From The Dairy Block
It was gorgeous Sunday afternoon in Denver, the impending wintery mix now soaking my world as I type this a mere forecast that, while I soaked all the glory of that warm spring sun, I could pretend was going to be another blown weather prognostication. The music, the vibe, the wines, the people…it was all exceptional.
The event held by Blanchard Family Wines actually began the evening before with a wonderful wine maker dinner. We were treated to course after course of amazing food paired with the perfect wines.
Everything was so good and perfectly paired with some gorgeous wines, I often forgot to take pictures! I wish they were having another wine maker dinner in August (tickets are on sale for the Grand Tasting…I already snagged two for me!)
The first event I attended on Sunday was a “Women in Wine” panel hosted by James Blanchard. It was a great discussion on the challenges of making wine in Colorado, what it’s like to be a woman in the business, where this new generation of wine makers see the Colorado wine industry heading (while they may want to grow and become the next Napa or Sonoma, the reality is there are significant limitations from water availability, climate, I-70 corridor, and resistance within the communities they reside in…it is all a delicate balance that could come crashing down around these small businesses.)
After a great discussion, I ventured out into the alley known as “The Dairy Block,” where wine makers from up and down the Western slope had set up their wines and were happy to talk to every person who stopped to try their products. It was an exuberant farmer’s market like vibe that beneath the murmur of the crowd, who was having a wonderful time, was the amazing music of local soul artist, Dzirae Gold.
The after party was also a great time (given the personal and professional ties I have with many of the wine makers, I got an invite and got to fan girl up close and personal!) I really appreciate everything Blanchard Family Wines owners (James and Mark) and their staff did to make it such a great event and experience.
The next event will be on a Friday evening in August with just the Grand Tasting experience as the only option at an affordable price. Reserve your ticket and make your plans to Colorado Wine Walk with me then.
If you can’t wait until August, join me and some friends at The Storm Cellar wine maker dinners this summer…I am for sure going to be heading out there for the 20 May asado (there may still be a few tickets left) and will try to make another one later in the summer. I may even be guiding some yoga amongst the vines out there!
That about sums up the weekend! Now, back to my #livehard program as I try to do a little bit better…
Cheers,
twy
the wine yogi 