On an April afternoon two years ago, I stood atop a 10,000-foot plateau at Vail Ski Resort--snow underfoot, clear blue sky overhead, the gorgeous Vail Valley view spread out before me. I wasn't skiing that day. I was attending the Taste of Vail's [2] mountaintop picnic, where I sampled wine from across the nation, enjoyed delectable small plates from Vail restaurants, and mingled with other foodies dressed in colorful winter gear. I couldn't have been happier, which is why I'm heading back to the Taste of Vail this year.

Scheduled for April 5 to 7 (yes, that's Easter weekend), the Taste of Vail has become one of the nation's premiere spring food celebrations. In addition to the mountaintop picnic (you ride the gondola up), signature events [3]include an après-ski lamb cook-off in Vail Village, a Saturday-night grand tasting in the Marriott Ballroom, and an impressive variety of seminars [4], including classes on wine tasting, wine-and-cheese pairing, Riedel wine glasses, and Spanish wine. Several local restaurants also host special wine dinners [5] and cooking demonstrations. And this being Vail, there's plenty of time built into the schedule for you to get a few black diamond runs in.

Tickets [6] for the Taste of Vail are still available, but don't delay: it's a busy weekend, and lodging could be tough to come by.