Alpino Vino: Even More Heavenly Than Lunch I had lunch at this heavenly high altitude delicious mountain ski-in restaurant 4 out of 5 days. The fixed prix dinner feast was even more heavenly despite having imbibed 4 margaritas before the 5:45 pm arrival; and I drink very little if any daily. This very special experience starts when you are picked up by the gondola at Mountain Village by a decked out snow track. The relatively smooth ride up takes about 20 minutes - just enough time to get acquainted with the other about ten guests who were extremely nice and interesting. The food with wine pairings for each course was delicious and the service impeccable. The ride down seemed shorter. Due to the 9 glasses of cocktails and wine, my trip back to the right room was a little shaky. But this incredible culinary experience made the expected hangover worth it. I hope to be back next year, this time having learned my lesson. read more

I noticed Alpino Vino on the way down the slope and immediately wanted to make sure we stopped in and had lunch or cocktails as it looked like it would be a must do experience. I couldn't jump back on the lifts fast enough to head back up and check it out. It was a little before noon and the hostess said everything was booked for the day but she could put us in the list for a 2:00pm inside table should something open up. I asked about outside and she said no chance, it was already booked and everyone shows up so inside was our only choice. Five minutes later, my friend came down the hill not realizing I had already been there and asked about 2:00pm seating outside and she told him it was booked but people no show all the time so just be there before 2:00 and chances were she could seat him. Hmmmm. Anyhow, we show up for 2:00pm seating and asked about an outside table and she said it was all booked but could sit us inside. We were brought inside to a nice table by the window. The restaurant was empty except for 1 person at the fireside table and a table of 4 that were on the way out. Inside was decorated very cute, rustic. Each chair had a nice blanket available if needed. Our server Marissa was very nice and prompt. Marissa asked us if we wanted still or sparkling water, we asked for still. We looked at the wines by the glass menu and ordered two glasses of the sparkling Rose Pinot Noir. $24. This was actually delicious. We decided to split the Alpino Vino Signature Grilled Cheese Sandwich with the Organic Tomato Gorgonzola Soup. $32. We also ordered an extra tomato soup since we split the sandwich. The grill cheese sandwich was lacking cheese but had plenty of pesto, arugula and tomato. The tomato soup was served cold and no taste of the Gorgonzola. A big dash of oil on top. The food was a definite miss. When the bill arrived, we also noticed a $10 charge for the still water. Had we been informed we would be charged for still water we wouldn't have ordered it. We had our own with us if we had known. The water price is not stated on the menu. There is also a 5% culinary service charge added to all checks and $6 to split the sandwich. This is notated in the bottom of the menu. So, while it is a cool location and beautiful views if you are privileged enough to sit outside, the food was a definite miss and the extra charges were petty. I will say we saw the charcuterie board pass by and it looked delicious. Marissa was nice but could have informed us of the $10 for a couple of glasses of water. Go for the views and a glass of vino or bubbles if you can sit outside. read more

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What an amazing spot. A friend of mine recommended this and it is an experience every tourist should have if visiting this ski resort. The food was fantastic and wine selection is crazy impressive given that it's on a mountain. The building itself is really small but adds to the fine dining experience. Obviously the service is amazing because you're paying for it. I'd come back if I ski here again. read more

I would say this is an easy 5 star restaurant. The service was fantastic. We sat down in a great spot for a party of 6 with incredible views. The food too was delicious. Mouth watering sandwhichs and great tasting tomato soup. read more

Alpino Vino - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

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Worth every penny!!! I have been coming to Telluride for many years, not sure how I never visited this place! Zero negatives - except it is first come first serve. The wine and the food, right off the slopes with a warm fire. I wish I could have that experience every day of skiing. read more

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One of my favorite places in Colorado! High elevation fine dining with a delightful wine list, excellent service, and delicious food! And the views and atmosphere are incomparable. I have fond memories of drinking bubbly in a blizzard here, but today's weather was warm and sunny. My go is the waygu grilled cheese with tomato soup, chef's kiss. Ski-in-ski out for lunch, or you could also reserve a snowcat ride up there for dinner. read more

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Such a unique experience and food was great! We liked it better than Allred's during our ski trip to Telluride!

