Thirst -- September-October, 2023

SPOTLIGHT ON WINE GROWING INDUSTRY SPREADS STATEWIDE

TEES WITH A VIEW

STUNNING WESTERN SLOPE GOLF COURSES

LIBATIONS BEYOND &

The sun is shining brighter on the state’s wineries

It’s no longer a secret that Colorado’s wine scene is making a splash. To be more specific, the ever-improving fruit of the vine is garnering the attention it has earned.

People nationwide have flocked to the state to take advantage of the burgeoning food, beer and music scene. Now, wine is having the same effect. In addition to sommeliers who bring plenty of expertise to the area, grape growers and winemakers have made their way to wine country at elevation, paving the way for creative juices to flow.

Regional road-trippers already knew what the readers of USA Today recently found out. The media company named part of the Western Slope the No. 3 Best Wine Region in the country (Paso Robles and Temecula Valley in California were 1 and 2, respectively). The annual list is definitely used for bragging rights and the Grand Valley near Grand Junction gets to steal the thunder this year.

The Grand Valley includes 35 wineries, and more importantly, a group of enthusiasts who have taken the time to discover the best grapes to grow at a high altitude with little humidity, and during a relatively short growing season. Throw in some science, the blessing of Mother Nature and a good dose of never-say-die persistence and one ends up with wine that competes for medals. Colorado has arrived.

Keep reading and our writers will lead you to the folks who are making impressions on aficionados. Although the grapes are grown in western Colorado, great wine is being made along the Front Range as well.

You will also learn about a brewery near DIA, and some incredible golf courses in Durango and along the Western Slope. And when you visit that area, we have some ideas for great restaurants to try.

For those who haven’t been to Fairplay recently, it’s become much more than a stop for gas. Keep reading and find out how and why.

I hope you enjoy this issue and please make a positive impact on the world around you!

Joe Ross Associate Pubisher and Editor

Publisher Paul Johnson paul@thirstcolorado.com

Associate Publisher & Editor Joe Ross joe@thirstcolorado.com

Sales

Rebel Becker

Jessica Levin

Julie Van Hoek

Christine Werner

Design & Layout

Sandy Birkey Stacey Krull

President & Founder Emeritus

Wilbur E. Flachman

Digital & Marketing Manager

Steve Graham

Contributors

Emily Baker, Kyle Kirves, Kristen Kuchar, Jay McKinney, Eric Peterson

Marketing Intern Katie Heaverlo

For advertising and editorial information, please contact Joe Ross at 303.428.9529 or email joe@thirstcolorado.com

Proud member of the Colorado Brewers Guild

Thirst Colorado is produced by The Publishing House, a division of Colorado Word Works, Inc. The Publishing House also produces Colorado’s Performing Arts Publications, serving arts venues along the Front Range. 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, Colorado 80030 303.428.9529

Drink up life in large amounts, but restrict your alcohol consumption. We do not endorse or support excessive drinking.

EMILY BAKER

Emily Baker is a Denver native and lifelong resident of the metro area. With a background in classics and education, she has been a writer for most of her life, including multiple online and print publications. In her spare time, she can be found hiking with her dogs, riding horses, frequenting independent bookstores, and exploring the restaurant and brewery scene. When not writing professionally, she spends time working on her own novel.

KATIE HEAVERLO

Katie Heaverlo grew up in Norwalk, a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa. She is currently double majoring in public relations and graphic design at Wartburg College. She spent the summer in Denver while interning at The Publishing House. She spent her time publishing stories, designing websites, posting on social media, and attending events in the metro area. In her free time, Katie enjoys lifting weights, running, riding her bike, hiking, reading and traveling.

KRISTEN KUCHAR

Kristen Kuchar has written about travel and the beverage industry for 15 years in a variety of national and local publications. For Thirst, she primarily covers food, wine, cider, beer and other beverages. She has contributed to VinePair, Zymurgy, The Beer Connoisseur, Craftbeer.com, Beer Advocate, Brew Your Own, All About Beer, DRAFT and dozens more. Currently, she is a Certified Cicerone Beer Server and has a Level 1 Wine Certification with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and she continues to pursue further wine and beverage education.

KYLE KIRVES

Kyle Kirves prefers “man of letters” to “English Major” when responding to questions about his degrees from Ohio University and the University of Dayton. Writing professionally since 1992, he’s primarily covered people, places, and events in the arts, craft culture, and leisure communities, most recently for Arts Enthusiast, the Longmont Downtown Development Authority, ArtsLongmont, and, of course, Thirst Colorado. He is an avid road/trail runner, amateur historian, passable guitar player, lousy fly-fisherman, and devotee of 1950’s and 60’s jazz, especially Miles. He lives in Longmont, with his wife, artist Joanne Kirves, and has two children, Nate and Nora. When he sleeps, he dreams of meatball sandwiches and cold craft beer.

JAY MCKINNEY

Jay McKinney is a Colorado native who grew up south of Denver in Sedalia. In 2020, he graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications and shortly after, he began contributing to Thirst Colorado. He is passionate about promoting the Colorado lifestyle and the independent craft businesses that make the state a magnet for creative people. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

ERIC PETERSON

Eric Peterson is a freelance writer who covers travel, business, and real estate as well as Colorado’s craft beverage industry. In his spare time, he likes to create hard listening music, oddball art and psychedelic videos. Eric lives in Denver with his wife, Jamie, and their faithful mutts, Aoife and Ogma.

Photos courtesy of AmaWaterways

OLD WORLD MEETS NEW WORLD Palisade wines featured in Bordeaux River Cruise

By Emily Baker

One might not think that a Bordeaux-style wine could be made outside the French region of the same name. However, three local wineries have gathered enough acclaim for their product to be featured on the new AmaWaterways Taste of Bordeaux River Cruise.

The cruise is a 7-day experience through the Bordeaux region, including stops at local vineyards and wine cellars, a historic chateaux, and even an exclusive wine festival in Bourg. Aboard the cruise, guests can enjoy food and wine pairings including wine from Bordeaux itself and Colorado’s own Bordeaux-style blends. What makes a Bordeaux-style blend? The key is a blended red wine including at least three of the four Bordeaux wines: a cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, or cabernet franc. While the term “Bordeaux” is akin to “Champagne” and can only describe a wine produced in the French region, a Bordeaux-style blend can be produced around the world, including Colorado.

Palisade wineries Vines 79, Red Fox Cellars, and Restoration Vineyards were chosen to be served on the cruise for their highly lauded Bordeaux-style wines. “The goal is for guests to be able to understand the difference between old world and new world wines, and to be able to sample and enjoy both,” says cruise creator and travel specialist Sarah Steele. A native of Palisade, Steele has long been passionate about promoting the region’s beauty andoften overlooked - winemaking prowess.

Vines 79 is known for delicious red blends and Wild Westthemed wines, like the Cowboy Cab and Outlaw Red. “I always knew I wanted to create a winery that was a little different from everyone else’s,” says Vines 79 owner Juliann Adams. Having her wines chosen to be compared to French Bordeaux-style blends is very intimidating, she says, but also “a one-in-a-million experience.”

Red Fox Cellars specializes in Italian-style wines, but they are also known for their avant-garde bourbon-barrel-aged wine and their Bordeaux-style blend that was chosen for the cruise. It’s no

wonder they were chosen to be included in the cruise: “Our best seller by far is the Bordeaux,” says Red Fox founder Scott Hamilton.

The third Palisade winery to be served on the cruise is Restoration Vineyards, run by owner Linda Brauns. Restoration has a passion for, as the name would suggest, restoration projects, ranging from vintage cars to vineyards that needed replanting after Brauns purchased the property in 2012

Cruise creator Steele says she is looking forward to the trip and representing both Colorado and women in wineries.

“It’s important to me to promote female winemakers, and Linda and Juliann are some of the best,” Steele said. “I love the artisanal feel of Palisade wineries. They’re still run with love and passion and a desire to make a really good product.”

The cruise might begin to put Palisade wine on the international stage.

Emily Baker is a Denver native and lifelong resident of Colorado. In her spare time you can find her reading, riding horses, hiking with her two dogs, and working on her novel.

WINE CRUISE WILL HAVE EXCELLENT REPRESENTATION

Jenne Baldwin-Eaton will make sure Colorado is well represented as a host of the Bordeaux cruise.

Baldwin-Eaton became rooted in the wine world when she was hired as the chemist for Plum Creek Cellars in Palisade in 1994. She has always seen the beauty of combining science, terroir and art to craft excellent wines.

After more than 20 years of honing her skills on the Western Slope, she took her experience to the classroom in order to help others understand the true art of winemaking.

She developed the first viticulture and enology program at Western Colorado Community College, a division of Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. She spent six years helping young minds understand the industry. Although she is no longer teaching officially, Baldwin-Eaton is a friend and consultant to many grape growers and winemakers.

For the owners at Vines 79, Red Fox Vineyards and Restoration Vineyards, the three wineries represented on the Bordeaux cruise, a champion of the up-and-coming Colorado industry will be pushing their fine products.

Rooms are still available for the cruise, setting sail March 21-28, 2024. For more information or to book a room, check out wineadventureswithsarah.com.

Photo courtesy of Vines 79

Photo courtesy of Restoration Vineyards

Photo courtesy of Red Fox Cellars

WESTERN SLOPE GOLF COURSES TO TEE UP THIS FALL

By Jay McKinney

REDLANDS MESA GOLF COURSE – GRAND JUNCTION

The premier golf experience in Grand Junction, Redlands Mesa Golf Course is a must visit for golf enthusiasts. An award-winning Jim Engh design, Redlands Mesa can make a case for best golf course in Colorado given its scenic beauty and dramatic holes. The stunning landscape led Golf Digest to say it is “like playing golf along the bottom of the Grand Canyon, with a couple of sojourns to the Garden of the Gods thrown in.” With 11 elevated tees, and the panoramic views of Colorado National Monument, be sure to bring a camera to every tee box.

HILLCREST GOLF CLUB – DURANGO

Established in 1969, Hillcrest Golf Club has been a popular attraction for golfers in Southwest Colorado for generations of Four Corner residents. The course is located on a mesa within Durango and offers scenic views of the Animas River Valley and towering La Plata Mountains. Hole 13 is a par 4 that may have the most beautiful view on the course, but there are numerous challenges from tee to green. One will have a difficult time reaching the green in two shots if they find themselves in one of the fairway bunkers on the left. Regardless of how many shots it takes to get there, golfers will quickly discover the hidden breaks on the green that make them hate the game they love.

Photo courtesy of Redlands Mesa Golf Course

TIARA RADO GOLF COURSE – GRAND JUNCTION

Tiara Rado is one of the two public courses located in Grand Junction along with Lincoln Park Golf Course. It’s an extremely affordable gem of a course that offers mesmerizing views of the Colorado National Monument to the west and the Book Cliffs to the north. With water hazards aplenty, the course requires precision and will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Before teeing off, golfers may want to take advantage of the 18-acre practice facility. Because the course is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, be on the lookout for the variety of amazing birds that make it their home. When the round is finished, consider stopping by the nearby Two Rivers Winery & Chateau for a glass of its renowned chardonnay.

