Tour DiVine
Two words that haven’t historically been paired together are “Colorado” and “wine.” But in the 20 years since the North Fork Valley was designated an official American Viticultural Area, it’s become a destination wine-tasting region, featuring a dozen established and emerging boutique wineries at elevations over 5,000 feet. Easy scenic access from the Roaring Fork Valley over McClure Pass makes it doable in a day, but it’s even better—especially when consuming wine—to make a weekend of it.
The best way to start the day wine tasting in the North Fork Valley doesn’t actually involve wine. Instead, pull off Highway 133 to Big B’s Delicious Orchards for a sampler flight of hard ciders with a pulled pork sandwich sourced from nearby farmers. Top it off with a ride on the rope swing underneath massive cottonwood trees. Big B’s started in 1973 as a small juice company, but it’s evolved over the years into a full-scale operation that includes you-pick orchards, camping, live music, and an expanded nine-tap tasting room for its award-winning hard ciders, made from apples grown within earshot.
Two miles west toward Hotchkiss, The Storm Cellar is perched just off Highway 133. Eyeing opportunity in the West Elks AVA wine industry, owners Jayme Henderson and Steve Steese decamped from the Denver culinary scene and bought this vineyard property in 2017. In just a few years, they’ve rehabilitated the land and returned it to an active winery, where in addition to grapes being grown, wine is actually made. Heritage Chardonnay grapes are still part of the harvest at Storm Cellar, where the focus is on white and ros wines, including crisp Rieslings. The winery has developed a loyal following already; join the fun by checking out its events calendar for pairing dinners throughout the summer.
From here, it’s five miles back up 133 to Black Bridge Winery, named after the century-old black bridge at its entrance, which crosses the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Along these banks, pull up an Adirondack chair and, after narrowing your selection in the tasting room, enjoy one or more of the winery’s more than 20 varietals—the Alpine Mountain White pairs well with a sunny afternoon. Hungry? The onsite market offers jerky, dipping sauces, and fresh produce. Better yet, stretch your legs and meander through the 80-acre property’s orchard for peach picking, which peaks in July.
Next, head from riverbed to hilltop, climbing two miles above the North Fork Valley floor. Named after the 38-foot sailboat that carried owners Ty and Helen Gillespie around the world for six and a half years, Azura Cellars is part winery, part art gallery, and a full nod to the couple’s nautical past in landlocked Colorado. An airy Tuscan tasting room overlooks the valley and the property’s yacht club, where remote-controlled miniature sailboat races take place twice a week in a small pond to entertain guests while they sip from the winery’s five red and two white varietals. The onsite gallery features modern sculptural works, paintings, and jewelry by local artists, so tipsy tasters may leave Azura with more than a buzz.
At this point, it might be too soon to say goodbye to the North Fork Valley. Book a room at the 115-year-old Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast, or check out North Fork Tipi Haven & Camping for a closer-to-nature experience. It’s time to rest up, recharge, and do it again tomorrow. ❧