This was probably one of the best meals we've ever had. Definitely the best meal we've had on a ski mountain. We stopped in for lunch on our wedding anniversary and had such a tasty lunch paired with really nice wines. The atmosphere was very charming with blankets on the chairs to keep us warm and a nice fireplace. The server was fantastic and the gentleman that greeted us at the door was Super friendly and helpful. We recommend you get there when they open or have a dinner reservation, especially if it's snowing. read more

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This restaurant is one that I look forward to every time I ski at Telluride. You have to get there early to book a reservation and it's worth it! Their tomato Gorgonzola soup is out of this world! I loathe Gorgonzola cheese but this soup, I dream about. It's THAT good! Inside, it's cozy with lots of hooks to hang your gear as well as a fireplace to warm you. The outside seating offers amazing views of the mountains with fur covered seats. You really can't go wrong with anything here. I got the sandwich and soup combo and could easily eat this for lunch every single day of my life and be so happy. Their hot chocolate was the perfect dessert. We even got to witness a proposal while here! All the feels! read more

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A truly once in a lifetime dining experience I have had lunch there many times but the all inclusive dinner was the next level So glad I spent lots of hard earned money on the evening spectacular scenery food wine and service read more

Great charcuterie board such wonderful meats and cheese and all then accompaniments Tom was a wonderful server and we also have to give a shout out to Kevin his coworker The building is perfect for a top of the ski lift with cozy throws on the chairs inside and out Perfect deck if it's a nice day Forgot to take a pic of the charcuterie board but it was epic Next time We might get a panini and soup as it looked pretty epic read more

Alpino Vino - Inside - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

Despite the hefty price tags, we picked this restaurant over Allred, another highly rated restaurant in Telluride, during our ski trip. Enjoyed the excellent views ,experience , & service. However, the price-fixe -4 course menu was below average. What annoyed us most about was that the 20% tips were already included in the bill but the servers were "encouraging " us to add the additional tips as if they wouldn't be paid for unless we added the additional tips on top of the 20% of the total bills. When we questioned about it , they clarified it but it was not explained to others ( we overheard it) in that way. The Website describes it as they were the highest elevation restaurant in North America at 11,966ft( not verifiable) & that they were one of the top 100-must -try restaurants in the world. As a one time experience dining at the " highest elevation restaurant " on a snowy night sounded pretty cool but , in my opinion, it's nothing but a tourist trap, (including ourselves being sucked into it ). They should do better with improving the quality of the food : after one bite of the main dish- overcooked/dry fish wrapped in the cabbage, was too bland, tasteless that I couldn't eat another bite. Their wine selection was pretty good , however, & the sommeliers were knowledgeable. Overall, three star. read more

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Obviously, the food was delicious, but the service is on a level of no other. As a Destination wedding photographer for 23 years full-time, I've met lots of staff. None as caring about each individual in the wedding party and myself as this group. I had a very difficult 30 minutes because the altitude as this was my first day in town. They went beyond there normal expected services to care for me and help me. One guy made a drink with electrolytes and others gave me specific food to help. The entire wedding party on the way back to the hotel kept talking about the food and how great the service was with their own stories. read more

