While most people think of Italy, France, California, and Spain as having the best wine, turns out Colorado does too. In fact, vintners have created vino in the state for decades.
“It’s been really interesting and Colorado actually has a strong history in wine,” said James Blanchard, co-owner of Blanchard Family Wines. “It started here before California because of the migration of the settlers, and we have made good wine in the state for a long time.”
Now, he is part of the future of Colorado wine with Blanchard Family Wines, a family owned operation created in 2007 by Blanchard and his brother Mark. It originated in Healdsburg, California, and in 2018 James moved to Colorado to sell his family’s wines. Eight years later, Blanchard can say he’s built one of the most anticipated wine events in Denver.
“I felt a lot of the Colorado wine festivals didn’t focus on high quality, Colorado wine. They called it Colorado food and wine, but served too many wines from out of state or out of the country,” said Blanchard. “They weren’t giving a good representation of what Colorado brings to the wine markets.”
So, four years ago he started his own festival, the Colorado Wine Walk, hosting 200 to 400 people per session. Located in the Dairy Block’s alley way, where Blanchard Family Wines has its tasting room, the bi-annual event is smaller than other famous food and wine festivals, featuring 10 to 12 quality Colorado wineries.
This is something Blanchard does in the tasting room too. Yes you can get the wines he makes, but also other red, white, and bubbles from around the state.
“My intent when we opened in Denver was to rep the California wines my brother makes in Sonoma, but that changed in my first year here when we realized how good Colorado wine is,” he said. “Not only do we make Colorado wine with our own brand, but other local brands too.”
This year he is going beyond the grape with the Colorado Craft Walk on July 27, which includes local spirits too. You can expect a split of six wine and six booze vendors to sample.
“People want to sample and talk to wine makers and be part of the energetic atmosphere, not just get drunk and sit around,” said Blanchard. For Blanchard, and most of the festival goers, the Colorado Wine Walk and Colorado Craft Walk are a good way to celebrate and learn about what’s made in the state.
“The fact is, Colorado people don’t know about our wine, and we are able to educate about the state,” he said. Look at Carboy Winery, he added, “it didn’t exist 10 years ago and now they have four locations and are connecting with restaurants for food service. It’s pushing the limits of Colorado wine in a good way.”
Come see what the fuss is about on Sunday, July 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. The Colorado Craft Walk tickets run $55 for general admission and entry at 2 p.m., or $100 for VIP and entry at 1 p.m., which includes a food voucher and a private VIP lounge. Both tickets include a commemorative glass. There will also be plenty of chances to buy full bottles and cans, and food vendors selling local eats. Find tickets here.
If you can’t make the festival, or even if you can, make sure to check out Blanchard Family Wines tasting room Monday through Thursday from 1 to 9 p.m.; Friday from 1 p.m. to midnight; Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 1855 Blake St., Suite 120, Denver, bfwcolorado.com
