Wineries of the West Elks con't
...cutting the grass in front of the tasting room or grooming the bocce ball court when you arrive, just as likely as pouring you a taste from behind the tasting room bar. Enjoy the casual camaraderie but don’t be fooled. Ask the winemaker about the crafting of the current vintage; encourage a discussion of how the vines are grown. Winemaking here
is serious business.
Each of the twelve wineries in the Valley is a unique experience offering sound wines of wildly varying style. The wines grown and crafted in the North Fork reflect the elegance wrought by the climate, geology, soils, and terroir that are required to uniquely define the West Elks American Viticultural Area (AVA).
The highest elevation AVA in the United States boasts the highest elevation vineyards in the Northern hemisphere, matched only by sparse locations in South America. The vines here produce familiar varieties with striking character.
Marked by crisp acidity and intense berry flavors, the Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chambourcin and other red varieties grown here delight the palate with complex yet straightforward notes of cherry, strawberry, cassis, and when kissed by oak, you’ll experience vanilla, baking spices, and tannin.
Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Cayuga, and other lesser-known whites offer racy acidity with green apple, lychee nut, rose water, and citrus components lingering long
on the palate.
These wines, meant to be enjoyed with your favorite meal, may elevate that meal to an unanticipated elegance. Multiple competition medals and 90+ point scores from world-renowned critics attest to the drive for quality that motivates our local winemakers. We simply never forget that wine is meant to be elegant and enjoyed, not extreme or annoying. Spend an elegant afternoon touring several of our local wineries and judge for yourself.
Article by Brent Helleckson of Stone Cottage Cellars
...cutting the grass in front of the tasting room or grooming the bocce ball court when you arrive, just as likely as pouring you a taste from behind the tasting room bar. Enjoy the casual camaraderie but don’t be fooled. Ask the winemaker about the crafting of the current vintage; encourage a discussion of how the vines are grown. Winemaking here
is serious business.
Each of the twelve wineries in the Valley is a unique experience offering sound wines of wildly varying style. The wines grown and crafted in the North Fork reflect the elegance wrought by the climate, geology, soils, and terroir that are required to uniquely define the West Elks American Viticultural Area (AVA).
The highest elevation AVA in the United States boasts the highest elevation vineyards in the Northern hemisphere, matched only by sparse locations in South America. The vines here produce familiar varieties with striking character.
Marked by crisp acidity and intense berry flavors, the Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chambourcin and other red varieties grown here delight the palate with complex yet straightforward notes of cherry, strawberry, cassis, and when kissed by oak, you’ll experience vanilla, baking spices, and tannin.
Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Cayuga, and other lesser-known whites offer racy acidity with green apple, lychee nut, rose water, and citrus components lingering long
on the palate.
These wines, meant to be enjoyed with your favorite meal, may elevate that meal to an unanticipated elegance. Multiple competition medals and 90+ point scores from world-renowned critics attest to the drive for quality that motivates our local winemakers. We simply never forget that wine is meant to be elegant and enjoyed, not extreme or annoying. Spend an elegant afternoon touring several of our local wineries and judge for yourself.
Article by Brent Helleckson of Stone Cottage Cellars