THE BRIDGES – MONTROSE

Located in the heart of Montrose, the Bridges can accommodate that quick morning round or a resort experience with the seven suites available to book. Four of the suites are located on the second floor of the clubhouse, while the other three are next to it. While the suites do not offer typical hotel accommodations such as daily cleaning, they are conveniently located at the course and golfers will receive a discounted tee time rate if staying in the suites. Three of them feature incredible views of the San Juan Mountain Range. The course restaurant, Remington’s, is a great option for dining and if there’s still time, consider grabbing a post-round beer at nearby Horsefly Brewing Company or Pomona Brewing Company.

DEVIL’S THUMB GOLF COURSE – DELTA

The barren landscape of the Adobe Badlands surrounding the vibrant links of Devil’s Thumb Golf Course makes it feel otherworldly. It’s been praised for its affordability and challenging design, compliments of course architect Rick Phelps. Golfers are constantly weighing the risk versus reward of shots. Blind shots and holes with interesting twists and turns make it a course where golfers will likely score better their second time out. Regardless of how they play, it’s worth every dollar and they will want to come back. After a round, consider branching out into the various towns of Delta County to taste some of the best wine Colorado has to offer.

DIVIDE RANCH & CLUB – RIDGWAY

Step up to the tee box of Hole 1 and be greeted by the snow-capped Mount Sneffels, which steals the spotlight at Divide Ranch & Club. Praised for its views of the San Juan Mountains, the award-winning course stretches 7,039 yards and is the main attraction at the semiprivate club that also offers public tee times. It’s located on top of a mesa and lined with juniper, piñon and ponderosa pines that are unfriendly to errant shots. Accuracy is paramount. Once golfers get to the back nine, the Cimarron Ridge takes over as the photo backdrop and it’s just as gorgeous and distracting as the front nine.

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

Photo courtesy of Tiara Rado Golf Course

Photo courtesy of the Bridges

Photo courtesy of Divide Ranch & Club

Photo courtesy of Devil’s Thumb Golf Course

Keep Colorado Wild

As Coloradans, we live life outside — and with that comes the responsibility for all of us to care for Colorado and keep it wild.

New this year, Colorado residents will see a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass added to their annual vehicle registration through the Division of Motor Vehicles. This annual pass gives all Coloradans easy access to all state parks and the added benefit of supporting our great outdoors and wildlife in a meaningful way.

Colorado is home to more than 960 species of wildlife and 23 million acres of public lands, ranging from wetlands to forests, canyon landscapes to mountain lakes. So it is no surprise that Coloradans cherish an outdoor lifestyle and want to protect the wild spaces and wildlife they treasure.

Keep Colorado Wild PassQuick Facts:

• Save 60% over the traditional annual state parks pass

• Available only with your vehicle registration process

• The $29 pass is included in your price total

• When purchased, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) logo prints on your registration card which becomes your pass.

• No additional window sticker is provided

• Keep your registration card/pass with your vehicle

• The pass is not transferable between vehicles

• The pass can be linked to the MyCPW app

• All regularly priced Colorado state park passes are still available

• You can opt out of the pass

The Keep Colorado Wild Pass is way more than state park entry, the money raised from the pass sales supports your local:

• State parks system

• Search and rescue teams

• Avalanche safety programs

• Wildlife conservation efforts

• Outdoor learning opportunities

All of Colorado wins when you stay opted in! Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado.

Read more about the Keep Colorado Wild Pass and how it benefits Colorado at: cpw.info/keepcoloradowildpass and cpw.info/keepcoloradowildpassspanish.

English Spanish

Staunton State Park

DENVER’S JAZZ SCENE STILL HUMMING

America’s original artform lives on at breweries, historic music lounges and more

By Emily Baker

While sometimes overlooked, there is a long history of jazz in the Mile High City and the tradition is alive and well in bars and clubs around town.

Historically, establishments like The Rossonian Hotel in Five Points and El Chapultepec (known to fans as “The Pec”) in LoDo were renowned for hosting icons like Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.

During segregation, African American musical legends like Nat King Cole and Dizzy Gillespie weren’t allowed to stay in Denver’s white hotels after performing around the city and instead would stay in The Rossonian.

As a result, the hotel’s accompanying lounge became famous nationwide as a notable jazz club.

The Rossonian is shuttered, but there are plans to reopen the hotel with jazz entertainment included. The original El Chapultapec closed in 2020, but it will soon return in a new form.

Jazz fans can also still find a number of great spots around the city to enjoy a show. Below are just a few that we would recommend.

DAZZLE

As one of the most well-known spots for jazz in Denver, Dazzle’s mission is to provide “some of the best jazz and improvised music from around the world.” Originally located at 9th and Lincoln, Dazzle has moved a couple of times, and reopened in August at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The new iteration also houses the new “Pec,” a piano bar that will host late-night jazz sets with no cover charge.

Dazzle. Photo by David Rossa

DownBeat magazine named Dazzle one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world.

Dazzle has an extensive lineup of regular shows including their annual “A Charlie Brown Christmas” show every December. Elise Anderson, a regular attendee of the Christmas shows says of the event, “It’s a favorite Christmas tradition of ours in one of the coolest jazz clubs we’ve seen.” dazzledenver.com

HERB’S

It’s hard to go wrong when a music venue is owned and run by an actual musician, and Herb’s in LoDo is just that. According to it’s website, “You will see some of the hottest bands and some of the most incredible untapped talent Denver has to offer,” at Herb’s, a staple on historic Larimer Street since opening its doors in 1933. Not always a music venue, Herb’s has since hosted music legends like the Steve Miller Band, Jack Black, and Ravi Coltraine. In spite of these big names, Herb’s has managed to keep its small local feel that Denverite’s have appreciated for decades.

Herb’s is not exclusively a jazz joint, catering to an eclectic crowd and having shows ranging from blues to funk to live DJs. However, Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for jazz. Swing by to check out Monday Night Jazz with Vlad Girshevich or the B3 Jazz Jam on Tuesdays and enjoy some of the craft cocktails Herb’s is known for. herbsbar.com

MERCURY CAFE

Located in the heart of Denver’s Curtis Park neighborhood, Mercury Cafe was founded to create a home for good food, community and the arts. It is a hub of events from poetry open mic nights, to political and informational meetings, to regular jazz nights. Mercury Cafe is not just about the music, however. They pride themselves on a high-quality organic menu of locally sourced ingredients.

Recently under new ownership, the original flavor of the Mercury Cafe hasn’t gone away. The variety of events that the Merc

is beloved for is alive and well. Most notably, their Friday Jazz Jam with the Gabe Gravagno Trio and Sunday Jitterbug nights. mercurycafe.com

NOCTURNE JAZZ AND SUPPER CLUB

One might not look at an empty warehouse in RiNo and think jazz, but that’s exactly what Scott and Nicole Mattson did. They truly put their hearts into redesigning the space while maximizing its historic value. “We dreamt of making Nocturne into a place that would make jazz more accessible to a broader audience with a unique hospitality experience,” the website states.

Today they serve up delicious meals, craft cocktails, and jazz Wednesday through Sunday every week. The venue is unique in that each artist will take up essentially a four to eight-week residency. Nocturne is also proud to be the only club in all of Colorado to exclusively offer jazz music. All reservations include your prepaid dinner, the show, and fees that support the artist. Recently, owners expanded and opened another venture called Noble Riot, a wine bar also in RiNo. nocturnejazz.com

SPANGALANG BREWING

Self-proclaimed “Jazz-Inspired Microbrewery” Spangalang is another great spot in the Denver area. Located in the Five Points neighborhood near the historic home of The Rossonian Hotel and iconic Denver jazz hotspot, the neighborhood’s history is integral to the brewery’s mission. In addition to other fun events, every Friday is Jazz Night at the brewery. They have live music and fresh beers on tap.

Spangalang believes strongly that beer is served best fresh, so it can only be found in their brewery and in a few select locations. spangalangbrewery.com

Emily Baker is a Denver native and lifelong resident of Colorado. In her spare time you can find her reading, riding horses, hiking with her two dogs, and working on her novel.

Nocturne. Photo by Armando Martinez

Photo courtesy of Spangalang

URBAN(E) COLORADO WINE

The Front Range is at the forefront of growing industry

By the Thirst Team

Two years ago, the prestigious Food & Wine magazine heralded Colorado’s Grand Valley as “the new Sonoma.” The region around Palisade and Fruita is dotted with respected wineries. But those glass-swirling wine experts are likely to check in on the Front Range on their next Colorado excursion. That’s because the urban corridor also produces top-quality wines

alongside our world-famous craft beers and solid spirits. Because Colorado has attracted so many creative types in the libations world, there are a bevy of wines that are racking up awards and recognition around the world.

Here are just a few of the great wine and mead producers on the other side of the Colorado Rockies.

DEEP ROOTS

Several generations of the Edenburn family have loved and crafted wine (hence the Deep Roots moniker). Two sisters brought their experience and passion for wine to Colorado and opened a Denver winery and bistro that is now part of the substantial RiNo wine scene.

The family now makes both traditional European wines and creative fruity wines from grapes in Colorado and the West Coast. Deep Roots was at the forefront of the keg wine movement, offering wine on tap and refillable wine growlers as a more sustainable alternative to traditional corked bottles.

The Deep Roots bistro focuses on predominantly vegetarian shared plates designed to pair with specific wines, including Brussels sprouts, sweet potato truffle fries and mushroom dumplings.

deeprootswines.com

VINNIE FERA WINE

The team behind Boulder’s Vinnie Fera Wine approaches winemaking from a biological perspective. Founder Tim Moley is a trained botanist with a background in spices, chocolate and tea blending. Winemaker Kyle Mitchell earned a degree in horticulture science from Colorado State University, and developed a love for wine working at a Fort Collins restaurant with an acclaimed wine list. Mitchell said he has come up with a few red blends that he plans to enter in next year’s Colorado Governor’s Cup competition. He said fall is a great time to

visit the Boulder location because guests can see wine being produced.

Moley started Vinnie Fera In 2016 to craft world-class wine in Boulder. The winery sources grapes from Colorado’s Western Slope, as well as California and Oregon.

Tours and tastings are available Thursday through Sunday (and by appointment on other days) in the grape-to-glass winery and tasting room, which also can be reserved as an intimate event space.

vinnieferawine.com

CARBOY WINERY

In a relatively short time, Carboy has expanded into one of the biggest and best known wineries in Colorado. Since launching in 2016, the business has expanded into four tasting rooms across the state, and sizable orchards in Colorado’s Grand Valley and Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills.

The original Carboy Winery and tasting room is in Littleton, and a second tasting room on Capitol Hill in Denver has a courtyard and events space. A third location is in the infamous Gold Pan Saloon on Breckenridge’s Main Street. Finally, Carboy Winery’s Estate vineyard and tasting room in Palisade looks out over Mount Garfield and the famed Book Cliff Mountains.

