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.
May 23rd – october 27th
thursday – sunday
noon – 7:00 p.m.
14139 runzel gulch road
hotchkiss, co 81419
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?
While we do allow children, please be aware that this is an active, working farm and a peaceful getaway for many of our guests, so please keep children with you at all times.
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.
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.
do i need a reservation for a tasting?
No, but please call ahead for groups larger than eight.
how much do tastings cost?
We personally host winemaker-led tastings, featuring five one-ounce pours for $10. This is a set fee, regardless of any wine purchases.
Friday Steak Nights
every friday during the season
4:00 – 7:00 p.m. or until sold out
no reservations
For the third year in a row, we've partnered with Chef Joseph Kerns to bring you Steak Night, an evening of fire-cooked steaks, locally grown produce, and Joe's unique style, all presented with an upscale feel at an unparalleled venue. A "locals-favorite" event, Steak Night is a vibe that is a must-do when visiting the North Fork Valley.
get details
SUMMER SEASON events
The Soigné Series
select wednesdays
tickets required
We are excited to launch a new summer dinner series in collaboration with Chef Brand Bishop of Best Slope Culinary. Once a month, we'll host a themed, multi-course dinner, where Brandt gets to truly explore his culinary expertise and exquisite plating skills in creative, innovative ways. Get ready to raise your pinkies and transcend!
get details and tickets
Asado on the Mesa
• wednesday, may 22nd
• wednesday, july 31st
tickets required
Local legends, chefs Mirasol Gomez and Nicole Sacchitella, bring their team, their grills, and their culinary prowess at two outdoor, fire-powered, multi-course dinners, featuring their worldly influence with a regional focus. Once they go live, these tickets sell out within a day, so set your reminders.
get details and tickets
North Fork Uncorked
sparkling wine release
Saturday and Sunday
june 8th and 9th
Join the wineries of the West Elks AVA, as we kick off the 2024 summer season, here in the North Fork Valley, featuring various events and new wine releases. Here at The Storm Cellar, we are releasing two sparkling wines and hosting Bonfire Oyster Co. and Best Slope Culinary here both days from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m., no reservations taken.
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West Elks Wine Trail
Culinary weekend + cocktail class
friday through sunday
august 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
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 Steak Night on Friday, Best Slope Culinary on Saturday, and Bonfire Oyster Co. on Sunday, with no reservations taken. On Sunday, Jayme is hosting a ticketed Garden-to-Glass Wine Cocktail Workshop.
get details
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 Wisehart Springs Inn or 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 the brand-new 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 Morgan at Espresso Paeonia, or if you're on the Hotchkiss side of the valley, be sure to try 246 Coffee or visit either of the Drive Brew locations.
ARE THERE OTHER WINERIES TO VISIT?
Yes, there are 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.