Such an amazing authentic experience in Telluride! They pick you up at the San Sophia Gondola station and drive you up the mountain in the snowcat for about 15-20min to the restaurant. We were on the 530 time slot and got to see a beautiful sunset on the way up the mountain! When we arrived we were greeted with a glass of Prosecco and told to go inside to find our seat. We were greeted and given the tasting menu for the night and asked what options we would like for the entree and dessert, and if we wanted the wine pairing. We definitely accepted on the wine pairing because why not!!! For the starter, it was a delicious squash soup with a pickled ginger toile on top. The pasta course was a mushroom stuffed pasta with a white cheese sauce which was to die for! For the entree, there was a choice of a bison ribeye or seared sea bass! The bison was my favorite of the two but mainly because of the delicious Barolo wine pairing! For dessert, there was a choice between deconstructed tiramisu or a cheese plate. Both were delicious! To top it all off, we had two members of our party that couldn't make it last minute due to feeling dizzy at altitude. They still charged the cancellation fee, but gave us food to go to take them home! I would 100% recommend this experience to any couple looking for a fun romantic night! read more

Alpino Vino - Bison Ribeye - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

Average restaurant 3.6/5 stars. Service was friendly and fast. Came on a weekday at 11am without any wait. It can get busy on the weekends with a long wait. It is slopeside with great views. 1. Tomato gorgonzola soup - Smaller side bowl but very flavorful. Strong tomato taste and you don't taste the cheese as much. 2. Alpino salad - Medium size salad. Good mix of cheese, walnuts, and grapes with a fruity dressing. Overall a good slopeside restaurant for lunch. It will be pricier than usual due to location. read more

Alpino Vino - Alpino salad - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

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I would say this is an easy 5 star restaurant. The service was fantastic. We sat down in a great spot for a party of 6 with incredible views. The food too was just delicious. Mouth watering sandwhichs and great tasting tomato soup. read more

Alpino Vino - a sandwich and a bowl of soup - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

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Alpino It's a must try when on the mountain skiing ! We got there at the end of the day (2:30) and they were no longer seating anyone so as to prepare for dinner. The maitre d' was kind enough seat us but food would not be an option. That was fine w me , I only wanted wine anyway ! The Somm was excellent, friendly, and personable. (Wish I could remember his name him but cannot recall! ) He informed us all about the fine dining experience which we will definitely book for next year! Oh that view at 11, 960 feet elevation is an experience in and of itself! read more

Alpino Vino - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

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Service is 5 star. Great staff. Get there before 10:45 to ensure you get on the list for seating that day. Expensive, but unique dining experience. read more

Alpino Vino - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

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A feeling of European skiing here in Colorado. A must stop (get there by 10:45 if you want a table); delicious food, great atmosphere accompanied by large wine selection. read more

What an experience! We had such a wonderful time at Alpino Vino. If you're looking for a unique place to enjoy top quality food and wine in the Telluride area, this is it! I highly recommend choosing the 5:30 seating so you can enjoy the scenery and sunset on the way up the mountain. For me being a nervous nelly, I will say the ride was slightly terrifying - but it was so worth it and our driver safely navigated the slopes with ease. If you're like me, hang on and try to enjoy the ride - you'll be glad you did! We were there on a special evening that included a Tuscan wine pairing. The wine and food brought us back to beautiful memories of Italy. They also accommodated my celiac disease wonderfully with gluten free bread and pasta that was to die for. It's such an intimate atmosphere inside the little chalet on the mountain, and it's fun to dine with your group all evening. We all enjoyed the company and even had an impromptu singalong on the way down after dinner! Do be prepared for the restrooms - you have to go outside and down the hill a little bit, which can be tricky in the snow if you're not wearing the right shoes. It all kind of adds to the charm though, and if you do use the facilities make sure to take a moment to look up at the stars on your way back. Yet another incredible Telluride view. We can't wait to return to Alpino Vino on our next visit! read more

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Alpino Vino is TOPs for views and pretension. Get ready to be cut down to size when you give your name and ask how long for a reso - depending upon variables way outside your control (certainly not your time of arrival) you will be allocated a seating time, which is more a suggestion than a reservation. The servers are nice/friendly, the food is delicious (but served luke warm), the ambience terrific... just ask for a little less attitude from the gatekeeper, he knows he rules the roost and is the only game in town... so check your ego at the ski rack and get in line. read more