Carboy also prides itself on environmental stewardship, through reduced water use, sustainable tasting room practices and donations to Zero Foodprint, which supports eco-conscious agriculture. CEO Kevin Webber says the winery has saved millions of bottles from being produced by simply dropping lines from their tanks to taps in the tasting room. carboywinery.com

BLANCHARD FAMILY WINES

Mark and James Blanchard operate three Colorado tasting rooms for their limited-availability boutique wines. Mark managed a specialty liquor store after graduating from college. Meanwhile, James was stationed at California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base. He regularly flew helicopters over nearby vineyards, then started to visit the tasting rooms and collect fine wines.

They turned their passion for both ends of the wine business into a winemaking operation in Healdsburg, California. Family ties and 15 years of James’ military service in Colorado drew the brothers to expand into the Centennial State to both source grapes and serve wine. James says he enjoys working with so many of the state’s winery owners, both personally and professionally. Blanchard hosts the Colorado Wine Walk, which gives James a chance to hang out with great wine minds.

Blanchard now has tasting rooms in two of the state’s best micro-districts: The diverse Dairy Block in downtown Denver and the airy and inviting Exchange in Old Town Fort Collins. A third location recently opened off West Sixth Avenue in east Golden.

All three locations serve their own award-winning wines alongside other fine Colorado wines. The Denver and Fort Collins locations also serve Colorado-sourced ciders and food.

blanchardfamilywines.com

Photo courtesy of Blanchard Family Wines

Carboy Winery CEO Kevin Webber

SLAYMAKER CELLARS

Cris and Ken Slaymaker’s name may sound like a character out of “Game of Thrones,” so it is the perfect moniker for a business that follows 12,000 years of tradition in making mead, or honey wine. Mead is believed to be the first fermented beverage humans crafted. Slaymaker’s team sources top-quality, ethically sourced local honey to create their mead.

Slaymaker is a workers’ cooperative and operates as a benefit corporation, focused on responsible and sustainable business practices.

The mead is available at Slaymaker’s bright and inviting tasting room in Idaho Springs, which hosts weekly game nights and other events, and at spirits stores around Colorado.

Slaymakercellars.com

SILVER VINES WINERY

Jeff and Danny Chayer opened Silver Vines Winery in 2011, and watched Olde Town Arvada grow around them from a quiet suburb to a significant destination full of shops, bars and restaurants. Silver Vines now draws those crowds with live music and 15 varieties of wine.

The winery is a family affair. After Danny passed away in 2017, Jeff ’s partner Kristin became a co-owner. Now their young daughters also spend plenty of time in the tasting room, pretending to serve and entertaining guests.

Before settling in Colorado, Jeff worked at wineries in Texas, Oregon and Washington. He still sources grapes from the Washington wineries where he worked, in addition to Palisade grapes.

After a bumpy start during the pandemic, the Chayers opened a second tasting room off Pearl Street in Boulder, which also has a private events space. Two locations keep Jeff and Kristin busy. As Jeff notes, “For some people, it’s a hobby, but for us, we’re all in.” silvervineswinery.com

Silver Vines co-owner Kristin Chayer

9 CAN’T-MISS WESTERN SLOPE STOPS FOR WINE AND CIDER

By Emily Baker

When searching for the perfect wine in Colorado, a trip to Palisade is likely in order. Known for delicious fresh fruits, it’s no wonder that in Palisade one can find a wine or beverage for almost any palate. Whether you’re looking for a small familyrun operation, the oldest wine producers in Palisade or a flavorful array of fruit wines, this list will help you find what you’re looking for.

COLORADO CELLARS

With the extensive list of wineries in Palisade growing ever longer, it can be

hard sometimes to decide where to start. You can’t go wrong, though, by visiting possibly the oldest winery in the area, Colorado Cellars. Originally founded in 1978, Colorado Cellars’ brand also encompasses Rocky Mountain Vineyards and the Orchard Mesa Wine Company. Emphasizing minimalist processing and revolutionary winemaking techniques that are now employed across the region, Colorado Cellars is certainly worth the visit. Learn more about the history and the wine at coloradocellars.com.

Photo courtesy of Colorado Cellars

GRANDE RIVER VINEYARDS

After over 35 years in the business, it’s no surprise that Grande River Vineyards

is reputed as the “premier estate-grown wine producer.” Specializing in Bordeaux and Rhone style wines, Grande River Vineyards has won countless awards for their product. Setting them apart further is the Live in the Grapevines concert series. Back by popular demand, every other week through the summer and early fall you can enjoy live music and tasty wines in their beautiful location at the base of the western Little Book Cliffs. For tickets or to order wine be sure to check out granderivervineyards.com.

VINES 79 WINERY AND VINEYARD

Known for its iconic location and dry flavorful wines, Vines 79 may just be a 2-acre

Photo by Armando Martinez, courtesy of the Colorado Wine Industry

Photo courtesy of Grande River Vineyards

Photo courtesy of Vines 79

vineyard, but this family-run business is not to be missed. Situated on what was historically dubbed Section 79 of the Vinelands is a thriving grape vineyard from the early 20th century that was resurrected decades later. Today, Vines 79 honors that history with its Wild West-themed bottles including the Buffalo Rose rosè and the Trails End Tempranillo. Stop by their Tasting room for a sip or a fun seasonal cocktail, or have their wines shipped right to your door at vinoshipper.com.

THE STORM CELLARS WINERY

There’s very little that is more refreshing on a hot Colorado day than a cool crisp glass of white wine or rose. Look no further than the family-owner Storm Cellar winery in Hotchkiss. Husband and wife team Steve Steese and Jayme Henderson, bring a wealth of experience from their time in the wine industry and extensive travels through wine regions around the globe to specialize in whites and roses. Pay a visit to the winery for one of their many events year round, or if you aren’t able to make it to the Western Slope, their wines can be found at stormcellarwine.com.

no matter how picky or adventurous. Visit their taproom in person, order at talbottsciderco.com, or find their cans in a store near you

SAUVAGE SPECTRUM

Young in age, but not in skill, Sauvage Spectrum aims to be the new breed of Colorado wineries. Focusing on homegrown product and experimental blends, Sauvage is the brainchild of winemaker Patric Matysiewski and grapegrower Kaibab Sauvage. In just four short years, Sauvage Spectrum has already been lauded with countless awards. The prowess with which they have taken the winemaking scene by storm is nothing short of savage. To learn more, schedule a tour or order wines, check out sauvagespectrum.com.

CARLSON VINEYARDS

When a passion project becomes a fullblown success and business, you get Carlson Vineyards. Under new ownership since 2015, the winery is still committed to maintaining its roots and the quality of the Carlson brand. While the wine speaks for itself, one thing that sets Carlson vineyards apart is the Wren Quinn project. Named after owner Garrett’s two daughters, each month proceeds from a purchase of bottles from the Wren Quinn series are donated to a one of many different charities and community organizations in the area. Even the website is catered to building community, including a list of recipes from various events at the vineyard. Plan your visit or order their wines at carlsonvineyards.com.

TALBOTT’S CIDER

Since 1907 the Yeager family has been furthering their mission to “produce value from the land” through their fruit, wines, and now cider with their newest venture, Talbott’s Cider. Cider flavors range from dry, to spicy, to pumpkin spice and everything in between. Made from apples, pears, peaches, grapes, and more, you’ll be able to find a favorite for just about any drinker

CHILL SWITCH

Life can move pretty fast, but when coming out to wine country you can slow down and “flip the chill switch” as they’d say at Chill Switch Winery. Chill Switch prides themselves on the all-natural minimal processing style of winemaking. Using only local grapes, and made without additives, or animal-based filtering or fining tools. Wines are aged for 18-30 months before being ready for consumption. Pop by the winery in Cedaredge for a tasting or visit liquor stores statewide to purchase a bottle closer to home. To learn more check out chillswitchwines.com.

PEACHFORK ORCHARDS AND VINEYARD

A quality wine would not be its best without quality fruit, and that is at the core of Peachfork’s philosophy. Growing apples, pears, peaches, and grapes, Peachfork is a staple of what draws any taste-lover to Palisade. As the diversity of fruit would suggest, you aren’t limited to a grape wine here. Fruit wines from all of the Peachfork produce are must tries. Wednesday through Monday afternoon and evening, you can swing by the winery for a taste. More information about the fruit and wine can be found at peachfork.com.

Emily Baker is a Denver native and lifelong resident of Colorado. In her spare time you can find her reading, riding horses, hiking with her two dogs, and working on her novel.

Photo by John Fielder

Photo courtesy of The Storm Cellars Winery

Photo courtesy of Sauvage Spectrum

2023 FALL EVENTS GUIDE

SEPTEMBER

YAMPA VALLEY CRANE FESTIVAL, Hayden, through Sep 3

VAIL JAZZ PARTY, through Sep 4

“BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES

MYSTERY,” Theatre SilCo, Silverthorne, through Sep 10

AWFUL BIGNESS, Clyfford Stills Museum, Denver, through Sep 10

BOOMTOWN IMPROV COMEDY, Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre, Creede, through Sep 15

“DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE,” Mainstage Theatre, Creede, through Sept 16

“MISS RHYTHM — THE LEGEND OF RUTH BROWN,” Garner Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver, through Oct 15

MILKY CHANCE, Belly Up, Aspen, Sep 1-2

JAS LABOR DAY EXPERIENCE, Snowmass Village, Sep 1-3

FOUR CORNERS FOLK FESTIVAL, Pagosa Springs, Sep. 1-3

TELLURIDE FILM FESTIVAL, Sep 1-4

“ALMOST HEAVEN,” Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Grand Lake, Sept 1-30

“A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC,” Wolf Theatre, Denver, Sept 1-Oct 8

WATCHHOUSE, The Lawn, Buena Vista, Sep 2

TASH SULTANA, Dillon Amphitheater, Sep 2

BREW FEST, Coors Field, Denver, Sep 2

GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 2

PIXIES AND MODEST MOUSE, Gerald Ford Amphitheater, Vail, Sep 2

TASH SULTANA, Dillon Amphitheater, Sep 2

SEVEN PEAKS FESTIVAL, Villa Grove, Sep. 2-4

JELLY ROLL, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village, Sep 3

DANCE GAVIN DANCE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 3

GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV, Dillon Amphitheater, Sep 3

LANGUAGE OF LEGACY, Levitt Pavilion, Denver, Sep 3

TASH SULTANA, Gerald Ford Amphitheater, Vail, Sep 3

BRUNO MAJOR, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Sep 4

MOON TAXI, Dillon Amphitheater, Sep 4

“SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE” LIVE IN CONCERT, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Sep 5

TOTAL CHAOS, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Sep 5

“BEETLEJUICE,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Sep 5-17

COLLECTIVE SOUL, Belly Up, Aspen, Sep 6

DENVER FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL, multiple locations, Sep 6-9

MAISIE PETERS, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Sep 7

CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN, Belly Up, Aspen, Sep 7

KEB’ MO’, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Sep 7

NOAH CYRUS, Boulder Theater, Sep 7

CAITLYN SMITH, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Sep 7

CANYON CONCERT BALLET’S “BALLET, BEER & POP THE ANDY WARHOL STORY,” The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Sep 7-9

UMPHREY’S MCGEE, Mishawaka

Amphitheatre, Bellvue, Sep 7-9

KEB’ MO’, Arvada Center, Sep 8

ENDLESS SUNSHINE, Civic Center Park, Denver, Sep 8

DJ DIESEL, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 8

LITTLE RIVER BAND, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Sep 8

THE JAYHAWKS, Lulu’s, Manitou Springs, Sep 8

“DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL,” Newman Center, Denver, Sep 8-9

