When people think of Denver, craft beer often comes to mind first—and with good reason. But there’s another scene quietly gaining momentum in the Mile High City: wine. With a growing number of urban wineries, tasting rooms, and wine-forward restaurants, Denver is becoming a surprising destination for wine lovers. From the slopes of the Western Slope to the sleek wine bars downtown, Denver’s wine culture is evolving in exciting and delicious ways.
At Joy Wine & Spirits, we’ve watched this transformation up close. As champions of local flavor and small producers, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the rise of Denver wineries and the rich experiences they offer.
The Roots of Colorado Wine
Colorado may not be the first state you associate with vineyards, but it boasts more than 150 wineries and two federally designated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): the Grand Valley and the West Elks. These regions, located on the state’s Western Slope, benefit from high elevation, warm days, and cool nights—ideal conditions for growing wine grapes.
While the vines grow on the other side of the Rockies, the wine is flowing freely here in Denver. Local winemakers have found a home in the city, bringing their juice from the vineyards and crafting exceptional wines right in the urban core. This has led to a vibrant and accessible Denver wine tasting culture that’s perfect for curious sippers and seasoned oenophiles alike.
Denver Wineries: Where Grit Meets Grapes
Urban wineries are redefining what it means to “go wine tasting.” These aren’t rolling hills and countryside estates—they’re industrial-chic spaces tucked into trendy neighborhoods like RiNo, Sunnyside, and LoDo. Yet the wine is every bit as sophisticated, and the vibe is refreshingly relaxed.
Here are a few standout Denver wineries to explore:
Infinite Monkey Theorem – One of the city’s trailblazers in urban winemaking, this no-pretense, can-loving winery produces award-winning reds, whites, and bubbles. Their RiNo taproom is a must for a laid-back Denver wine tasting experience.
Bigsby’s Folly – Housed in a restored 1920s warehouse, Bigsby’s blends Old World charm with modern appeal. Their wine list includes everything from full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon to crisp Viognier, and their food menu is equally impressive.
Carboy Winery (Denver location) – With grapes sourced from Colorado, Washington, and California, Carboy offers an expansive tasting flight menu. The sleek, urban tasting room in Capitol Hill is ideal for date night or a casual afternoon hang.
Attimo Wine – Made with grapes grown in Northern Italy and crafted in Denver, Attimo offers European-style wines with a Colorado twist. The spacious tasting room in the Ballpark neighborhood is a haven for wine lovers.
These spots are redefining the concept of the wine tasting room—not as places of formality, but as welcoming community hubs that make wine feel fun, accessible, and local.
What to Expect at a Denver Wine Tasting
Curious about trying a Denver wine tasting but not sure what to expect? It’s a lot like your favorite brewery visit—except with wine flights instead of beer paddles. Most urban wineries offer tasting flights of 4–6 wines, allowing you to explore different varietals and styles.
Here are a few tips to enhance your experience:
Ask questions – Winemakers and tasting room staff are passionate about what they do and love sharing stories about the grapes, regions, and techniques.
Pace yourself – It’s easy to get excited, but try to sip slowly and take notes on what you like. You might discover a new favorite style.
Pair with food – Many Denver wineries offer curated cheese boards, charcuterie, or small plates that elevate the wine tasting experience.
Try local grapes – Colorado-grown varieties like Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, and Riesling thrive in our unique climate. Don’t miss the chance to taste what the state has to offer.
Joy Wine & Spirits: Your Local Wine Connection
While we love supporting Denver’s tasting rooms, we also understand that sometimes the best wine moments happen at home. At Joy Wine & Spirits, we carry a thoughtfully curated selection of Colorado wines and bottles from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a high-altitude Chardonnay from Palisade or a bold Malbec from Mendoza, our team can help you find the perfect pour.
We also host regular Denver wine tasting events in-store, where you can sample unique wines and learn directly from producers and importers. It’s a great way to explore new varieties and meet fellow wine enthusiasts—no passport required.
Sip, Savor, and Support Local
Denver’s wine scene may not have the global fame of Napa or Sonoma, but that’s part of its charm. It’s still growing, still finding its voice—and that makes it an exciting time to get involved. Whether you’re hitting up local tasting rooms, stocking your cellar with Colorado vintages, or just enjoying a glass on your porch, there’s never been a better time to explore what Denver’s emerging wine culture has to offer.
So raise your glass, toast to the Rockies, and let the wine trails lead you somewhere new.