you need for a memorable day celebrating two Colorado favorites: baseball and great sausage.
Enjoy a hands-on culinary experience with a gift certificate for a cooking class for two at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Learn new skills, explore your passion for cooking, and enjoy a fun experience alongside a friend or loved one. FIVE HIGHEST BIDDERS WIN!
Fire up the grill or elevate your next meal with a $200 gift card to The Butchery. Known for its premium meats, exceptional quality, and knowledgeable service, The Butchery is a favorite destination for home cooks, grill masters, and food lovers alike. Whether you’re stocking up for a special occasion, planning the perfect backyard barbecue, or simply treating yourself to top-quality ingredients, this gift card gives you the freedom to choose exactly what you’re craving.
Complimentary one-night stay at the Magnolia Hotel in beautiful downtown Denver with a $150 food and drink credit to enjoy at the fabulous onsite restaurant Harry’s.
Pick your Flavor: Pasta or Sushi? A pasta OR sushi making class for 4 at Rōmyō’s Experience Bar, followed by a four-course Kasekai dinner with sommelier wine pairings. Of special note: Because this is a donated experience, please enter it with a sense of generosity, curiosity, and delight.
Eat, drink, be merry, and learn at this private Friulano wine seminar for six led by Frasca Food and Wine Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, with small bites by Osteria Alberico Chef de Cuisine Russell Stippich.
Take home a truly unique bottle from one of America’s most celebrated whiskey makers. This award-winning WhistlePig 10-Year Straight Rye Whiskey is aged for a full decade, bottled at 110 proof, finished with WhistlePig’s signature wax seal, and presented in the brand’s iconic Gold Piggybank decanter that proudly pours from the rear.
A standout addition to any whiskey collection and an unforgettable gift for the rye enthusiast.
Experience the power of live music with two tickets to a performance during the Colorado Symphony’s 2026–2027 season. From timeless classical masterpieces to exciting pops concerts and celebrated guest artists, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening at Denver’s premier performing arts venue. Whether you’re a longtime symphony lover or attending for the first time, this package offers the perfect opportunity to experience world-class music in the heart of downtown Denver.
back in 2026
Dine Out
auction series
The Denver Food + Wine Festival is thrilled to bring back its Dine Out culinary auction series to the 2026 schedule of festival events, featuring an exciting lineup of one-of-a-kind experiences that will go to the highest bidder, all to help raise funds to support the workforce development and employee assistance programming of the Colorado Restaurant Foundation.
These unique experiences range from chef-counter dinners and behind-the-scenes kitchen tours to games of ping pong and wine seminars at some of the best restaurants in Colorado.
Many experiences will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, and other experiences can be scheduled for future dates by the winning bidders.
Our Beneficiaries
Helping the Restaurant Industry Grow
The Colorado Restaurant Foundation’s Angel Relief Fund provides emergency assistance and mental health care grants for Colorado restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality employees facing unanticipated hardship. By supporting the Angel Relief Fund, you offer support to the people at the heart of our restaurant and hospitality community.
The Colorado Restaurant Foundation is dedicated to providing access to the education, skills, and financial means to pursue a successful career in the foodservice and hospitality industries. The Foundation supports the Colorado ProStart® program, scholarships, ServSafe® certifications, and the Angel Relief Fund, which provides emergency assistance grants to help industry employees in need.