OKTOBERFEST VAIL, Lionshead Village, Sep 8-10

SILVERTON CREATES! A CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS, Silverton Creative District, Sep 8-10

“SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL,” Lakewood Cultural Center, Sep 8-24

LAFAYETTE BREW FEST, South Public Road, Sep 9

PARK HILL BEER FEST, Oneida Park, Denver, Sep 9

NICK SHOULDERS, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Sep 9 BLACK UHURU, Levitt Pavilion, Denver, Sep 9 CHILI AND BEER FEST, Community Park, Superior, Sep 9 NO SENSE, NO SENSIBILITY, Theatre SilCo, Silverthorne, Sep 9

SLAMMING BRICKS POETRY SLAM, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Sep 9

FLOCK PARTY, Denver Zoo, Sep 9

THREE DOG NIGHT, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Sep 9

WAG N ROMP 2023, Lone Tree Arts Center, Sep 9

LANNIE COUNTS: THE GREATEST R&B SONGS EVER WRITTEN, Lone Tree Arts Center, Sep 9 COLORADO ARTFEST AT CASTLE ROCK, Festival Park, Sep 9-10

COLORADO SYMPHONY’S “STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE” IN CONCERT, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Sep 9-10

THE JAYHAWKS, Boulder Theater, Sep 10

THREE DOG NIGHT, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Sep 10

LESPECIAL, Dillon Amphitheater, Sep 11

SYLVAN ESSO, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 11

BONNIE RAITT WITH ROY ROGERS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Sep 13

THE HEAVY HEAVY, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Sep 13

ANDERS OSBORNE, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Sep 13

DANNA PAOLA, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Sep 13

GREENSKY BLUEGRASS, Dillon Amphitheater, Sep 13-14

JAI WOLF, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 14

RAVENSCOON, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Sep 14

MICHAEL CARBONARO, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Sep 15

FLOR DE TOLOACHE, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Sep 15

DIEGO EL CIGALA, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Sep 15

NO RUSH, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Sep 15

MARIACHI LOS CAMPEROS, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Sep 15

TELLURIDE BLUES & BREWS FESTIVAL, Town Park, Sep 15-17

BRECKENRIDGE OKTOBERFEST, Downtown Breckenridge, Sep 15-17 Email

TELLURIDE AUTUMN CLASSIC The town of Telluride hosts a fourday celebration of automobiles,

motorcycles, aircraft, and more against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains’ autumn foliage.

Photo courtesy of Telluride Autumn Classic

STS9, Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue, Sep 15-17

OKTOBERFEST VAIL, Vail Village, Sep 15-17

COLORADO SYMPHONY: BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH SYMPHONY WITH PETER OUNDJIAN, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Sep 15-17

COLORFEST, Pagosa Springs, Sep 15-17

DENVER BEER WEEK, Sep 15-23

DANCEASPEN, Lone Tree Arts Center, Sep 16

CARBONARO, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Sep 16

BAND OF HORSES, Boulder Theater, Sep 16

KIP MOORE, Amphitheater at LC Park, Grand Junction, Sep 16

ROB ZOMBIE, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village, Sep 16

VIVA SOUTHWEST MARIACHI, Levitt Pavilion, Denver, Sep 16

THREE DOG NIGHT, Belly Up, Aspen, Sep 16

COLORADO FALL HOME SHOW, Colorado Convention Center, Sep 16-17

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, Sep 16-17

BINES & BREWS FESTIVAL, Limbach Park, Monument, Sep 17

BAND OF HORSES, Belly Up, Aspen, Sep 17

TAKÁCS QUARTET, Grusin Music Hall, Boulder, Sep 17-25

TASTE OF EVERGREEN, Evergreen Lake House, Sep 19

HERMANOS GUTIÉRREZ, Ogden Theatre, Denver, Sep 19

ARTS IN THE AFTERNOON: FLAMENCO DENVER, Lone Tree Arts Center, Sep 20

FOY VANCE, Belly Up, Aspen, Sep 20

RENEÉ RAPP, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 20

COLORADO SYMPHONY’S LATIN BEATS: SONIDOS DE LAS AMÉRICAS, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Sep 21

SANTA ANA RODEO, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Sep 21

FOY VANCE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Sep 21

JENNIFER HARTSWICK, Levitt Pavilion, Denver, Sep 21

SPANISH PEAKS MUSIC FESTIVAL, La Veta, Sep 21

LOCAL NATIVES, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 21

GREAT AMERICAN BEER FEST, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Sep 21-23

TELLURIDE AUTUMN CLASSIC: CARS AND COLORS, Various Locations, Sep 21-24

LILA DOWNS, Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Sep 22

TODRICK HALL, Gothic Theater, Denver, Sep 22

THE REGRETTES, Levitt Pavilion, Denver, Sep 22

YO LA TENGO, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Sep 22

CHROMEO, Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue, Sep 22

BEN BÖHMER, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 22

WAR, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Sep 22

ROCKY MOUNTAIN WINE FEST, Winter Park Resort, Sep 22-23

MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY, Newman Center, Denver, Sep 22-23

PUEBLO CHILE & FRIJOLES FESTIVAL, Downtown Pueblo, Sep 22-24

MOUNTAIN HARVEST FESTIVAL, Paonia, Sep. 22-24

FALL FEST, Downtown Boulder, Sep 22-24

DENVER OKTOBERFEST, Downtown Denver, Sep 22-Oct 1

COLORADO SYMPHONY: AN EVENING ON BROADWAY WITH AUDRA MCDONALD, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Sep 23

YO LA TENGO, Boulder Theater, Sep 23

MATTEO LANE, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Sep 23

JUSTIN MOORE, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village, Sep 23

DAVID KUSHNER, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Sep 23

COHEED AND CAMBRIA, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 23

CHALI 2NA & CUT CHEMIST, Levitt Pavilion, Denver, Sep 23

GET THE LED OUT, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Sep 23

LIVE FROM LAUREL CANYON, Lone Tree Arts Center, Sep 23

GAMELAN TUNAS MEKAR, Levitt Pavilion, Denver, Sep 24

IVAN CORNEJO, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 24

MATT MAESON, Boulder Theater, Sep 24

GEORGE CLANTON, Gothic Theater, Denver, Sep 24

TIG NOTARO, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Sep 25

SLEEP TOKEN, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 25

GLAIVE, Gothic Theater, Denver, Sep 25

WILDERADO, Boulder Theater, Sep 26

BOYWITHUKE, Gothic Theater, Denver, Sep 26

BLACKBERRY SMOKE, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Sep 26

THE POSTAL SERVICE & DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 26-28

OKAIDJA AFROSO: JAKU MUMOR, Newman Center, Denver, Sep 27

MIYA FOLICK, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Sep 27

BLACKBERRY SMOKE, Boulder Theater, Sep 27

JAWNY, Fox Theatre, Boulder, Sep 27

TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS, Gothic Theater, Denver, Sep 27

THE BROTHERS LANDRETH, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Sep 28

TRACY LAWRENCE AND CASEY DONAHEW, Amphitheater at LC Park, Grand Junction, Sep 28

PARKWAY DRIVE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 29

JOE GATTO’S NIGHT OF COMEDY, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Sep 29

BIG RICHARD, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Sep 29

BOULDER SYMPHONY WITH TRACE BUNDY, Boulder Theater, Sep 29

LONE TREE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS

OKTOBERFEST, Lone Tree Arts Center, Sep 29

THE POLISH AMBASSADOR, Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue, Sep 29-30

COLORADO SYMPHONY: BEETHOVEN PIANO CONCERTO NO.4, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Sep 29-Oct 1

AROOJ AFTAB, VIJAY IYER, & SHAHZAD ISMALLY: LOVE IN EXILE, Newman Center, Denver, Sep 30

SUAVE FEST, Steam on the Platte, Denver, Sep 30 MILES MILLER, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Sep 30

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KYLE KINANE, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Sep 30

TYLER CHILDERS, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village, Sep 30

CHARLOTTE DE WITTE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Sep 30

DUSTIN LYNCH, Levitt Pavilion, Denver, Sep 30

SAN JUAN SYMPHONY, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Sep 30

LEWIS BLACK, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Sep 30

OCTOBER

BISHOP BRIGGS & MISTERWIVES, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 1

JESSE COOK, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Oct 1

THE STEELDRIVERS, Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue, Oct 1

THE BAND CAMINO, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 2

DESSA, THE ARMORY, Fort Collins, Oct 2

MACKLEMORE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 3

THE USED, Amphitheater at LC Park, Grand Junction, Oct 3

JOSHUA RADIN, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Oct 3

AWOLNATION, Boulder Theater, Oct 3

311, Amphitheater at LC Park, Grand Junction, Oct 4

THE USED, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 4

MARIACHI GARIBALDI DE JAIME CUELLAR, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Oct 4

COLORADO SYMPHONY WITH STEWART COPELAND: POLICE DERANGED FOR ORCHESTRA, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Oct 5

PROXIMA PARADA, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Oct 5

BERT KREISCHER, Gerald Ford Amphitheater, Vail, Oct 5

“LITTLE RED,” Randy Weeks Conservatory, Denver, Oct 5-Dec 23

“WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR: A JAZZ TRIBUTE TO 100 YEARS OF DISNEY,” Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Oct 6

NIMESH PATEL, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Oct 6

INZO, Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue, Oct 6

BAHAMAS, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Oct 6

RORY SCOVEL, Boulder Theater, Oct 6

CANNIBAL CORPSE & MAYHEM, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 6

“SWAN LAKE,” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Oct 6-15

RENEE FLEMING WITH YOUR COLORADO SYMPHONY, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Oct 7

OKTOBERFEST, Town Park, Pagosa Springs, Oct 7

LOS AMANTES PERFECTOS, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Oct 7

DAN SODER, Boulder Theater, Oct 7

SAN JUAN BARREL FEST, Hartwell Park, Ridgway, Oct 7

THE 1975, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village, Oct 7

CRAFT BEER & WINE FESTIVAL, The Orchard Town Center, Westminster, Oct 7

CRAFTOBERFEST, Lone Tree Arts Center, Oct 7

WILL HOGE & WILLIAM ELLIOTT WHITMORE, Lulu’s, Manitou Springs, Oct 7

FORT COLLINS SYMPHONY, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Oct 7

JESS MURPH, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 7-8

CHEAP TRICK, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Oct 8

MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 8

KURT ELLING AND CHARLIE HUNTER, Boulder Theater, Oct 8

LUDACRIS, Amphitheater at LC Park, Grand Junction, Oct 8

GASPARD & DANCERS, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Oct 10

KENNY HOOPLA, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 10

THE ZOMBIES, Boulder Theater, Oct 11

RANDY RAINBOW, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Oct 11

DROPKICK MURPHYS, Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, Oct 11

MADELINE HAWTHORNE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Oct 12

ROOSEVELT, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 12

TENNIS, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Oct 13

ZAC BROWN BAND, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village, Oct 12-13

