Meet the movers and shakers of Colorado's vineyards

Compiled By Kristen Kuchar

As we are sipping our favorite wines, we may not always be thinking about the people behind the bottles who made it all possible. Fortunately, we got the chance to chat with four impressive women to learn what it’s like being a part of the Colorado wine scene, their favorite wine they produce and their go-to food pairing.

Diane Guard, Avant Vineyards

Can you describe your winemaking style in three words? Dry, European style.

What is your favorite wine you produce? It depends on my mood, the season and what I’m eating. We have 14 different wines, and I am proud of them all. Love my sparkling any day. My Italian heritage adores the Sangiovese and the Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese blend. I’m a big fan of Dry Rosé of Cabernet Franc in summertime and the Sauvignon Blanc is delicious. Plus, we have so many unique red wines.

What is the best part about being a winemaker? Creating something that can be shared and bring pleasure to so many.

Can you describe being a part of the Colorado wine scene? Challenging at times due to growing grapes in our unique climate, but exciting potential for creating delicious wines.

What’s your go-to wine and food pairing? Champagne (or sparkling) and french fries!

Chloe Nicoson, Whitewater Hill Vineyards

Can you describe your winemaking style in three words? Fruit-forward, adventurous, true to the grape

What is your favorite wine you produce? Our Cabernet Franc is always bursting with a complexity of flavor. Rustic notes that come together to create a red that fascinates me with every sip.

What has been your best moment as a winemaker? I've had a lot of moments as a winemaker that remind me why I do this. Whether it's a quiet morning topping barrels, sampling grapes out in the field, or long days on the crush pad, each season has something new to offer. I love the transformation from grape to bottle and am always humbled by the tenacity of the grape vine. For me there hasn't been one defining best moment, but those small moments that occur throughout each day are where I find the magic in winemaking.

Can you describe being a part of the Colorado wine scene? Being a part of the Colorado wine scene is a wonderful lesson in community. We thrive together and bring out the best in each other. Whether it's running a new idea by a friend, cold-hardy varietal exploration, or getting together at VINCO (our local trade conference), the wine scene in Colorado is full of incredible knowledge and comradery.

What’s your go-to wine and food pairing? Fruit and wine is the best combination. For summer barbecues I make up a big batch of sangria using Whitewater Hill Vineyards Sweetheart Red, lime simple syrup, seltzer, and as many frozen palisade peach slices and cherries as I can fit in the glass.

Jayme Henderson, The Storm Cellar

Can you describe your winemaking style in three words? Crisp, aromatic and clean.

What is your favorite wine you produce? My husband and I produce a variety of wines, each unique and reflective of the vintage’s characteristics, but year after year, my favorite has to be our dry riesling. It’s vibrant, with mouthwatering acidity, and filled with classic notes of orchid flower, lime zest and ripe peach. While we weren’t able to produce and estate Riesling in 2021, I am super excited that we were able to work with some incredible vineyard sites, like Colorado-grown Riesling from the Box Bar Vineyard in Cortez.

What is one thing people might not realize about being a winemaker in Colorado? Growing grapes in Colorado is truly extreme farming. Our high elevation and arid climate create unique wine expressions, but at the same time, we are constantly threatened by late-spring and early-fall frosts, in the face of constant drought. Without a body of water to moderate our harsh continental climate, the vintage variations are dramatic. That said, for me, making Colorado wine is an expression of the vintage, not a recipe to repeat year after year.

What’s your go-to wine and food pairing? In summer, it’s Grüner Veltliner and grilled summer vegetables or caprese salad. In the fall, I’m all for a robust, dry rosé with smoked pork tenderloin.

Juliann Adams, Vines 79

Can you describe your winemaking style in three words? Classic, traditional, unpretentious.

What is your favorite wine you produce? Iron Horse Special - My port style

What is the best part about being a winemaker? Being a winemaker, especially a woman winemaker, is very special. We are part of a tradition that goes back hundreds of years and still follows the same basic steps. Plenty of room for creativity and innovation but the end result is to make a great glass of wine. We produce a product that comes from our passion and love of wine. A perfect blend of art and science.

Can you describe being a part of the Colorado wine scene? A dream come true! We are so grateful and fortunate to be part of such a great industry. The Colorado wine scene is still growing and adapting and to be a part of that motivates us to represent Colorado with great wine. There is also so much cooperation and support within our group.

What’s your go-to wine and food pairing? There are so many but you can never go wrong with the Cowboy Cab (Cabernet Sauvignon) and a rare, grilled ribeye steak.