First off the setting of the restaurant is magnificent. There's a little indoor hut and an outdoor patio. Amazing views, a wood fire and tons of ambience... the setting really feels like you're at one of the many little restaurants that are everywhere high in the Alps. The wines are also excellent. We only had a glass or two due to the high altitude - champagne (a little flat due to the elevation perhaps) and the 2015 Brunelleschi di Montalcino. Very good wine. The charcuterie plate was also excellent. A little stingy on the truffle honey but otherwise all good stuff. Now for the bad: 1. Both pastas (we had carbonara and bolognese) came out lukewarm and were seriously underwhelming. Maybe this is a function of altitude but the carbonara was just swimming in butter (the sauce didn't hold together properly) and the bolognese was like something I'd cook when I'm angry at my wife. 2. The process to make a reservation is arcane - you have to wait in line starting at 10:30, then the first diners are allowed in while anyone who wants a later table is kept waiting to put their name on the list. 3. You can't get any water while you wait for a table. I was incredibly thirsty and ate a nice snowball from the fresh Colorado powder. The owners do a superb business taking money from visitors!while serving good-average food and I commend them for doing such a great job of that. (Lunch for three was $300) read more

We dined at Alpino Vino for dinner on 3/6 and had a pretty negative experience. I don't usually write negative reviews but I wish I had known this was the experience before we blew almost a thousand dollars on dinner for two, so feel it is worth sharing. Booking was clunky -- I had to call multiple times before getting a call back, my credit card info was misplaced so had to provide again weeks later, and they forgot to put us on the waitlist for an earlier time (we did eventually get into the earlier seating). We asked for dairy free for my husband, and somehow the kitchen did not get the memo. He could not eat the second course at all (ricotta stuffed ravioli) and had to pick around dairy in the other courses. I am pregnant, so I also asked if I could do my dinner without a wine pairing, which I was told was still the same price but I could just not have it poured. When we arrived, they continuously poured me full cups of wine and I had to repeatedly tell each server (four times) I was pregnant. We wasted a lot of wine. Originally the menu handed to us said Bison Tenderloin, but after we all placed our orders they came back to let us know it was actually wild boar (had they not talked to the chef that day?) The bread was stale and dry (and looked/tasted like it came from the grocery store). The ravioli was also undercooked. The portion sizes were absolutely tiny -- the sizes were appropriate for a 14 course tasting menu, not 4. Our wild boar entree had about 1oz of cooked meat (not an exaggeration). We left starving (especially my husband who was unable to eat 1 of the 4 courses) and ate chicken tenders from our freezer when we got home. I might have accepted all this if weren't for the outrageous pricing. After tax, a "culinary fee", and extra tip we felt pressured to leave, our total for two people came out to over $900. That is the single worst value-for-money dining experience of my life. As for positives -- views are gorgeous, staff was friendly, cabin atmosphere was unique and cozy, and wines were excellent (according to my husband). read more

Setting: 11:00 am on New Years Eve, party of four, outside patio (corner seat!) Vibe: Upscale, gorgeous views unlike anywhere, off of lift 14 (easiest way there blue level). GET THERE EARLY! We wanted the corner seat on the patio so we got there maybe 35 minutes before opening and there was only one party of two in front of us. Right at 30 minutes before opening maybe 12 people were behind us in line, and by the time they opened they were already beginning the 2-hour waiting list. Food: Ah-mazing. We got the meat/cheese board to start, I got the special of the day (eggplant parm) which came with either the tomato soup or the salad. I got the salad and it was fresh and light, perfect complement to the eggplant parm which was a good ratio of substantial amount of eggplant to cheese/breading. Drinks: We got an amazing bottle of wine (not sure which -definitely a Brunello) recommended by our server, they have a huge selection though so go with what your server recommends! Bottom line: If you aren't on a budget, this is a must do in Telluride in my opinion. It's a surreal experience dining up with the beautiful views. Feels very lavish in just the right way. read more

