There are many reasons to travel to Park City, Utah, from year-round access to the outdoors and world-class skiing to family-friendly adventures and shopping. Visitors looking to engage with this mountain town on a whole new level will rejoice in the unique food and drink offerings found at every turn. Here, visitors have discovered that the mountains are best experienced with all five senses. Give your taste buds something to write home about with these five remarkable–and delicious–foodie experiences in Park City.
1. Experience a Wine Tasting in Utah's Biggest Cellar
Get started with a celebratory wine tasting at Stein Eriksen Lodge. Couples and groups of friends (up to 20) are welcome to attend a private hour-long tasting with a professional sommelier. With over a million dollars' worth of wine available for your enjoyment, this is proudly recognized as the most extensive wine cellar in Utah. Sip a collection of varietals, enjoy snacking on a decadent charcuterie board, and pepper your sommelier with questions. There could not be a better time to expand your knowledge of wine, no matter your experience. Then, after you have sampled six unique blends, put your taste buds to the test guessing the origin of each glass. Do not forget to dress warmly! The cellar is kept at 13 degrees Celsius for optimal wine storage.
While you're at Stein Eriksen Lodge, you might consider staying for dinner at Glitretind. This award-winning restaurant's name translates to "shimmering mountain" in Norwegian and could not better reflect the views you'll get to enjoy over a hearty three-course meal paired with your wine of choice.
2. Walk, Talk, and Taste the Best of Downtown
Exploring a new city on foot is an enjoyable experience, and it's even better when paired with food! Join a group of like-minded travelers on a walking food tour of Park City. You'll explore the menus and flavors of up to four restaurants with the help of a local guide. For three hours, sample small plates such as coconut-covered shrimp with mango sauce, Tokyo nachos, and hand-made truffles. You will not only come away with new friends, but you'll also learn from your guide about the history of the town—all while unearthing some of its best bites. A special note: the food tours change seasonally, so even if you've sampled with a guide in Park City before, there will be something new to discover on your next journey.
3. Become a Master Gin Distiller
It is trendier than ever to brew beer, but what about spirits? This traveler-friendly option at 350 Main and Alpine Distilling allows you to craft a custom bottle of gin while partaking in a four-course gourmet dinner. Talk about the ultimate time saver! Groups of friends and family aged 21 and over are welcome on this one-of-a-kind dine and distill experience on Historic Main Street. Get started with an introductory lesson from Alpine Distilling, where you'll learn about the unlimited botanicals that can influence the flavor profile of gin, including cinnamon, cucumber, orange peel, juniper, and more. Once you have established your unique concoction, the experts step in to distill a full bottle of your personalized gin while you enjoy a two-hour tasting and dinner experience. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers.
4. Learn About Whiskey and Bourbon over Brunch
For those who prefer to indulge before lunchtime, High West Distillery's tasting and Sunday brunch is the perfect option. From downtown Park City you will board a shuttle bus for the foothills to High West Distillery and Refectory, just 30 minutes away. This portion of the operation opened in 2015 and has already been awarded Distiller of the Year by Whisky Advocate and enjoys notoriety among locals and visitors alike. Take a guided tour of the facility, exploring what goes into making a savor-worthy glass of whiskey or bourbon—from the stainless-steel fermentation tanks to the multi-layered barreling and bottling process. Next comes the tasting portion, where you can sample a flight of up to four whiskeys, including any limited releases that are available during your visit.
After you've worked up an appetite, it's time for brunch! High West Distillery's Sunday brunch features a variety of fruits, cheeses, baked goods, scrambled eggs, ham, and prime rib. Top it all off with a helping of whiskey maple syrup for the perfect finale to a morning well spent.
5. Taste Authentic Mountain Cooking at Firewood
One of the most iconic flavors of the West is woodsmoke, and that's exactly the style of cooking Firewood has embraced. Chef-owner John Murcko has been involved in the success of more than 30 Park City restaurants, but this newest addition brings something novel to the table: meals cooked exclusively over an open flame. Located conveniently on Main Street within walking distance of shopping and entertainment options, Firewood is outfitted with industrial decor that sets the perfect mood after a day spent exploring the surrounding mountains. Downstairs you will find the Nickel Bar, featuring a speakeasy vibe and classic cocktails that go nicely before or after a meal. With a seasonal menu, Firewood offers travelers a true taste of Utah with locally sourced items such as lamb and mountain trout. If you have a penchant for food cooked over an open flame, don't miss this authentic dining sensation in the heart of Park City!