Utah is home to adventure. From world-class ski slopes to otherworldly landscapes, those looking for something ‘more’ do not have to venture far. That is especially true for those near Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley’s premier year-round resort. Tucked beneath its fine linens is a world-class wine cellar that offers private tastings that measure up to the property’s fine-dining options and famed ski runs.For over a decade, Stein Eriksen’s Jim Dahlgren (Certified Sommelier, CMS) and Eliza Perkins (WSET, Level 3) have led guests into the resort’s vast wine cellar that contains a curated and ever-expanding collection of over 20,000 bottles covering 2,200 selections valued at more than $2.75 million. The inventory represents breadth and depth with old and new world regions, varietals and vintages, as well as more youthful and novel ones. Although the collection is one of Utah’s largest, it is focused on meeting the expectations of guests to the resort, whether sipping a California Chardonnay on the patio or pairing a white Burgundy with Glitretind’s lobster soup, one of Perkins’ favorites. Like skiers venturing into the nearby backcountry, the Cellar Tasting is designed to give guests more — to take them beyond what they understand or imagine wine is about.Credit: Courtesy of Stein Eriksen Lodge“Wine is all-encompassing and represents people, agriculture, history, geography, and geology. If you’re interested in any of those things, wine can interest you, and we will help bring the passion,” explains Dahlgren, echoing instructors of the area’s on-mountain pursuits.Like skiing or mountain biking tours, the Cellar Tasting is tailored for novices or experts. Dahlgren and Perkins meet everyone where they are in their oenophilic journey, reminding them that, “Tasting (and smelling) is a personal experience and is so closely tied to our memories. If you smell something prominent that transports you to a time and space in your mind, lean into it.”For more experienced participants, the Cellar Tasting tries to develop participants’ palates by introducing varietals from different regions – or hemispheres – that express what first drew them to their favorite bottle long ago. Perkins explains, “Our palates change over time. If someone is in love with a specific type of wine from a specific place, for example, red blends from the southern Rhone, [they can] try a similar wine from a different place with similar growing conditions, like a red blend from Paso Robles, California.” In skiing terms, those who love skiing laps on Nabob should venture to Hawkeye or Hidden Treasure, not just to expand their carving but their coverage.If wine tasting feels as daunting as tipping skis over Deer Valley’s famed black diamond run, Stein’s Way, Dahlgren and Perkins offer a quick set of questions to make even a beginner feel like an expert.1. What type of climate is this wine from, and how does it affect the style?2. What type of wine pairs with this food, and what characteristics in the wine make it work with that food?3. I don’t like [Cabernet Sauvignon], but I really like [Pinot Noir]. What are some of the characteristics in each so I can learn to describe what I like and don’t like?Although guests may learn a thing or two about wine, the Cellar Tasting is designed to be fun. “It’s always memorable when people get competitive with one other while guessing the wines,” says Dalhgren. “[They] get excited about the wine in front of them and want to learn more. We’ve had a lot of great groups over the years with great energy, from bachelorette parties or birthday parties to business outings.”As Ernest Hemingway declared, “Wine and friends are a good blend.”The Cellar Tasting is a ‘blind tasting’ — the wines are revealed after each is swirled, smelled, and tasted — consisting of six different wines that are customized by the sommeliers to the participants’ preferences if requested. It is conducted in the intimacy of the climate-controlled cellar in the lower level of the resort. However, particularly in summer, it can be hosted on the deck overlooking the Lodge’s breathtaking mountain views.Credit: Courtesy of Stein Eriksen LodgePrices for the Cellar Tasting start at $150 per person, depending on the wine choice and group size and include a sharable charcuterie board with meats and cheeses paired with the selected wines.The Cellar Tasting is not limited to guests of Stein Eriksen but must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance. Tastings are scheduled at 4-5 pm daily and last approximately one hour. The Cellar Tasting table can accommodate individuals or groups of up to twelve people, all of whom must be 21 or older. Those under 21 cannot be present at the tasting or in the cellar at any time. Larger groups can be hosted in banquet spaces on the property. The Cellar Tasting is ADA-accessible. For reservations or inquiries, contact the hotel at 435-645-6455. See more in the 2024/25 Winter Adventure Guide magazine.The post From Summit to Cellar appeared first on Park Record.