Lexus is all about ingenuity, innovation, and thoughtful design for human needs. With help from YETI, the brand was able to demonstrate the drive they have to keep up with consumer ambitions at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen—and host a unique event that guests felt honored to attend.

The unique experience began at Hotel Jerome, where 12 Food & Wine Gives Passholders were picked up in the 2022 Lexus LX 600 for an off-road experience to Smith Cabin. With an all-new powertrain and a suite of enhanced off-road technologies, the fourth-generation LX was the perfect vehicle to transport everyone to the luxurious remote destination.

Upon arriving, guests were immediately greeted with hand-crafted cocktails, a curated wine list, and chef-prepared trays of appetizers to sip and snack on while taking in the breathtaking views of Aspen. Local musician Shafer Welch performed songs from a variety of genres and decades while the intimate group mingled.

After settling in, everyone was thrilled to learn there were several special activities planned for the evening. Two professional fly fishing guides taught casting techniques and handmade fly tying skills. They even tied a dozen extra flies, which are realistic looking imitations of insects made using delicate materials like bird feathers and deer hair, for people to take home and practice with. Two professional artists then helped guests paint picturesque mountain scenery and lush trees on miniature canvases while they sipped on wine. Attendees also branded their initials and fun shapes onto western hats, which were proudly worn during an exquisite sit-down dinner prepared by Lexus Culinary Master Stephanie Izard.

The mouthwatering meal, which was designed as an ode to Colorado, began with a tomato and wild boar chorizo salad paired with dips, olives, and fresh bread. Guests could choose between a wild striped bass with Thai sweet and sour sauce, summer sweet corn, and This Little Goat Chili Crunch; a shrimp salad with lime herb dressing and pepita crunch; or a This Little Goat marinated rack of lambs with caramelized onion yogurt for their main course. For dessert, everyone indulged in a stone fruit sorbet with a sweet and savory crunch while sipping on a wild strawberry and mountain mint spritz cocktail.

The special event also granted guests the opportunity to explore a one-of-one Lexus LX 600 customized with a full off-roading kit and all the YETI gear you’d need when exploring the great outdoors. Four YETI Loadout GoBoxes, two Trailhead Chairs, a Tundra cooler, and a shovel were displayed on the roof rack while YETI Wine Tumblers and Ramblers were tucked away in hidden storage spots.