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Playful, refreshing, and perfect for patio season, these delicious wines combine two of my favorite things: rosé and sparkling wine. This month, I’m sharing standout sparklers I’ve recently discovered in some of Denver’s best wine bars and dining establishments. From brunch to dinner, these are food-friendly, sustainably crafted bottles curated by a few of the city’s most innovative sommeliers. They come in a range of styles from remarkable regions in Europe with stories to tell. Despite what you may have heard, bubbles should not be limited to holiday dinners or aperitif pours. You sparkle every day – shouldn’t your wine do the same?

How To Take Home Holiday Wine From One of Denver’s Best Bars

Few people realize you can go to a wine bar to try a glass, and then buy a bottle to take home.

BY Montana Rae

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As the holiday season creeps closer and closer, we have been thinking a lot about what wines to bring to the table. Turns out restaurants can sell up to two bottles of wine per transaction, which means if you fall in love with a vintage, you can take it home. 

What better place to dive into this concept than at Noble Riot, one of Denver’s most cherished destinations for wine enthusiasts. The venture opened in 2019, set in the heart of RiNo next door to Denver Central Market. Today this moody and inviting wine bar offers more than just a place to sip exceptional wines.

Sleek, casual, and educational, Noble Riot is the place to go for wine. | Photo by Linnea Covington
Sleek, casual, and educational, Noble Riot is the place to go for wine. | Photo by Linnea Covington

It’s a hub for education, connection, and discovering the ever-evolving world of wine. Whether planning a romantic date night, a casual outing with friends, or a solo adventure, Noble Riot promises an experience beyond the glass, even when it’s taken into your home.

A Warm Welcome for Every Guest

Guests arriving on a chilly evening are welcomed with a complimentary pour of hot mulled wine made with Noble Riot’s proprietary red wine. This small gesture reflects the warmth and community spirit that defines the space–and it does a stellar job of priming the palate for things to come.

By its nature, wine is constantly changing. Every vintage, region, and winemaker brings something new. For those who love wine but may not obsess over it daily, Noble Riot is a sanctuary where you can trust that Denver’s most dedicated oenophiles have curated a selection both exciting and accessible, even if you’ve never heard of the latest items on the list.

Wine, art, and skilled staff can be found at Noble Riot. | Photo by Montana Rae
Wine, art, and skilled staff can be found at Noble Riot. | Photo by Montana Rae

Learning, Community, and a Saber Hatchet

Noble Riot’s Flight Club is ideal for those looking to deepen their wine knowledge. The program includes access to at least four monthly guided wine flights led by the bar’s talented sommeliers. Members also enjoy discounted wine classes (25 to 50-percent off per session), providing an engaging way to expand horizons and mingle with fellow wine lovers.

Beyond wine and education, the bar’s glassware, accessories, and apparel collection make gifting easy if you’re shopping for the wine enthusiast. One standout item? The saber hatchet is a bold tool for sabering sparkling wines, the perfect activity for making the holidays or celebrations unforgettable. Want to see what it’s all about? Just ask a team member during your next visit. You can frequently find them practicing in the street art-clad alley leading into the bar.

Wine to Go: A Pandemic Relief Staple Turned Permanent

One of the silver linings of the pandemic for wine lovers was the introduction of carry-out alcohol sales in Colorado. When the pandemic hit in 2020, restaurants were granted permission to sell alcohol for takeout or delivery. This became a lifeline for struggling businesses and a delight for customers.

Wine to-go from Noble Riot. | Photo by Montana Rae
Wine to-go from Noble Riot. | Photo by Montana Rae

By 2021, the legislature extended this option through July 2025, and earlier this year, Governor Jared Polis made it permanent. Coloradans can bring home up to 1,500 milliliters of wine, or two standard bottles, from their favorite establishments without having to pull the cork.

For Noble Riot guests, this means the opportunity to discover spectacular wines during a visit and take them home to savor or share. It’s a simple way to elevate your at-home dining or surprise fellow wine enthusiasts with a thoughtful gift.

The Neighborhood Bar of Wine Lovers

Noble Riot is more than a wine bar. It’s a place where people come together to explore, learn, and share a love of wine in a welcoming and immersive environment. With a rotating selection of wines, engaging events, and carry-out options, Noble Riot’s place as one of Denver’s most treasured wine havens is hard-earned and well-deserved.

Peruse the wine info while sampling. | Photo by Montana Rae

Next time you’re in RiNo, stop by Noble Riot. Whether you’re there for a cozy glass of mulled wine, a guided flight, or a bottle to take home, you’ll leave inspired. And perhaps, you’ll also leave with a saber hatchet in hand and a nice bubbly.

Visit Noble Riot on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 1336 27th St., Denver, nobleriot.com

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Montana Rae

Montana Rae is a CMS Certified Sommelier and WSET Level III residing in Denver, Colorado. She offers private wine tastings, classes, and dinners at clients’ homes and businesses around Colorado, as well as product recommendations, tips, recipes, and more through her company, The Wine Ship. Montana is also a commercial real estate broker specializing in sales and leasing of restaurant and retail spaces in Denver. Contact Montana at montana@thewineship.com and follow her on Instagram @montana.rae.sommelier
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