Since its humble start in a Denver alley in 2008, and a first appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in 2011, urban winery Infinite Monkey Theorem has exploded onto the national scene, expanding with a second location in Austin late last year. Its secret weapon for brand buzz-building? The annual “Wine at the Mine” party, which has our vote for MVP (most valuable party) among a crowded weekend of culinary celebrations.

The party is now in its fifth year, and the IMT crew welcomed more than 800 guests lucky enough to be on the invite-only, ironclad list to the former silver mine on the side of Smuggler Mountain. Shuttles to and from town were provided by a fleet of brand-new Teslas, and Rekya Vodka served up spiked slushies for the short uphill trek to the party site, which even included guided tours into the mine. Denver’s best chefs and bartenders lined the two-tier venue, with gourmet bites from Blackbelly Market, Chop Shop, Seattle Fish Co. & RiNo Yacht Club, Table 6, Abejas, 15B, and Bin707.  In between the unlimited supply of IMT’s selection of wines in a can, guests sipped on beer from Oskar Blues, caffeinated beverages from Allegro Coffee, and speciality cocktails from William Grant & Sons. DJ Ejay rocked the house, and after the sun set, an all-out silent disco commenced with hardly a partier in sight sans glowing WiFi headphones.

IMT winemaker and CEO Ben Parsons reflects, "Once again, the 'Wine At The Mine' party surpassed our expectations. Excellent food, beer, wine, and cocktails.  Great friends and good times. We’ll be back in 2017 for sure."

Here's a taste of the monkey business at the mine, which will likely leave you plotting your way onto the guest list for next year.

(Photos courtesy of Infinite Monkey Theorem)