A little while back I wrote a post talking about how disappointed I was with Colorado wines.  I was mostly frustrated that the ones I tasted on a regular basis were either too expensive, or just not very good.  Well, this made me think.  There are over 100 wineries in Colorado, but I only see about twenty or so with any visibility in the Denver area. So, I created AltoVino.  AltoVino is a consulting agency that provides small, family...

[UPDATE:] Looks like this was just one big rumor after all.  But another important change has occurred in Colorado’s distribution system.  Wine Merchants of Colorado has been absorbed by Wine Cru.  So essentially two smaller distributors, both with wonderful portfolios, have become one. Big rumors spreading around Colorado these days.  It looks like Beverage Distributors (Charmer Sunbelt Group) might be set up to purchase National...

For years I’ve expressed my displeasure with Colorado’s wineries.  Don’t get me wrong, there’s lots of hard working farmers and winemakers here.  But for one reason or another, their wines just don’t cut it.  From what I’ve tasted over the years, two wineries have recently emerged above the rest. The first is Sutcliffe Vineyards.  I’ve tasted their wines in the past, but recently tasted through...

I don’t often rant about stuff, but this has been bothering me for a while.  I’ve worked in restaurants and wine shops for years.  I’ve managed wine lists with hundreds of selections, and done over $1 million in wine sales per year at the last restaurant I worked at.  As a wine buyer, you become aware of the concept of “buying power.”  It’s kind of a game really, one of those “you scratch my...

UPDATE: The Den Deli has now reopened as Ototo Den.  I have yet to try it out, but stay tuned. If you ask any Denver foodie where they go for sushi, the answer is usually “The Sushi Den.”  I would have to agree.  Owners Toshi and Yasu also own two other restaurants, The Izakaya Den, and Den Deli.  Den Deli is their newest creation, a more casual eatery than their other trendy spots.  This noodle house has incredible Udon,...

I’m a big fan of whiskey.  Maker’s Mark is my go-to when I’m out at a bar.  But luckily I live in Denver, and many of my favorite watering holes carry Stranahan’s.  For those unfamiliar, Stranahan’s is the first Colorado whiskey distillery.  They produce in very small batches, and it’s damn good. A little history (quote from Stranahan’s): “Full-bodied as the fire that bore it, this whiskey...