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This is the coolest spot to stop by at for lunch on the slopes!!! Also the highest elevation restaurant in all of North America which is pretty cool. It's off of lift 14. It's a small spot with a few indoor and a few outdoor tables. Usually somewhat busy, but you can get your name down with an approximate wait... while you wait, just do a few more ski runs. The menu has plenty of Italian appetizers and wine options - but best of all - a variety of sandwiches that you should 100% get with a tomato soup (comes with a side of soup or salad... definitely get a soup to warm your tummy!!) All of the sandwiches are amazing... Service is pretty quick. Everything about this place is charming and delicious - can't wait for my next visit! read more

Alpino Vino - Highest elevation restaurant! - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

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Decided to try out Alpino Vino for dinner just for the experience. Firstly, the service was amazing. You don't get to have a snowmobile to drive you up the mountain every day! We first had to the gondola to get on the snowmobile. The restaurant's host was warming and welcoming. Now why three stars? I thought the food was mediocre at best specially for what you are paying. The main dish came out cold which might be due to the fact they were trying to serve 16 people all at once and the kitchen couldn't handle it. I also thought the portions were toward the smaller size. So if you come here starving like me, you won't feel full at the end. Finally, the dining experience was a very lengthy stay which lasted around 3 hours for five dishes. Our reservation is at 6pm so I had the expectations we will be done by 8pm but you actually head to the meeting point around 9:30pm. All places are closed at that time to grab a second dinner. A caveat is that we don't drink, so it might not feel too long or a bit pricy if you take advantage of the alcoholic drinks included. read more

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I had lunch here recently. I got the tagliatelle bolognese. It was terrible - we had frozen lasagna from the market night before and that was preferable. There was way too much sauce, the noodles were short, texture was gummy and mushy... and it cost $32. I sent it back and got the grilled cheese instead, which was delicious. Got the bill, and was still charged $8 for the sent back food. read more

Alpino Vino - Tagliatelle bolognese ...soupy, mushy, gummy...avoid the pasta - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

I was up at 12000 feet and it was time for lunch. I was seated immediately by the wonderful hostess. I decided to try the fine cured meats platter ($21) with a glass of Italian wine ($22 Tua Rita). The meats included prosciutto and 2 types of salami with mustard, olive oil and breads. They were generous portions and quite satisfying and delicious. Service by Oulli was impeccable and I thoroughly enjoyed this nice light snack before hitting the slopes again. read more

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Manager is rude. (Chubby guy / reddish beard / goofy hat) We approached him for seating arrangements and he was very aggressive and rude with us. We are visiting and didn't know his seating rules and didn't appreciate his attitude while "schooling us" on the ways of this business. Complete turn off so our group of 15 was happy to spend our money elsewhere. read more

One of my happiest places on earth! Nestled on the mountain at nearly 12,000 feet, is a little slice of heaven! Alpino Vino, quite possibly the highest altitude wine bar in the world, is conveniently located atop the mountains of Telluride Ski Resort. So buckle, snap, clip, ski, shred...it's soooo worth it! Alpino Vino, has the feel of a cozy chalet, with pillow-lined bench seating and reclaimed wine barrel tables all surrounded by the warmth of a crackling fireplace. Making its highly anticipated debut in 2009, Alpino Vino, features an extensive list of renowned wines to order by the glass or bottle, as well as a number of wine flights. Their menu offers European-style delicacies, such as antipasti, an array of imported cheeses, assorted olives, grilled Italian Panini's and soups served in these cute miniature copper pots! But the experience doesn't stop there...step outside, grab a seat on the three-tier deck and take in some amazing views! On a clear day, you really can See Forever! read more

