Talent
A curated gathering of the visionaries behind the glass and the plate. Join world-renowned chefs, master vintners, and industry icons as they bring their craft to the heart of the Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
The People Behind the Festival
Steamboat food & Wine Festival brings together a diverse group of culinary leaders, winemakers, sommeliers, and hospitality experts whose work reflects craftsmanship, collaboration, and mentorship. Throughout the festival, these collaborators lead tastings, dinners, and conversations that explore the culture of food, wine, and hospitality from multiple perspectives.
Our Talent
CHEF
Joe Campbell
CHEF
Alberto Collarte Pindar
CHEF
John Courtney
CHEF
Chris Curren
CHEF
William Dissen
SOMMELIER & MIXOLOGIST
Chad Michael George
CHEF
Russell Goodman
SOMMELIER
Patrick Houghton
CHEF
Collin Kelley
WINE EXPERT
Cameron Kraft brings AXR Napa Valley’s luxury wines to life through storytelling, hospitality, and deep wine expertise. With roots in winemaking, viticulture, and sommelier studies, he shares a passion for small-production wines shaped by place, craft, and connection.
SOMMELIER
Jane Ledford
CHEF
Kevin Nashan
vintner
Jeremy Nickel
Jeremy Nickel, founder of The Vineyard House, carries a multigenerational Napa Valley legacy shaped by estate winemaking, collector culture, and stewardship of one of Oakville’s most storied wine properties.
WINE PROFESSIONAL
Charlie Plummer
Charlie Plummer is a Certified Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine, and Global Director of Sales for The Vineyard House. His career spans Hess Collection, Sebastiani, Merryvale, Paul Hobbs, Chateau Montelena, and DANA Estates.
CHEF
Paul C. Reilly
CHEF
Martín Rios
CHEF
Dana Rodriguez
MIXOLOGIST
Dano Sánchez
Mixologist Dano Sánchez, the force behind Baja Roots, opens Rhythm of the Ranch with cocktails along the Elk River. His work leans into agave, citrus, salt, herbs, and the kind of hospitality that sets the tone before the first course reaches the table.
WINEMAKER
Jon Schlegel
CHEF
Jon-Claude JC Stevens
CHEF
Aiden Tibbetts
Aiden Tibbetts is Executive Chef at Wildflower and Michelin Best Young Chef 2025, with training from Johnson & Wales and École Ducasse in Paris and experience at Rioja, Morin, 12 at Madison, Stillwater Grill, and Andrea.
CO-FOUNDER
Sheree Thornsberry is the co-founder of Innumero Wines, driven by a passion for Northern California terroir. After years exploring global wine regions, she left St. Louis to pursue winemaking, blending vision, grit, and artistry to craft exceptional wines beyond measure.