DEREK HOUGH, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Oct 12

ROOSEVELT, Boulder Theater, Oct 13

OMAR CHAPARRO, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Oct 13

CHRISTIAN FRENCH, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 13

DAVID SPADE, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Oct 13

TOM PAPA, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Oct 13

WAX MOTIF, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 13

COLORADO SYMPHONY: SHOSTAKOVICH

SYMPHONY NO.5, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Oct 13-15

VILLALOBOS BROTHERS, Lakewood Cultural Center, Lakewood, Oct 14

ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Oct 14

POLYPHIA, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 14

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 14

TENNIS, Boulder Theater, Oct 14

LITTLE JOE Y LA FAMILIA, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Oct 14

TOM PAPA, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Oct 14

DEVOTCHKA, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Oct 14

LES CLAYPOOL’S FROG BRIGADE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 15

PAT METHENY, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Oct 15

HERB ALPERT, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Oct 15

BETTER LOVERS, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 16

PAT METHENY, Boulder Theater, Oct 16

ASHNIKKO, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 16

MARTY STUART, Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Oct 17

JOEP BEVING, Boulder Theater, Oct 17

FORT COLLINS SYMPHONY, The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, Oct 18

G FLIP, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Oct 18

LAUFEY, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 18

GOBLIN, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Oct 18

“TINA — THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL,” Buell Theatre, Denver, Oct 18-29

BLACK OPRY REVUE, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Oct 19

ALICE COOPER, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Oct 19

DARLINGSIDE, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 19

ANTHONY JESELNIK, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Oct 19-20

MEGAN MORONEY, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Oct 19

“DREAMGIRLS,” Lone Tree Arts Center, Oct 19-29

MATT MATTHEWS, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Oct 20

TOM ODELL, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 20

PHOEBE ROBINSON, Boulder Theater, Oct 21

BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Oct 20

COLORADO SYMPHONY: AMADEUS LIVE, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Oct 20-21

RAILROAD EARTH, Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue, Oct 20-21

THIEVERY CORPORATION, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 21

DARLINGSIDE, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Oct 21

DAVE BRUZZA, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Oct 21

KEVIN GATES, Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, Oct 21

WILCO, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 22

NATION OF LANGUAGE, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 22

THE BAD PLUS, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Oct 22

BLONDE REDHEAD, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 24

THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY, Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Oct 25

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, Mission Ballroom, Denver, Oct 26

FRENCH 79, Bluebird Theater, Denver, Oct 26

THE MOTET, Washington’s, Fort Collins, Oct 27

COLORADO SYMPHONY: DISNEY IN CONCERT: TIM BURTON’S “THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS,” Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Oct 27-28

“FALSTAFF,” Macky Auditorium, Boulder, Oct 27-29

CANYON CONCERT BALLET’S “DRACULA,” Oct 27-29

“SLEEPING BEAUTY,” Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, Oct 27-29

“CLYDE’S,” Kilstrom Theatre, Denver, Oct 27 - Nov 26

JOHN MCEUEN & THE CIRCLE BAND PRESENT “WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN,” Community Concert Hall, Durango, Oct 28

LEANNE MORGAN, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Oct 28-29

THE MOTET, Boulder Theater, Oct 28

ALLAH-LAS, Belly Up, Aspen, Oct 29

COLORADO SYMPHONY: HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR!, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, Oct 29

SKILLET AND THEORY OF A DEADMAN, Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, Oct 29

EDDIE IZZARD, Paramount Theatre, Denver, Oct 30-31

PHILIP PHILLIPS, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 30

MATRODA, Boulder Theater, Oct 31

DURAND JONES, Gothic Theater, Denver, Oct 31

HOW TO PLAY IN THE SOUTH PARK VALLEY

Fairplay is a small town with growing attractions

By Jay McKinney

Fans of the cartoon South Park can humorously recite the theme song’s iconic line, “I’m going down to South Park, gonna have myself a time,” but these days it’s actually true. Fairplay, the small town located in the South Park Valley that was once a remote scratch in the dirt, is now somewhat of a destination thanks to easy access to mountain activities and a growing assortment of great places to eat and drink.

Dating back to 1859 when the town was established, Fairplay has been a major crossroad in the South Park Valley. The town was founded by prospectors who flocked to the area during the Colorado Gold Rush with hopes of striking it rich. Legend has it that the town got its name from a leader among the miners who stated, “In this camp we’ll have fair play” as opposed to nearby Tarryall that was seen as a greedy mining settlement full of miscreants.

Over 150 years later and there is plenty of playing to be done in the town, starting with anglers. Fairplay has been deemed the Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado because of its proximity to an abundance of great fishing destinations.

Some of the best waters to fish include Eleven Mile Reservoir, a section of the South Platte River known as the Dream Stream, and Spinney Mountain Reservoir. The Dream Stream connects the two reservoirs and has been designated as a Gold Medal fishing area

HIGH AND MIGHTY: Snitching Lady Distillery

By Eric Peterson

Thomas Williams can look down at every other distillery in the United States. Literally. Located at 10,300 feet above sea level, his Snitching Lady Distillery in Fairplay “is the highest distillery in America right now,” he says. “I don’t claim it very much, because it’s not really a push for a sale, but when it comes to distilling, my boiling point for distilling is only 165 to 170 degrees.”

Snitching Lady’s whiskey ages at an even higher altitude: 11,800 feet above sea level on the slope of Mount Sherman. He currently has more than 300 barrels in shipping containers on his land on the mountainside.

Williams has moonshining in his blood: His greatgrandfather passed the craft on to his grandfather, and his grandfather passed it on to Williams’ dad. “When I was a kid, I was always watching my father make whiskey,” says Williams of his first exposure to the family tradition growing up in North Carolina.

“When I came to Colorado, I wanted to make my own hooch in the back,” he continues. “I ended up giving it a whirl, and trying my own recipes, and working with everything that I could, and then slowly asking my family about recipes that I could use.”

After moonshining on the sly for about a decade, Williams got a distilling license from the State of Colorado and went

continued on page 34 continued on page 35

along with Spinney Mountain Reservoir. While the area is more than 30 miles south of Fairplay, it’s well worth the drive. Nearby Weston Pass has several drainage creeks that contribute to the Middle Fork of the South Platte River. A variety of trout are spread throughout the area.

For those looking to get a better view of the valley, there are numerous hiking trails to enjoy. Quandary Peak is one of the most popular 14ers to climb and it is located roughly 16 miles north of Fairplay. Nearby Mount Sherman is relatively easy to summit and a great option for people who have never hiked a 14er before. Other popular hiking areas include Eleven Mile State Park, Beaver Creek Trail and Rich Creek Trail.

After exploring the South Park Valley, head into Fairplay and find an abundance of great places to eat and drink. Millonzi’s is a fantastic restaurant with a menu that consists of Mediterranean and Italian dishes and is open Wednesday-Sunday for dinner hours only. The restaurant primarily uses organic and locally sourced food and the prices are extremely reasonable for the dining experience.

When it comes to drinking destinations, South Park Brewing has an amazing selection of seasonal and year round beers to try. The Ranch Hand is an easy-drinking cream ale that was not only the first beer brewed by South Park Brewing, but also is the best selling beer in the taproom. Regardless of flavor preferences, the brewery has something for everyone. The brewery shares space with South Park Distilling, and both offer packaged libations to take on any adventure. Or, hangout in the tap room and enjoy your craft beverages.

Wine lovers visiting Fairplay must visit the Continental Divide Winery. The family-owned winery was started in 2016 and touted as the highest altitude producing winery in the world at nearly 10,000 feet in elevation. Making wine in such a high altitude minimizes oxygen exposure and enhances the flavors from the

grapes and the land as a result. The winery also has a location in Breckenridge, but the wine is produced at the Fairplay location.

Those in search of a tasty cocktails should also check out Snitching Lady Distillery (see story page 33). The cocktail menu includes staples like the “Parson Brown” (smokey old fashioned) and “Big Mon-hattan” (a dignified Manhattan) along with some specialty cocktails like the “Snitch” (the flagship whiskey sour) and the “Appalachia” (a spiked sweet tea).

If there’s still daylight, history buffs will find joy exploring the amazing South Park City on the edge of town. The expansive museum was created in the 1950s by a group of citizens who were concerned about the destruction of old mining ghost towns in Park County. South Park City (which is what the town was called for a brief period) is a recreated mining town featuring 40 historic buildings furnished with artifacts and old equipment that gives people a feeling of stepping back in time.

Regardless of how the day is spent, Fairplay is much more than a pit stop for gas these days.

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

Continental Divide Winery. Photo by Jeffrey Maltzman

jkgabbert - stock.adobe.com

legit in 2017. “I make 100 percent of my own product, and all the aged stuff is one barrel at a time, so it’s all single-barrel, singlebatch releases,” he says.

The name, Snitching Lady, owes its origins to Williams’ moonshining days, when his late fiancée, Rena Diane Aker, would alert his parents and friends to his backyard exploits. The distillery also makes an apple brandy from Western Slope fruit in her honor. “The apple brandy is dedicated to her,” says Williams. “That was her favorite type of fruit. When she did pass, that was the main push for me making apple brandy.

Distilling and aging at elevation is a little bit different than they are in the low country. “There’s more of an angel’s share,” Williams says, referring to the amount of spirit that evaporates from the barrel at 11,800 feet.

But it also has its benefits: “It helps age the product, I believe, a little faster. Some of my one-year products, people say it tastes like it’s been aged for a long set of years.”

Williams says high elevation imparts a richer flavor from the barrel. “It’s because of the fluctuation of heat and cold. I call it the lung effect,” he explains. “The hot obviously brings the alcohol into the wood, the cold brings it out of the wood. Even during the summer and during the winter, the sun blares on the shipping containers that I age all the whiskey in, and at nighttime, it gets nice and cold, so it’s just constantly breathing in and out of the wood. It’s nonstop work for it.”

The Snitching Lady catalog includes single barrel whiskeys, including a bourbon and an American single malt whiskey (Williams dubs the all-barley spirit as “an American version of a Scotch”), along with an outlier in Button’s Blue Corn Whiskey.

“The blue corn is all produced by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe over there in Towaoc, Colorado,” says Williams of his sole supplier,

Bow & Arrow Brand. “With yellow and white corn, it’s more acidic,” he notes. “The blue corn’s very buttery, it has a very strong oil note, and it ends up coming through with the spirit.”

Every holiday season, Snitching Lady bottles a batch of Temperance Wheat Whiskey, made with 100 percent handmalted red wheat grown by Arnusch Farms north of Denver in Keenesburg, Colorado. Priced at $65 a bottle, the 2023 batch is slated for release on December 10.

“I get a pretty decent crowd for it,” says Williams. “I’m one of the only distilleries in the country that actually hand-malts my own grain. I actually sprout the grain. I spread it across a big concrete floor, and I shovel and rake it every couple hours for about two weeks until it’s completely dried out. Then I mill it and turn it into a mash.”

The end result? “It brings the richness out of the wheat and turns it into more sugar content for the fermentation.”

