It’s always a good idea to support local businesses. And “buy local” has become a popular outcry in recent years. While it is most common in arts and crafts and especially in food, it also is relevant for beer, wine and spirits. And especially with the economic challenges caused by the pandemic and world events, it is even more important to support these small businesses. Since this is a wine column and I am based in Colorado, I am suggesting Colorado wine for the holidays this year.
In case you haven’t noticed, the quality of Colorado wine has increased dramatically in recent years. Colorado has a burgeoning wine industry (over 170 businesses across the state) that is growing in national recognition. “Colorado wine is a fine choice for holiday meals,” said Doug Caskey, executive director of the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board (CWIDB).
Dug Caskey added, “After a quiet couple of years, one thing that has not slowed down is the growing quality of Colorado wines and our recognition as one of the top unique wine regions in the country. The Colorado wine industry is a hotbed of innovation and creativity, thanks to our dedicated grape growers and hard-working winemakers.” The Colorado wine industry also is driven to evolve to align with Colorado’s unpredictable weather.
These achievements were amply on display in the recently announced 2022 Governor’s Collection, which was hosted by the CWIDB. A tasting panel selected of 19 highly respected wine professionals sat in judgment of 279 Colorado wines submitted from 38 wineries.
This year’s Governor’s Cup Collection features some returning albeit lesser-known varieties such as teroldogo and chambourcin, mixed with familiar favorites like syrah and tempranillo, and sprinkled with creative styles including sparkling and mead.
And, of course, think Colorado when looking for a holiday wine gift. Many wine shops in And, of course, think Colorado when looking for a holiday wine gift. Many wine shops in the state carry Colorado wine and many of the wineries have holiday gift offerings, whether individual bottles or special packages.
A good place to start your search is at https://coloradowine.com//. Many local wine shops also carry Colorado wine and many of the wineries have holiday offerings on their websites.
The 12 winning Colorado wines that will comprise the 2022 Colorado Governor’s Cup Wine Collection are:
- Aspen Peak Cellars (Bailey) – 2021 Pinot Gris, American
- Carboy Winery (Littleton) – 2019 Petit Verdot, Grand Valley AVA
- Carboy Winery (Littleton) – 2020 Teroldego, Grand Valley AVA
- Carboy Winery (Littleton) – 2019 Blanc LaLaLa (Sparkling Gruner Veltliner), Grand Valley AVA
- Carlson Vineyards (Palisade) – 2021 Sweet Baby White Blend, American
- Mesa Park Vineyards (Palisade) – 2020 Equilibre Red Blend, Grand Valley AVA
- The Peachfork (Palisade) – 2021 Chambourcin, Grand Valley AVA
- Red Fox Cellars (Palisade) – Non-Vintage Nebbiolo, Grand Valley AVA
- Slaymaker Cellars (Idaho Springs) – Traditional Wildflower Mead
- The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey (Canon City) – 2019 Syrah, Colorado
- Vino Salida Wine Cellars (Poncha Springs) – 2017 Tempranillo, Grand Valley AVA
- Whitewater Hill Vineyards (Grand Junction) – 2021 Dry Rose of St. Vincent, Grand Valley AVA
And the seven-year-old Carboy Winery won Best in Show on, for its 2020 Teroldego.
“The considerable growth in the past few years [locations in Denver, Littleton, Breckenrige and Palisade in five years] has been both challenging and rewarding. It is humbling to have three wines selected for the 2022 Governor’s Cup. The driving force behind the partnership between our production and vineyard management teams is to create wines that are balanced and approachable. Having had more than one wine selected this year is certainly a validation of that effort. The uptick in quality that has been achieved as of late by the Colorado winegrowing community is a remarkable achievement. It is an honor to be a part of this community. I am confident that we’ll be seeing a maintained output of premium wines by Colorado producers, as we collectively improve upon vineyard practices and production techniques. I am excited for what’s in store for future vintages.”
Another ideal choice, given its proximity in Cañon City, is The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey about two hours south of Denver. The Abbey Winery has many options worth perusing, including the Syrah that is part of the Governor’s Cup Collection. In its more than 20 years of production, has won countless awards for its wines.
Their website is an especially good place to start. Check out the online shop for individual bottles and case and shipping discounts on most wines. Join the unique “Congregation” wine club or give a membership as a gift. The website also has numerous, inviting non-wine artistic and gourmet items available.
Even better, take the drive down to visit their amazing gift shop. Sample some wine and food in the tasting room, then take some wine and other goodies home. It would make a fun holiday day trip. And the wine won’t disappoint. Head Winemaker Jeff Stultz is proud of the award-winning wines. “I’m also excited about our newer line of wines called As Above So Below”, he said. “They are accessibly priced at $16 and feature creative blends and a fun label”.
NOTE: Featured image courtesy Colorado Wine Industry Development Board.