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This is the best on-mountain dining experience I've had in the USA. What a surprise to stumble upon a quaint little stone house restaurant serving legit Italian at 12,000ft. Chef Nico is talented and personable. I want to eat there every day, skiing or not! The wine list is stellar. The pasta special (we had a papardelle with lamb) sublime. The grilled cheese and soup is incredible satisfying. Don't miss the charcuterie and caprese! Lastly, the pricing is INCREDIBLY reasonable. Most resorts charge you $15-20 for a crappy cafeteria burger. Here you can have $22-28 pasta that is prepared by a talented chef in the sky. It's a steal! read more

Alpino Vino - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

Telluride's answer to the Cliff House Restaurant at Stowe and Chez Vrony in Zermatt. Superb. Outstanding. Some folks complain about the price but, frankly, you get what you pay for. I didn't come here to experience a run-of-the-mill restaurant. I came here to get exclusivity in food, superb service, spectacular views and an unparalleled experience. And I got it. So it was well worth it. Location, location, location. The bread is exquisite, and it came together with the succulent appetizer of cured meats we ordered, along with both premium wines and an absolutely delightful plate of fine cheeses and fruit compote. We had saved room for the succulent sandwich and tomato soup with gorgonzola. Divine. Getting here for lunch, it is advisable to arrive in the early side, as they don't take reservations and as we arrived before noon, we were seated in our preference. Within forty five minutes, the place was mobbed with people waiting outside the facility. One of the best alpine restaurants ever. Come and splurge. read more

Alpino Vino - Antipasto. - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

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Really cool lunch experience! We got here at around 1052 and were the third party in line. It was a cold cloudy day so most of us sat inside. The grilled cheese and tomato soup was so good. My fiancé got the wagyu sandwich and really liked it too. Most food on the slopes is slightly expensive so we were willing to pay a little extra for good quality and the experience read more

Great ski in experience! Delicious cheese platter and glass of wine at almost 12 000' plus good service-5 stars without hesitation! read more

Alpino Vino - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

I am truly disheartened to even have to write a review such as this but I truly feel it needs to be voiced. My family and I were so excited to eat at this restaurant for our last night in Telluride. We eat all over the world and enjoy food, wine and eating at unique and beautiful places. However, upon arrival for our pick up time for the snowcat, we were RUDELY told we missed it by the girl at the front desk. When we tried to understand the confusion, the woman kept rudely repeating we missed the 5:30 pick up time and there isn't another one. Confused, my mother said that our dinner confirmation was for 6, and the directions said to arrive 15 minutes beforehand to catch the snowcat, making it a 5:45 pick up time. The woman argued with my mom, claiming that doesn't happen because there aren't reservations for that time and the time for the snowcat is strictly 5:30. Repeatedly and rudely she argued with my mom with an initial attitude. So, to show her proof, my mom pulled up the email that stated 5:45 pickup time. The woman then became friendlier after realizing we didn't make a mistake and called the snowcat to come get us. However, she kept implying we were "lucky" the snowcat is coming back because usually it doesn't do that. Well, I don't think we were "lucky", we paid for a service and would Hope they would uphold it even though they made a mistake with our pickup time. Saying we are lucky implies we were at fault and were lucky it's coming back to retrieve us. Upon arrival at the restaurant, we were rudely greeted by a smug sommelier who I am choosing to leave nameless because my mother already had words with him after our horrible dinner. As we sat, we were informed we need to quickly get our dinners in because the other people were waiting on us. The tone and disrespectful attitude rubbed me the wrong way, with comments making it seem like this mixup was OUR fault and now we had to rush, so I began talking to my brother and fiancé how I will not be rushed during my dinner due to someone else's mistake-- not ours. I wanted to enjoy the experience and not feel "badly or guilty" for a mistake that wasn't my family's fault. The sommelier overheard, and decided to insert himself into the conversation stating "usually the snowcat doesn't go back for anyone so it's special that he did. We need orders in because you're late to the time and everyone needs to leave together". Whoa whoa whoa. Special? We paid for a service and shouldn't be treated as if we made the mistake in the first place or was late to our time. We were given incorrect information so how is it "special" it went back for us? I feel like that is 100% normal to correct a mistake that was made on THEIR end not ours. Then to insinuate we had to rush in order to leave with everyone instead of politely greeting us and apologizing for the mix up, we felt totally unwelcome, rushed, and as if we were a bother. I even told him "listen, this is not our fault. We were told 5:45 pick up" he rudely barked back at me, making excuses and had a serious attitude in his voice. It's hard to describe in words how much of a smug attitude and tone the sommelier had with us but it was so evident to the point each and every one of us said we will NEVER return if he is working there. His actual word choices might not sound as harsh reading this, but trust me when I say it was awful to sit through. After dinner, my mom had words with him, explained how unwelcome we felt, how rude his tone and word choices were with us and how we didn't appreciate being treated this way as if we made a mistake, when we did not! Then he ended with " I can keep apologizing but I doubt it will make a difference" to my mother! That's the kind of smug attitude, disrespect and lack of hospitality/customer service I am talking about with this man. Absolutely disgraceful. The food was great but unfortunately the attitude and lack of customer service will not be tolerated in my family. We were raised to treat people with kindness and generosity. We will never return after being treated this way. read more