Williams plans to maintain the same level of production as he fills the third shipping container on Mount Sherman. “I want to keep the three copper pot stills that I made myself running constantly, and I really love the small production that I keep it at,” he says. “It’s all about quality instead of quantity. . . . I like to keep production small, because it won’t change the taste. Everything stays very consistent with how it’s made and all that.”

Snitching Lady Distillery (www.snitchingladydistillery.net) is located at 500 Front St. in Fairplay.

Eric Peterson is a freelance writer who covers travel, business, and real estate as well as Colorado’s craft beverage industry. In his spare time, he likes to create hard listening music, oddball art and psychedelic videos. Eric lives in Denver with his wife, Jamie, and their faithful mutts, Aoife and Ogma.

Photos courtesy of Snitching Lady Distillery

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HALLOWED GROUNDS

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey has storied history

By Eric Peterson

Photos courtesy of The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey

Most wineries don’t have an exorcism or an accountant in their history. The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey in Cañon City has both.

As the story goes, a monk from the historic Holy Cross Abbey performed an exorcism on an allegedly haunted winery in Palisade in 2000.

That sparked an idea: Why not make wine at the monastery? The monks, who numbered about 20 at the time, recruited a winemaker and opened the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey in 2002.

Their numbers further dwindled, and the church ultimately moved them to other facilities as it looked for a buyer for the winery. They found Larry Oddo.

An accountant by trade, Oddo bought the winery in 2005. “I was looking for something different than what I was doing,” he said. “I’m a foodie, I love beverages. . . . It just aligned pretty well.”

At the time, Oddo was commuting from New Jersey to New York and back again for more than three hours a day in all. “My commute went to 15, 20 minutes,” he laughed.

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey now uses 18 varietals of grapes in its portfolio, including award-winning merlots and rieslings. Much of the fruit is sourced from the Western Slope of Colorado.

“We try to have something for everyone,” Oddo said. “We make wines I like and we make wines that everyday people like.”

Of course everyone has their favorites. “We’re known for our merlots and rieslings,” he said. We rely on those as our heavy hitters, but we also do very well with our other varietals in competitions and wine magazines.”

who harvest their backyard vines in the late to

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey also makes wine out of grapes donated by locals who harvest their backyard vines in the late summer and fall. “We try to get that released the week before Thanksgiving as a celebration of the harvest and Thanksgiving,” said Oddo.

Although the monks have since moved on, the years, but progress has been slow-going. Harvest and local artisans.

Although the monks have since moved on, the abbey grounds remain an idyllic location to sip wine. Developers have been eying construction of a mixed-use development alongside the abbey on the property for years, but progress has been slow-going.

The winery hosts its annual Harvest Festival event on Sept. 23-24, featuring live music, wine tastings, food vendors

“That is an event that has grown and grown and grown each year,” Oddo said, noting that it’s expanded from a few dozen attendees in 2002 to about 5,000 in recent years. “It’s just a real celebration of the harvest. People travel from near and far to come to it. That’s our marquee event.”

“That is an event that has grown and grown and grown each expanded attendees in 2002 to about 5,000 in recent years. “It’s just a real

“It’s free to come in, free to set up a chair. We sell wine by the glass, by the bottle, and commemorative glasses and tasting tickets.”

On Sept. 22, the winery will also present a 10-course winemaker’s dinner at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Reservations are required; the price was $120 in 2022.

Eric Peterson is a freelance writer based in Denver. His website is rambleguides.com.

Photo by Mary Jursinovich

SAIL AND SIP Azura Cellars bottles wine,

showcases art and offers sailing

By Jay McKinney

Colorado may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean sailing is off the table. That is miniature remote-control sailing where the boats can literally fit on a table. Located in Paonia in the West Elks AVA (American Viticultural Area), Azura Cellars & Gallery is more than a winery. Yes, they make incredible wines including cabernet franc, merlot, pinot noir and pinot gris, but the winery also doubles as an art gallery and the home of a yacht racing club.

The winery/gallery was founded by Ty and Helen Gillespie who were looking to relocate their design and art studio in Minturn and came across an abandoned miniature burro farm for sale in Paonia. They fell in love with the property, purchased it in 2006 and began constructing their dream art studio and gallery. With the property’s proximity to three other wineries and the neighborly guidance of Steve Rhodes (one of the original winemakers in the valley), the winery component of the business was inevitable.

They named it Azura, in honor of their 38-foot sailboat with the same name that took them safely around the world from 1989 to 1995. Originally hailing from San Francisco with an affinity for sailing, it’s surprising that the Gillespies would move so far inland and settle in Colorado after their circumnavigation. While they may not be journeying across the ocean these days, the Gillespies haven’t lost touch with their love for sailing.

Thanks to the 1-acre irrigation pond they made, the Azura Yacht Club allows them to get their sailing fix on a micro level. During the warm season, there are about 6 members who consistently show up on Wednesdays and Sundays, the two racing days. The dedicated racers have learned the sport through trial and error and have their own boats to race, but newbies are always welcome to join.

“Learning to run the boat is just the beginning, learning to sail is the next

step and learning to race is a whole other thing,” Ty says. “It’s an intellectual game. It’s not like a remote controlled car, you have to know more than just how to make it work.”

The sailboats used are called Micro Magic and maneuver like real sailboats with competitive racing found around the world. The remote control is only used to adjust the sail and the rudder but there is no propulsion involved. For beginners trying it out for the first time, the Gillespies have about 20-30 remote controlled sailboats that they will lend out for free.

Greg Norris is the commodore for the Azura Yacht Club and a U.S. Class Secretary for Micro Magic. Like Gillespie, he’s been passionate about sailing all his life, racing small sailboats in Michigan and Wisconsin. He was pleasantly surprised to find the Azura Yacht Racing community after moving to Colorado 13 years ago.

“There’s no real small boat racing on the Western Slope,” Norris says. “When my wife discovered that there were some guys up at Azura who were racing radio-controlled sailboats, now over 10 years ago, I believe, I went up to try it and I was hooked. It is a remarkably fun, engaging, and affordable hobby. The first two adjectives apply to real sailboat racing, the third doesn’t.”

Model yacht clubs can be found throughout the country, coordinating their races at various ponds, but Azura is one of three (along with San Francisco and New York) to have an actual yacht club building. The building may be small, but it serves its purpose, housing the fleet of guest boats and more importantly, a refrigerator full of beer.

On a typical Sunday, the club members will start at 1:00 pm and decide which course to sail based on the direction of the wind. Racing usually goes on for about two hours, and Gillespie

estimates that they race about 15 times in an afternoon. After finishing, yacht club members often have a glass of wine or a cold beer before heading home.

In 2021, Azura hosted the National Championship Micro Magic sailing, and it was a hit. “We have a particularly nice venue for it, with the fact that it’s a winery,” Ty says. “We had a dinner for our participants on our terrace and that was quite unusual for them, who are used to having a cold sandwich by a pond. Everybody wants to come back because it’s beautiful and they were treated properly.”

Nautical novices interested in sailing, can learn the basics safely from the shoreline at the Azura pond. After sailing, enjoy a bottle of Azura’s wine and cherish the view in one of Colorado’s finest regions.

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

Photos courtesy of Azura Cellars & Gallery

DANICO BREWING ON STEADY FLIGHTPATH Brewery near DIA attracts craft drinkers, artists, musicians

By Kyle Kirves

When your brewery is as close to the airport as Danico Brewing Co. is, the beer-flight puns come fairly easy. “Flight of hops before you hop a flight?” “Denver International Beerport –because that’s why you REALLY came.”

Or my favorite: “IPA till I DIA!” “

“We get people all the time coming in from the airport with their luggage or their skis or their golf clubs,” says Nikki Harwood, co-owner and co-founder of Danico. “Sometimes they’re heading out, but more often they are coming into Colorado and are waiting for friends or to check in at their hotel.”

Imagine being in that position – one of the first faces to welcome you to your Colorado vacation is asking what beer they can get you. Now that’s Colorado hospitality!

Danico is just eight miles from DIA (more like four as the, uh, crow flies) making it a natural stop as people come and go through the Mile High region. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a hit with locals.

“This area,” Harwood says of the area along I-70 and east of I-25 that includes Reunion and DIA, “has been really super supportive. We hear all the time how grateful craft beer fans are to have something in the area, something more local. The community has been great.” She is quick to thank the regulars for the early and ongoing success.

Artists also are attracted to the new brewery. An eye-catching mural by a world-famous artist adorns the side of the building. And some of the most creative musicians in the area are already playing regular gigs in the spacious and welcoming taproom.

It is a success that, as it turns out, was far from guaranteed. But it is a good story of faith and perseverance and the sometimes unexpected aid that comes to the rescue.

“Starting a brewery when we did was really challenging,” Harwood says of Danico’s origin during

the pandemic. “We’d secured funding and then, near the end, we heard ‘Well, we decided as a bank that we’re not really funding any food or beverage right now because of COVID.’”

Crushing? Yes. But the story, naturally, has a happy ending. Harwood cites some key financial consultation coming together, but also credits the fraternity of brewers in Colorado for their support.

“We had a lot of brewers say to us, sure, we can open our books to help you make the case. They were really supportive and great to work with,” she said.

Groundbreaking happened shortly thereafter, and the result is a truly beautiful space that is welcoming and elegant – a brewery emblematic of 21st century cool. It is a marvel to look at, but the signature piece is the mural by Nashville-based (and Littleton native) artist Kelsey Montague.

While her mural work appears all over the world, Montague is perhaps best known for her “wings” pieces – massive renderings of towering wings painted on exterior spaces in Nashville. They are interactive, and allow passersby to insert themselves between the wings and become a winged creature themselves, if only in photos.

Harwood is an avowed fan of Montague’s work.

“I’ve seen all the ones in Colorado, California, New York and Arizona and her work really speaks to me and makes me happy,” she said. ”When Dave (co-owner and co-founder Dave Lotierzo) and I were doing our initial design of the building we knew we had that mural wall out front, and we were talking about doing a music theme or something. And then I said, ‘I think I’ll ask Kelsey to do a mural there and he got behind that so I just reached out to her via her website.’”

Montague created a more floral landscape, appropriately replete with hop flowers and wheat stalks in colors that mesh magnificently with Danico’s motif. And part of the contract specified that Danico would make a beer just for Montague – a peach wheat that remains a staple in the Danico lineup.

Wall mural at Danico Brewing created by Kelsey Montague.

Photo courtesy of Danico Brewing

A couple of musicians also are early supporters of the brewery. Acclaimed Denver indie pop band Pandas & People played the brewery’s grand opening last December, and still plays at the brewery regularly. As does Facebagel, aka Matthew White, a Golden-based singer-songwriter, didgeridoo player and percussionist.

People may go to a brewery because of the art outside, the ambience or music inside, but they likely stay – or come back – for the beer. Enter Chris Kennedy, formerly of Heretic Brewing in California. Harwood recruited Kennedy to be head brewer at Danico knowing that the proof of a brewery’s worth is in the tun, keg, and glass. Harwood and Kennedy had partnered previously in the brewing game. Kennedy brings years of California brewing experience to Danico and Harwood credits him with a lot of the innovation and experimentation that goes on there.

