Last night, nestled between the hills of Aspen, we were welcomed into the private residence of Amy and John Phelan for WineCrush—the celebratory pre-ArtCrush party that those in the art world look forward to, presented in collaboration with the Aspen Art Museum, Sotheby’s, J.P.Morgan, W magazine, Audi, and Flexjet. Attended for the gracious hospitality of its hosts, the intimate conversations and atmosphere, the sommelier-presented wine, and the gourmet food, WineCrush began not long after ArtCrush to celebrate the annual benefit in true Aspen style.

This year, the recipient of the Aspen Award for Art, Rashid Johnson, joined other art world insiders like Heidi Zuckerman, Will Cotton, the Haas brothers, Dustin Yellin, Domenico de Sole, Nancy Magoon, Lance Armstrong, Sarah Arison, Tad Smith, June Schoor, Nir Hod, Zoe Crosher, and Marc Dennis for a greenhouse-themed night of champagne, wine, and cocktails inside the Phelan’s art-filled space. There, we got a glimpse into the home collection, featuring pieces by artists like Jeff Koons, Lawrence Weiner, Marilyn Minter, Takashi Murakami, George Nakashima, Jenny Holzer, and Tracey Emin.

After catching up with art patrons, artists, collectors, gallerists, and more, we ventured to the luxurious backyard tent for a world-class meal and wine pairing—presented by a line-up of master sommeliers like Jay Fletcher and Calrton McCoy.

We got a taste of: a lobster roll served on a black bun complemented white corn velouté and pickled watermelon relish, paired with a Leeuwin Estate wine from Australia and a Philippe Colin wine from France; a duck dumpling with Picholine olives and black grapes was paired with an Etienne Guigal wine from France and a d’Arenberg wine from Australia; and a gunpowder-Seared bison with wild greens, braised onion orecchiette and mushrooms and a red wine sauce, paired with a Heitz Cellars wine from Napa and a Château Léoville Poyferré wine from France. Dessert topped off the meal with a chocolate tulip, joined by whipped vanilla panna cotta, Rainier cherries, and rosemary crumble, paired with a Château Suduiraut wine from France and a Far Niente wine from Napa.

After dinner and far into the night, the party floor filled up with dance moves and laughter as guests reeled in yet another memorable WineCrush.

Tad Smith

WineCrush 2018: Aspen’s Pre-ArtCrush Party to Remember