winery and vineyard
visit
Colorado's North Fork Valley boasts some of the highest-elevation vineyards in the world and is home to an incredible array of organic farms and orchards, artisanal producers, and award-winning wineries within the West Elks AVA, where the mountains meet the mesas.
plan your visit
Our Tasting Room
Our tasting room is the pulse of our project, and you should definitely experience our wines here at the source. Our dogs, Murphy and Leela, share this same enthusiasm. Located halfway between the towns of Hotchkiss and Paonia, our estate perches 500 feet above the valley floor, with epic views of the West Elk wilderness and the Gunnison Gorge. Our outdoor tasting room sits adjacent to our vineyard and offers extensive seating options.
our tasting room is closed
for the winter season.
we are open by appointment,
until we reopen on may 21, 2026.
we are announcing 2026 events,
as soon as dates are secured.
WHAT to EXPECT
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
While our dogs, Murphy and Leela, will most likely greet you at your vehicle, these are farm dogs, and this is their house.
We welcome your four-legged friends, but be sure to keep your dogs leashed at all times.
ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED?
Yes; however, we intentionally curate a tranquil environment for our guests here at our tasting room and working farm, and we kindly ask that any accompanying children are well-supervised, remain out of landscaping, and respect other guests' personal spaces during your stay.
what's parking like?
The road to our tasting room is a winding, graveled road with two sharp switchbacks. Please proceed with caution. Parking is limited, so please park as close as safely possible to your neighboring car. Overflow parking is available behind the winery, across the bridge.
what if I have an rv?
While smaller RVs, sprinter vans, and tow-behinds can safely make it up our driveway, larger campers and trailers might be too large for our driveway or parking area. Call ahead.
do i need a reservation for a tasting?
No, but please call ahead for groups larger than eight.
how much do tastings cost?
We proudly host guided tastings, featuring five one-ounce pours for $10. This is a set fee, regardless of any wine purchases.
can i bring outside food or drink?
You are welcome to bring snacks, as long as we do not have a visiting chef serving food. Outside drinks are not allowed, as we offer an array of wines and zero-proof options.
2026 SEASON events
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER FOR UPDATES ON OUR EVENTS FOR THE 2026 SUMMER SEASON.
2026 SEASON events
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER FOR UPDATES ON OUR EVENTS FOR THE 2026 SUMMER SEASON.
Best Slope Pizza Pop-Ups
with chef brandt bishop
MOST SATURDAYS THIS SUMMER
2:00 - 7:00 p.m. or until sold out
Grab a made-to-order Neapolitan-style pizza from Best Slope Pizza to pair with a glass of our chilled-down wines. Chef Brandt crafts hand-stretched pies, made from naturally leavened dough, topped with locally sourced produce and thoughtfully selected ingredients. Get more details and specific dates via the button below.
get details
Vineyard Dinner Series with Forage Sisters
• wednesday, may 27
• wednesday, june 24
• wednesday, august 5
• wednesday, september 23
Local legends, Chefs Mirasol Gomez and Nicole Sacchitella, bring their team, their grills, and their culinary prowess at four outdoor, multi-course dinners, featuring their worldly influence with a regional focus. Once they go live, these tickets sell out quickly, so set your reminders.
details soon
West Elks Wine Trail
Culinary weekend + cocktail class
friday through sunday
july 31 – august 2
Plan your trip to attend this signature North Fork Valley event. Each of the local wineries will be hosting various events, dinners, and experiences. Here at The Storm Cellar, we are hosting a gust chef on Friday and both Best Slope Culinary and Bonfire Oyster Co. on Saturday and Sunday, with no reservations taken. On Sunday, Jayme is hosting another ticketed Garden-to-Glass Wine Cocktail Workshop.
details soon
North Fork Uncorked
sparkling wine release
saturday and sunday
june 6 and 7
Join the wineries of the West Elks AVA, as we kick off the 2026 summer season, here in the North Fork Valley, featuring various events and new wine releases. Here at The Storm Cellar, we are releasing our spring wines and hosting Best Slope Culinary for poke bowls and dumplings both days from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m., no reservations taken.
details soon
PLAN your WEEKEND
WHERE SHOULD i STAY?
While lodging options are limited, there is a wide range of lodging styles.
For luxurious group accommodations, look into the Lodge at Needle Rock.
For more an unforgettable bed-and-breakfast experience, check out the Bross Hotel.
For an out-of-the-box experience, look into Sage View Ranch, the Local Nomad, or Fort Austin.
If you're looking to have more of an outdoorsy feel, opt for camping at Big B's or rent a tipi at Old Moon Acres.
WHAT ARE your favorite DINING OPTIONS?
For stellar breakfast and lunch, visit Sweetgrass; for a wine-and-dine, make a reservation at Mesa Winds, grab a seat on the patio at Qutori's Root and Vine Market, or check out Three 20 Bar and Grill; or if you're feeling worldly cuisine, look to nido or Eatery 476.
ARE THERE ANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES?
The North Fork Valley is home to world-class fly-fishing, mountain-biking, and, of course, the awe-inspiring Black Canyon of the Gunnison. For more intimate experiences, visit the goats at Western Culture Farmstead and Creamery, book a rafting trip with Western Slope SUP, or hit up the farmstand and you-pick at Orchard Valley Farms.
WHERE CAN I GET A COFFEE?
When in Paonia, ask for Fernando at Espresso Paeonia, or if you're on the Hotchkiss side of the valley, be sure to visit either of the Drive Brew locations.
ARE THERE OTHER WINERIES TO VISIT?
Yes, there are nearly a dozen wineries on our local wine trail!!
Visit the West Elks AVA website for a complete list and check out the individual winery websites for their specific events, hours, and tasting room experiences.
