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...

We’ve seen them used for domestic beers, such as Bud Light.  These aluminum bottles are actually very environmentally friendly.  But are they good for wine too? FLASQ is the first domestic wine to be bottled in these 100% recycleable, quick-chilling aluminum containers.  FLASQ is a product of JT Wines, based out of St. Helena, California.  JT Wines says these new bottles are targeting “Millennials, Generation Xers, and Baby...

When we look at the history of the modern Vitis Vinifera (the species of grape producing quality wines), one might assume there are great genetic differences between the different varietals we are familiar with. From Cabernet Sauvignon to Viognier, we have thousands of grape varietals that deliver completely different flavor profiles and aromas. I have always subconsciously believed these varietals were only distantly related. Most wine...

For almost a decade, Joel Gott, Charles Bieler, and Robert Scommegna have been selling wine under the “Three Thieves” label.  The concept is simple: they seek out the best quality juice they can find, often from very reputable wineries.  Since they bottle and sell the wine for a fraction of what it would normally cost, most wineries that actually provide them juice don’t want to be associated with the brand.  So it is...

[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...

There has been much buzz on the new bill, HR 5034, introduced by Congress on April 15.  Essentially what the bill does is cease all direct shipping from wineries, distilleries and breweries to consumers.  Do you belong to a winery’s “wine of the month” club?   Do you order online directly from your favorite distiller or winery?  Well, this might all be coming to a halt. If you want to read through the entire article,...