Grape stomp at Balistreri Vineyards Harvest Festival
Colorado now boasts more than 80 bonded wineries. Most people would be surprised to learn that many of these wineries are not located on a vineyard. Boulder County holds the record for the most number of Front Range wineries.
Several wineries are just a quick drive from downtown Denver. The most popular, family run operation is Balistreri Vineyards which produces a unique handcrafted range of hearty wines in the old-world tradition. Originally in the flower nursery business, John Balistreri made wine for home consumption, just like his Sicilian forefathers, before becoming a commercial wine maker. The Balistreris currently produce more than 3,500 cases of primarily red wines such as Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Zinfandel. Their unique and upfront taste profiles set the standard for “macho” wines. Balistreri Vineyards has received numerous statewide and national awards. Most of Balistreri wines sell out fast, making it difficult for the winery to maintain an inventory of library wines.
Balistreri Vineyards hosts several great events during the year. Their annual Harvest Party is coming up on October 4, 2009. Guests will enjoy new releases, delicious food samplings, old-fashioned grape stomping plus live music. Tickets are $55 in advance.
Balistreri Vineyards
1946 E. 66th Ave.
Denver, CO 80229
Tel 303.287.5156
Two of the new kids in the Denver wine arena are Bonaquisti Vineyards and Verso Cellars. They are both located in a commercial building near Interstate 70 and Pecos Street.
Great wine value!
Bonacquisti Vinny No Neck (NV) $15
This versatile red is a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Petite Sirah with hints of anise and chocolate and a healthy dose of plum jam.
Bonacquisti Wine Company
4640 Pecos St Unit I
Denver, CO 80211
Tel. 303-477-WINE
Verso Cellars has recently opened a tasting room and warehouse in the same building as Bonacquisti. There is talk about other wineries joining them to create a “winery row”. Verso is a Cab House, offering delicious vertical tastings of their 2003-2006 vintages. My favorite, the 2004 Verso Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, has excellent fruit with cherry overtones. Aged in French Oak for 19-24 months, then bottle aged for 1 year this cab is a steal at $25. Verso Cellars Proprietor Paul Philips, a former software consultant for Oracle, suggests pairing this wine with tenderloin or game such as elk or bison. He also recommends the Verso Cabernet with chocolate.
Wine Compliments, an eclectic gift company dedicated to offering everything wine lovers seek to complement the perfect wine-tasting experience, has opened a show room in Verso Cellars Denver location. They are open 7 days a week.
Verso Cellars
4640 Pecos St, Unit G
Denver, CO 80211
Nestled just 15 miles west of Denver at 7,200 feet sits Evergreen, a heavily wooded town, surrounded by lush parks and picturesque lakes. Located in downtown Evergreen is Creekside Cellars and Italian Café. You must arrive early to receive a table on the Café deck perched over Bear Creek, but it is well worth it. The Café serves grilled Panini sandwiches along with antipasto platters and a variety of homemade soups, salads and desserts. Creekside Cellars’ owners also own a vineyard in Palisade, making them a true Estate winery. They are famous for producing a comprehensive range of award-winning White, Rose, Red and Port-style wines. My favorites include the 2008 Rosso at $18, the 2006 Cabernet Franc at $30 and the 2005 Robusto, a hearty red blend that is big and bold at $60.
Creekside Cellars
28036 Highway 74
Evergreen, CO 80439
Tel. (303) 674-5460
Coming in November: The 5th Annual Denver International Wine Festival
Denver’s premier wine & food festival will return to the Mile High Station, Denver.
Main Events include:
The Taste of Elegance Chef’s Food & Wine Competition
Thursday November 12, 2009, 6 to 9 PM
Location: The Mile High Station
Hailed by many as Denver's premier wine and food pairing competition, the Taste of Elegance features samplings of expertly created cuisine paired with Gold Medal Winning Wines from the 2009 Denver International Wine Competition. Attendees will taste Gold Medal Winning Wines chosen through a blind tasting, from an accredited panel of judges.
From those wines, competing chefs will create "Iron Chef" style dishes to pair with them. In addition, a live and silent auction will take place prior to the award ceremony.
This year’s event will feature Top Chef Season 5 Winner Hosea Rosenberg as Celebrity Judge.
$100 per person, limit 400.
Grand Tasting of International Wines & Food
Friday November 13, 2009, 2 to 9 PM (time varies by ticket type)
Location: The Mile High Station
Over 450 imported and domestic wines will be showcased by over 100 wineries from numerous areas around the globe. Wine Country International magazine's editors have personally selected premium wines based on quality, region and varietal. The "Grand Tasting" will include foods created by gourmet producers and Colorado restaurants.
The festival will also include selected spirits, artisan crafted beers, exhibits by luxury travel destinations, fine art and wine paraphernalia. This one-day event will also feature Award-Winning Wines from the Denver International Wine Competition and a silent auction. A variety of optional educational seminars will also be offered throughout the day.
Tickets: $52.80 to $140
Website: www.denverwinefest.com
For info call: 866 946-3268
Wine-centric Restaurants on The Front Range
Denver Area:
Solera Restaurant & Wine Bar
Restaurant Kevin Taylor
Table 6
Opus
Panzano
Il Posto
The Palm
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Rioja
The Fort
Boulder Area:
L’Attelier
Jax Fishouse
The Black Cat
Flagstaff House
Colterra
Frasca Food & Wine
Meritage at The Omni Interlocken Resort
O’s Restaurant at The Westin Westminster
Colorado Springs Area:
Charles Court at The Broadmoor
Summit at The Broadmoor
Craftwood Inn
Briarhurst Manor
Check out Colorado’s Burgeoning Wine Country Part 1
Story and photos © 2009 by Christopher J Davies, All rights reserved.
For more info: Email Christopher Davies at cdavies@winecountrynetwork.com
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