***This review was written based on my tasting experienced that occurred on Saturday, August 26,…read more2023. August 26th was their last day to operate at the location of 8130 S University, Unit 110; they are moving to a new location: 311 E County Line, #20; this is the old driver's license place. It's my understanding that they will resume their normal operation at the new place in mid-September.***
As an avid wine drinker, I had to fathom to understand why it had taken this long to come to this winery even though they opened their doors almost 15 years ago. I had passed this quiet shopping center numerous times in the past and although the actual store is not necessarily super visible from the street, the sign (winery) at the entry to the shopping center had caught the kitty corner of my eye every time I drove on University. Whatever the excuse I can thing of, I finally made it here as if to scratch one item off of my bucket list.
I bought a deal from Groupon (two-hour wine tasting with award-winning wines for two with one take-home bottle deal) at the price of $41.60) months ago. I simply couldn't ignore such a great deal.
Without further ado, let me rate my yesterday's tasting experience.
Selection of wines: First off, this place carries world sourced/Colorado made wines. They, of course, have white, red and dessert ones. Grape types are Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cab Sauvignon, Tempranillos, Malbec, Carmenere, Chianti, Barolo, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Pinotage, Barbera for reds and Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Liebfraumilch, Viognier for whites (I'm pretty sure I have left off a few.) This is quite extensive. Because of this, you'll be guaranteed to find something that will resonate with your likings/palate.
Quality of wines: I had no expectations before I had arrived. All I was looking for was a quality time with my friend over a glass of wine. But once I started a flight of my choices, I had a hard time picking which one was better between the first and the second one or the third one and the fourth (and so on) and what I liked the most because they all tasted amazing. I know some say that Colorado made wines are not at par with wines from other states/regions but if you still think that Colorado's wine making level is still pretty low, you should definitely check this place out.
Host: Melissa (?) was simply amazing. She was hospitable and attentive to our needs. She tirelessly walked around the floor with several bottles of wines in her arms/hands and kept pouring for us and other guests. She was also excellent at making great suggestions. And whenever she mentioned her favorites and we tried them out, we ended up liking them.
Like I mentioned earlier in this review, the place was in the transition of moving. Melissa asked us to pardon any/all mess that we might notice. She also said that certain things had already been boxed up for the move so the only thing she could offer for us to munch were black sesame crackers (but this place does have charcuterie board.) This was totally understandable.
Website: Check it out for sure. They offer wine club membership (gold club is $50, silver club is $45 and bronze club is 35); they let you make your own wine (I wonder how this is done; I'm curious); they let you make your custom wine labels (you can commemorate a special occasion such as birthday, wedding anniversary etc.); they let you rent the winery for seminars, events etc.
Regular wine tastings: $15 per person for 6 tastes or $25 per person for 1 hour tasting
My friend and I left the place (after two hours of tasting) being impressed. I cannot wait until they reopen at their new location. I'm pretty sure it'll be a more superior experience as they'll have everything: the ambience, the food but most of all, the award-winning wines.
***I decided on Chilean Cab-Malbec-Carmenere as my take-home bottle after the tasting***