Awesome food and can't beat the view

My favorite place for lunch on the slopes. Expensive but worth it. Sit outside under blankets and a heater and you'll be happy you did! Delicious tomato soup and French cheese plate style food. I have to come here every trip I make to ski!! read more

Alpino Vino - Tomato soup - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

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Came here for dinner and the truth is...if your visiting Telluride for the first time-you have to go. I mean, its the highest restaurant in the country, you take a snow cat to the get there, and the restaurant itself is beyond adorable. Of course all of this comes with a price! Food was nothing impressive for what you pay, to say the least. Other restaurants in Telluride absolutely destroyed this one in a taste-test...but the fact remains, you have to go! Expect to pay for the experience..not the food! Glad we went for my boyfriend/s 30th birthday as it was a special occasion, but will not be back! read more

Alpino Vino - Best seat in the house!!!! - Italian Near Me - Telluride, Colorado

My initial review was removed so I'm going to post it again. It's important to know what you're getting when you spend hundreds of dollars per person on a meal. I was here in March with my husband and we were thrilled to learn that there was a 'last minute' opening at Alpino Vino for dinner. We arrived at the location of check in and we approached a woman at a desk with a computer who did not even look up or make eye contact with us. We arrived early and were told to wait until the appropriate check in time. Which we did. We sat and waited and had a wonderful conversation with the Cat driver, which by far was our most memorable experience of the entire evening. After the ride up the mountain, we were thrilled to be offered a glass of bubbly and excited to see the warm, inviting space we were about to dine in. I can't speak to lunch- I hear the charcuterie board is fabulous along with the epic views from the porch. But I promise you, dinner was, hands down, the absolute worst meal I have ever had in my life. I don't know what's going on in that kitchen but everything from the tasteless tuna carpaccio to the gummy gnocchi was an absolute disaster, never mind that the wine they automatically poured into our glasses was an expensive add on that no one even asked if we wanted. Take caution here. The staff seems completely disconnected from a true fine dining experience. read more

This lunch review is a combination of 5 stars for the view and ambience and 2 stars for food/value. Perched at 12,000 ft, Alpino Vino offers amazing views of Telluride's grand peaks as North America's highest restaurant. There are nice touches like heat lamps, faux fur blankets, and free sunglasses for patrons sitting outside. The food on the other hand was underwhelming and pricey. We had the special of the day, spaghetti bolgonese (small portion, $32), that could have used some more flavor, and turkey panini and tomato gorganzola soup ($25) that was just fine. If we come back again we'll skip lunch and go for an afternoon wine and cheese plate to take in the views. read more

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