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.
CLOSED FOR THE WINTER SEASON.
PLEASE REACH OUT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR ON-SITE BOTTLE SALES.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HOSTING YOU, WHEN we REOPEN ON THURSDAY, MAY 22ND, 2025.
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?
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.
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 proudly host guided tastings, featuring five one-ounce pours for $10. This is a set fee, regardless of any wine purchases.
Asado on the Mesa
• wednesday, may 21st, 2025
• wednesday, August 6th, 2025
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
North Fork Uncorked
spring wine release
Saturday and Sunday
june 7th and 8th, 2025
Join the wineries of the West Elks AVA, as we kick off the 2025 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 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 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 2025
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 Forage Sisters 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.
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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 Morgan 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.