Harwood hopes that the success of Danico in the region will bring a few more breweries to the area as well to make the area a kind of minicraft district. “I don’t know about you, but when I’m someplace new, I like to go to two or three breweries in the area and just try them all out,” Harwood says. Here’s hoping a few more in the region can take flight.

Kyle Kirves drinks beer, plays guitar, runs trails, and manages projects – all with varying degrees of success. While not a craftsman himself, he is quite content writing about the Colorado artisans who create such wonderful things and memorable experiences.

ABOUT DANICO

The name Danico is a combination of the owners’ names (Dan and Nikki) plus a “CO” for Colorado. It is located at 18490 E. 66th Ave., and opens at 10:30 a.m. seven days a week. Their calendar of events – including live music –appears at danicobrewing.com.

Photos courtesy of Danico Brewing

Wheat Ridge • conflagrationdistilling.com

Hang your hat in Palisade’s only ‘Old West’ brand Winery. Vines 79 Wine Barn features 100% Grand Valley grown, classic style wines. The small winery is located in the Vinelands where you can enjoy the view of the dramatic Bookcliffs and Grand Mesa from the cozy outdoor Patio Area.

3839 G Road, Palisade, CO 970-589-0417 Vines79.com

Owned and operated by firefighters, we make small batches of whiskey, rum, gin, and agave spirits.

Grains from northern Colorado.

BIG EATS, SMALL TOWNS

By the Thirst Team

As fall weather ripens fruit and turns the Colorado hillsides a golden hue, visitors make their way to the Western Slope for some R&R. While there, one cannot live on wine alone! Nourishing meals should be part of the itinerary. We’ve put together a few ideas to wow the taste buds that range from take-and-go to enjoying meals prepared by top-notch chefs.

NIDO

nido takes a serious approach to fun Mexican cuisine by pushing the boundaries with a variety of influences. Chef Ed Vaughn uses mostly organic and local ingredients in his menu, which features his famed street tacos and wonderful takes on carnitas and tamales. After opening in 2019, Vaughn weathered the pandemic storm to survive and then thrive in the small town of Paonia in the North Fork Valley. The restaurant is known as small but mighty. Vaughn says the menu has a “southern influence with a Mexican flair.” Stop by the hot sauce station to test some of the dozen choices to enhance the bubblegum plum carnitas or the papas del fuego.

P Ê CHE

With deep roots in classical and contemporary cuisine, the owners at Pêche reserve the right to alter the menu based on availability of fresh ingredients. Don’t be alarmed. The menu always remains small and varied and popular among those living and visiting Palisade and other parts of the Western Slope. Chef Matthew Chasseur has trained across the world and brings a great experience to those in search of a fine meal. Ashley Fees Chasseur serves as general manager. She fell in love with the restaurant scene and her future husband while working in Chicago. The couple has definitely nudged the dining scene forward in downtown Palisade since opening in 2019.

FIDEL’S

Known for its tasty tacos and margs, Fidel’s has become the gathering spot of locals and tourists because it’s a fun place to kick back in Palisade. Colorado faves such as rellenos, posole and huevos rancheros are available, but the tacos are hard to beat. The Oaxacan and the Bomb Ass Fish Tacos are popular for good reason. Packing a nice variety of tequilas, creative cocktails abound but don’t miss the spicy cucumber margarita. It has a kick but the flavor is wonderful. Owners Jody Corey and Jeff Snook prepare quality food with a great chef and provide a fun atmosphere as well. They also run the Spoke & Vine Motel just a few blocks away.

MESA WINDS FARM AND WINERY

Mesa Winds is another example of a fine dining experience that will surprise those who are visiting the small town of Hotchkiss at the base of the West Elk Mountains. As the recreation scene continues to expand across the Western Slope, so do the food and libation options. Mesa Winds brings both, as well as farming to back it up. As the name acknowledges, 36 acres also are organically farmed at the destination, which includes grapes, apples and peaches. Using fruits and vegetables in season, the Mesa Winds menu will change to bring out the best tastes. The small menu often features salmon and pork, and one can stop in for some grab-and-go options before heading into the backcountry.

Photo courtesy of nido

Prime Pairings

Crostini with Mushroom Pâté and Red Onion Relish

By Kristen Kuchar

You’ll find many wine-friendly bites at Carboy Winery, such as marinated olives, house-made potato chips with a truffle fondue and this crostini topped with a creamy mushroom pâté and red onion relish. Created by in-house executive chef Scott Hybbeneth, this recipe pairs with a glass of Grand Brut Rosé. Its juicy, vibrant fruit is a great balance to the earthy mushroom and red onion flavors in the dish. The Colorado winery has locations in Breckenridge, Denver, Littleton and Grand Valley.

Ingredients

1 baguette, sliced into rounds 1/3’’ thick

1 lb cremini mushrooms, chopped

1 medium onion

¼ cup fresh sage, chopped

½ cup Marsala wine

½ cup port

10 oz butter, softened, cut into small cubes

2 oz white truffle oil

Brush each slice of the baguette with olive oil and toast in 350 degree oven for 8 minutes, until browned and crisp. Dice onion and sauté in a little olive oil until slightly browned. Add the chopped mushrooms and continue cooking until they are soft. Add sage, Marsala and port and cook at low heat until 90 percent reduced. Add the truffle oil and transfer hot mushrooms and remaining liquid to a blender, in two batches if necessary. Blend until smooth, adding butter cubes, gradually. Continue blending until completely smooth, and then season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate to cool slightly. The pâté is best served at room temperature.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil

1 red onion, finely diced

2 tbsp light corn syrup

1 tbsp sugar

Directions

Sauté onion at low heat, stirring often until onion is transparent. Add corn syrup and sugar, mixing well to combine. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and cool.

Mushroom Pâté

Red Onion Relish

To serve, spread pâté on crostini, top with red onion relish.

Photo courtesy of Carboy Winery

Prime Pairings

Bass & Summer Squash

By Kristen Kuchar

This summer squash recipe from Farow is best served with a flaky white fish such as snapper, striped bass, or even some flounder. The squash serves as a bed for the fish, topped with a fennel salad. Farow is located in Niwot, serving a rotating menu with most ingredients sourced within 10 miles.

Ingredients

2-3 summer squash

1 packed cup of mixed herbs (basil, tarragon, thyme, parsley, cilantro)

1 oz parmesan cheese, grated

1 oz olive oil

1 oz butter

1 oz cooking oil (avocado or sunflower)

1⁄2 head fennel

2 lemons

1 oz olive oil

Directions

Start by rubbing summer squash with cooking oil. Season with salt and grill them whole until tender. Let the squash cool. Roughly chop all your herbs, place in a mixing bowl with grated parmesan cheese and mix in some olive oil. Cut the squash into chunks, place in a pan with butter and warm them. Add your chopped herbs and parmesan mix, and then cut off heat. Season with salt to taste. Thinly slice the fennel (you can use the entire plant, fronds too!) Toss in a mixing bowl with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to taste. With everything ready, cook your fish to your liking. Farow’s preference is pan seared, with a temperature to 145 degrees F. Plate with the summer squash mixture on bottom, place the fish, then some fennel salad right over top.

The suggested pairing is a Palisade-based Grande River Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. Farow owner Lisa Balcom says a sauvignon blanc would be great with the bass and summer squash because the light, crisp acidity would complement the acidity of the lemons. And its herbaceous notes compliment the herbs on the squash.

Photo by Lisa Balcom

BREWERIES

DENVER

BAKER/SOUTH BROADWAY

Baere Brewing Co

Banded Oak Brewing Co

Dos Luces Brewery

Grandma’s House

Lowdown Brewery + Kitchen ●

Novel Strand Brewing Co

Platt Park Brewing Co ●

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Public Offering Brewing ●

Ratio Beerworks ●

So Many Roads Museum and Brewery ●

TRVE Brewing Co

CAPITOL HILL/E COLFAX/ PARK HILL

Alpine Dog Brewing Co.

Bruz Off Fax

Cerebral Brewing ● ●

Fiction Beer Co ●

Long Table Brewhouse ●

Pints Pub ●

Reverence Brewing Co

Station 26 Brewing Co ●

Vine Street Pub & Brewery ●

DENVER INT’L AIRPORT

Boulder Beer Tap House ●

Breckenridge Brewery ●

Denver Chophouse and Brewery ●

Great Divide Brewhouse and KItchen ●

New Belgium Brewing ●

SweetWater Mountain Taphouse ●

Tivoli Taphouse ●

FIVE POINTS

MobCraft Dee Tacko ●

Spangalang Brewery ●

Woods Boss Brewing ● ●

LODO

AC Golden Brewing Co

Cervecería Colorado

Denver Beer Co ●

Denver Chophouse & Brewery

Great Divide Brewing Co ● ●

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery

Rock Bottom Denver ●

Sandlot Brewery

Smash Face Brewing ●

Wynkoop Brewing Co ●

MILE HI/AURARIA

Briar Common Brewery + Eatery ●

Burns Family Artisan Ales

Little Machine Beer ●

Odell Brewing Sloan’s Lake ●

Raices Brewing Co

Seedstock Brewery ●

Strange Craft Beer Co

Tivoli Brewing ●

Zuni St. Brewing Co ● ●

NORTHEAST DENVER

Danico Brewing ●

FlyteCo Tower ●

River North Wash. St. Taproom ●

NORTHWEST DENVER

Amalgam Brewing

Berkeley Alley Beer Co.

Bruz Beers ●

Call to Arms Brewing Co ●

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project

Denver Beer Co Canworks ●

Diebolt Brewing Co ● ●

The Empourium Brewing Co

FlyteCo Brewing ●

Goldspot Brewing Co ● ●

Grateful Gnome

Sandwich Shoppe + Brewery ● ●

Hogshead Brewery ●

Oasis Brewing Co ●

Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten

RINO

14er Brewing Altitude Brewing & Supply

Bierstadt Lagerhaus

COLORADO CRAFT

DENVER SUBURBS

EDGEWATER/WHEAT RIDGE

Barquentine Brewing Co

Brewery Rickoli ●

Colorado Plus Brew Pub ●

Joyride Brewing Co ●

New Image Brewing

ENGLEWOOD AREA

Brewability Lab ●

Peak View Brewing Co ●

Someplace

Sunroom Brewing ●

FREDERICK

Mirror Image Brewing Co ●

Mountain Cowboy Brewing Co ● ●

GOLDEN

Barrels and Bottles Brewery ●

Cannonball Creek Brewing Co ●

Coda Brewing

Coors Brewing Co

Golden City Brewery ●

Holidaily Brewing Co

Holidailybrewing.com

303.278.BEER 801 Brickyard Cir., Golden

Mountain Toad Brewing ●

New Terrain Brewing ● ●

Ohm Brewing

Over Yonder Brewing ●

LAKEWOOD

6 and 40 Brewery

BJ’s

Great Frontier Brewing Co ●

Green Mountain Beer Co ●

Landlocked Ales ●

Old 121 Brewhouse ●

Westfax Brewing Co ●

LITTLETON AREA

Blue Spruce Brewing Co

WESTMINSTER

BJ’s ●

Frolic Brewing Co ●

Kokopelli Beer Co ● ●

Westminster Brewing Co ●

Windfall Brewing Co

BOULDER COUNTY

Busey Brews - Nederland ● ●

Echo Brewing Co - Erie ●

Fritz Family Brewers - Niwot

Howlin Wind Brewing and BlendingRollinsville

Industrial Revolution Brewing - Erie ●

Knotted Root Brewing Co - Nederland

MainStage Brewing - Lyons ●

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew - Lyons

Very Nice Brewing - Nederland ●

BOULDER

Asher Brewing Co

Avery Brewing ●

Beyond the Mountain Brewing Co

BJ’s ● Boulder Social ●

Finkel & Garf Brewing Co

Kettle and Spoke Brewery

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery ●

Oskar Blues Taproom ● ●

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Rocks & Hops Brewing

Sanitas Brewing Co ● ●

Southern Sun ●

Twisted Pine Brewing ● ●

Uhl’s Brewing Co

Upslope Brewing Co ● ●

Vision Quest Brewing Co ●

Wild Provisions Beer Project

LAFAYETTE

Cellar West Artisan Ales ●

Mockery Brewing

New Belgium - The Woods at the

Odell Brewing Co

Our Mutual Friend Ratio Beerworks

North Brewery

SOUTHEAST DENVER

Bull and Bush Brewery

Comrade Brewing

720.748.0700

7677 E Iliff Ave

Denver

Copper Kettle Brewing Co

Denver Beer Co

SOUTHWEST DENVER Black

Holidaily Brewing Taproom

Little Dry Creek Brewery

Lone Tree Brewing Co

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria

Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten

Resolute Brewing Co

Rock Bottom Centennial

Rock Bottom Highlands Ranch

Spice Trade Brewing Co

Two22 Brew

Breckenridge Brewery ●

Coal Mine Ave. Brewing Co

Comet Brews ●

Grist Lounge

Jackass Hill Brewery ●

Lariat Lodge Brewing ●

Living the Dream Brewing Co ●

Locavore Beer Works

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

NORTHGLENN/THORNTON

Mother Tucker Brewery ● ●

Satire Brewing Co ● ●

PARKER

Barnett and Son Brewing Co ● ●

Downhill Brewing Co ●

Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant y Cerveceria ●

Front Range Brewing ● ●

Liquid Mechanics ● ●

Odd 13 Brewing Inc ● ●

The Post Brewing Co ● ●

Westbound and Down Brewing Co

LONGMONT

300 Suns Brewing ●

Bootstrap Brewing ● ●

Collision Brewing Co ●

Großen Bart Brewery ● ●

Knuckle Puck Brewing

Left Hand Brewing Co ●

Oskar Blues Brewing ●

Outworld Brewing ● ●

Primitive Beer

The Post Chicken and Beer

Pumphouse Brewery ●

Shoes and Brews

Wibby Brewing ●

LIBATIONS LISTINGS

LOUISVILLE

12Degree Brewing ●

Crystal Springs Brewing Co

Gravity Brewing ● ● ●

Mother Tucker Brewery ●

Redgarden Restaurant & Brewery ●

S. FRONT RANGE

BierWerks Brewery - Woodland Park

● ●

Crafty Canary Brewery - Walsenburg

Florence Brewing - Florence

Iron Tree Restaurant and Funky Town

Brewing - Florissant ●

Manitou Brewing - Manitou Springs ●

Mountain Merman - La Veta ●

Paradox Beer Co - Divide ●

World’s End Brewing Co - Cañon City

COLORADO SPRINGS

Atrevida Beer Co ●

Batch Slapped Brewery / Cidery

Battle Mountain Brewing ●

Bell Brothers Brewing

BJ’s ●

Black Forest Brewing Co ●

Brass Brewing Co ●

Bristol Brewing ●

Cerberus Brewing Co ●

Cogstone Brewing Co ● ●

Colorado Mountain Brewery ●

Dueces Wild Brewery ●

Father & Sons Brewery ●

FH Beerworks ●

Fossil Craft Beer Co ●

Goat Patch Brewing Co ●

JAKs Brewing Co ●

Local Relic ●

Lost Friend Brewing ●

Mash Mechanix Brewing ●

Metric Brewing

Nano 108 ●

OCC Brewing

Peaks N Pines Brewing Co

Phantom Canyon ●

Pikes Peak Brewing Co ●

Red Leg Brewing

Red Swing Brewhouse

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ●

Storybook Brewing ●

Trinity Brewing ●

Urban Animal Beer Co

Wackadoo Brewing

Whistle Pig Brewing Co ● ●

PUEBLO

Brues Alehouse Brewing Co ●

Reservoir Brewing Co ●

Shamrock Brewing ●

Walter’s Brewery & Taproom ●

N. FRONT RANGE

Old Colorado Brewing - Wellington ●

Sparge Brewing - Wellington

Timnath Beerwerks - Timnath ●

ESTES PARK

Avant Garde Aleworks

Estes Park Brewery ●

Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Rock Cut Brewing Co

FORT COLLINS

Anheuser-Busch

BJ’s ●

Black Bottle Brewery ●

Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing ●

Crooked Stave Brewing

DC Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery ●

Envy Brewing

Equinox Brewing ●

Funkwerks

Gilded Goat Brewing Co ●

Hello Brewing Co

Horse & Dragon Brewing Co

Intersect Brewing ● ●

Jessup Farm Barrel House ●

Maxline Brewing ● ●

Mythmaker Brewing ●

New Belgium Brewing Co ● ●

Obstacle Brewing and Grill ●

Odell Brewing Co ●

Peculier Ales

Pitchers Brewery ●

The Post Chicken and Beer ●

Prost Brewing Co

Purpose Brewing

Rally King Brewing

Ramskeller Brewery ●

Salt Road Brewing

Snowbank Brewing

Stodgy Brewing Co ● ●

SweetWater Brewery

Zwei Brewing Co ● ●

GREELEY

Crabtree Brewing ● ●

Rule 105 Brewing Co ●

Tightknit Brewing Co ● ●

WeldWerks Brewing Co ●

Wiley Roots Brewing Co ●

Yetters Brewing

LOVELAND/BERTHOUD

Berthoud Brewing Co

Big Beaver Brewing Co ●

Big Thompson Brewery

City Star Brewing ●

Crow Hop Brewing

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

Loveland Aleworks ●

Mountain Cowboy Coffee House & Taproom ● ●

Rock Bottom ●

Rock Coast Brewery ●

Sky Bear Brewery and Pub ●

Verboten Brewing Co

WINDSOR

High Hops Brewery ●

Mash Lab Brewing ●

Mighty River Brewing ● ●

Peculier Ales ● ●

CENTRAL COLORADO

Browns Canyon Brewing - Buena Vista

Eddyline Brewery - Buena Vista ●

Elevation Beer Co - Poncha Springs ●

HighSide Brewing - Fairplay

South Park Brewing

SOUTHWEST

Avalanche

High Alpine Brewing Co ●

Irwin Brewing Co

OURAY

Colorado Boy Southwest Pub ●

Ouray Brewery ●

Ourayle House Brewery ●

Red Mountain Brewing ●

PAGOSA SPRINGS

The Break Room Brewing Co

Riff Raff Brewing ● ●

ALAMOSA

The Colorado Farm Brewery

San Luis Valley Brewing ●

Square Peg Brewerks

PAONIA

Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer

Paonia United Brewing Co ●

NORTHEAST

Parts & Labor Brewing Co - Sterling ●

Tumbleweed Brewing & Wine - Yuma ●

NORTHWEST

Camber Brewing Co - Fraser

Fraser River Beer Co - Fraser

Grand Adventure Brewing - Kremmling

Never Summer Brewing Co - Granby

Smoking River Brewing Co - Meeker

Vicious Cycle Brewing - Fraser ●

World’s End Brewpub - Grand Lake

Yampa Valley Taproom - Craig

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill ●

Mountain Tap Brewery ●

Storm Peak Brewing Co

Yampa Valley Brewing Co

GRAND JUNCTION

Base Camp Beer Works

Edgewater Brewery ●

Foam & Folly Brewing

Gemini Beer Co

Kannah Creek Brewing Co ●

Ramblebine Brewing Co ●

The Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery ●

GRAND MESA AREA

Base Camp Provisions - Fruita ●

Copper Club Brewing Co - Fruita ●

Dented Face Brewing Co - Delta

Mad Russian Brewing Co - Olathe ●

Palisade Brewing Co ● ●

Suds Brothers Brewery - Fruita ● ●

CENTRAL CITY/GEORGETOWN/ IDAHO SPRINGS

Cabin Creek Brewing - Georgetown ●

Dostal Alley Saloon & Gambling

Emporium - Central City ●

Guanella Pass Brewing - Georgetown, Empire

Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub - Idaho Springs ●

Westbound & Down Brewing Co - Idaho Springs ●

EVERGREEN

El Rancho Brewing Co ●

Evergreen Brewery ●

Lariat Lodge Brewing ● ●

SUMMIT COUNTY

Angry James Brewing - Silverthorne

The Baker’s Brewery - Silverthorne ●

Breckenridge Brewery & Pub ●

Broken Compass Brewing - Breck.

Dillon Dam Brewery - Dillon ● ●

HighSide Brewing - Frisco ● ●

Outer Range Brewing Co - Frisco ●

Smuggler’s Brewpub - Telluride ●

Square Peg Brewerks - Creede

Stoik Beer Co - Delta ●

Stronghouse Brew Pub - Telluride

Telluride Brewing Co - Telluride ●

Three Barrel Brewing Co - Del Norte ●

CORTEZ

J. Fargo’s Family Dining & Micro Brewery ●

Main Street Brewery & Restaurant ●

WildEdge Brewing Collective ●

DURANGO

Anarchy Brewing

Animas Brewing Co ●

Carver Brewing Co ●

Durango Beer and Ice Co

High Trestle Brewing ● ●

Ska Brewing Co ● ●

Steamworks Brewing Co ●

GUNNISON/CRESTED BUTTE

The Eldo Brewpub & Venue ● ●

WINTER PARK

Big Trout Brewing Co

Hideaway Park Brewery

The Noble Buck ●

I-70 CORRIDOR

EAGLE COUNTY

7 Hermits Brewing Co - Vail ●

Eagle County Brewing Co - Gypsum ●

Vail Brewing Co - Vail ● ●

ASPEN/CARBONDALE/ GLENWOOD SPRINGS

Aspen Brewing Co ●

Ball Brewing

Capitol Creek Brewery ●

Carbondale Beer Works ●

Casey Brewing and Blending

Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub ●

Roaring Fork Beer Co ●

Pug Ryan’s Brewery - Dillon ●

Steep Brewing & Coffee - Keystone ●

Syndicate Brewing Co - Silverthorne

DISTRIBUTION ONLY

Backacre Beermakers

Ceria Brewing

Dive Bar Brewing Co

Donovan Brewing Co

New Planet Beer

Saint Patrick’s Brewing

Sleeping Giant Brewing

DISTILLERIES

DENVER/BOULDER

52Eighty Distilling - Littleton

Abbott & Wallace - Longmont

Anders’ Vodka - Parker

Archetype Distillery - Denver

Arta Tequila - Englewood

atöst Lounge - Golden

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