In the Cups: Behind the Scenes of Colorado Uncorked — What Wines to Check Out This Holiday Season

Colorado pride and wine were both flowing during the Colorado Uncorked event on October 18th.

Rugged class, passion to pursue something new, and authentic expression, from fine dress to cowboy boots and jeans. Guests were welcomed into the History of Colorado Center, greeted by excited winemakers and chefs from around the state, who came together to pair the new Governor’s Cup award-winning wines with expert food tastings.

Everyone was there to wine and dine.

It was a gorgeous evening out in Denver, a rare date night in the city for my husband and I, an elegant way to experience the state’s food and wine scene. Colorado Uncorked is the public’s only chance to taste the 2025 Governor’s Cup Collection in one place, at one time, all paired with small bite menu items prepared by some of Colorado’s most celebrated chefs.

The 2025 Governor’s Cup Collection consisted of the top-scoring Colorado wines – seven red and five white – from nine different wineries. In total, there were 251 wine submissions from 53 wineries, including 43 Colorado wineries and meaderies.

“People are surprised when I say there’s over 150 wineries in the state,” said Kyle Schlachter, Executive Director for the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board (CWIDB) at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “That is way more wineries than what I thought we had when I first started, too. They’re all very small, all family-owned. Our entire state’s production is probably smaller than one wine made at a medium-sized winery in California.”

Schlachter, originally from Wisconsin, moved to Colorado to attend the University of Denver. “My degree is in geography,” he explains. “I became fascinated with how wine changed depending on where it was made—the different regions and countries. I wanted to explore how a Cabernet Sauvignon grape tasted in California versus Argentina versus France.”

Schlachter also serves as the mayor of Littleton, having been directly elected in 2021. He’s been involved with the CWIDB for 12 years and has served as director for three years.

Eight Idaho wineries, one Arizona winery, and one New Mexico meadery submitted for the first time this year. In total, 22 Double Gold medals, 17 Gold medals, 131 Silver medals, and 68 Bronze medals were awarded. Colorado is unique in that there are two grape-growing regions: the Grand Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) and the West Elks AVA.

“The wine industry in Colorado is changing,” Schlachter says. “We had a few cold events that wiped out some of the traditional grape varieties here a few years ago. Growers said, ‘We need to plant things that are more resistant to cold.’ So now about 20% of our vineyards have those cold-hardy varieties, and they make fabulous wines.”

Global wine production is at a 60-year low, Schlachter explains. “The best way to support winemakers is to drink more wine. Try anything that interests you. These 12 wines should excite all wine lovers in Colorado and beyond.”

It’s also an opportunity for wineries to work with restaurants from around the state and make it onto their wine lists. “We give the restaurants a bottle of the wine that they’ve been paired with so they can taste it and perfect that pairing,” Schlachter says. “Some of the restaurants actually are associated with the wineries, like this year Carboy is working with Angelos or Mesa Wines Farm and Winery has their Sips restaurant. There’s good coordination there.

“We’ve actually had wineries decide not to submit to the competition because they’ve said if they did well, they would sell out immediately. Which I always find fascinating because that’s the whole point. It’s a good opportunity, from the wineries’ perspective, to connect with top-tier restaurants and reach more consumers.”

The CWIDB uses the Governor’s Cup Collection to represent Colorado wine around the state and across the country. The award-winning wines will also be used for educational purposes at winemaker roundtables to recognize and improve the overall quality of Colorado wines.

Overall, it was a great night at the 2025 Colorado Uncorked event. Guests had skyline views of Denver and an opportunity to connect with winemakers and chefs. The History of Colorado Center opened their 90s exhibit, reminding folks how we were all part of a certain vintage. Everyone was kind, gracious, and eager to talk about wine.

The Best In Show White was awarded to Ignacio’s Fox Fire Farms 2024 Aromella, characterized by notes of honeysuckle and citrus peel, truly representing the snowy peaks of the San Juans. Both the Best Red and Best in Show were awarded to Sauvage Spectrum in Palisade for their 2024 Zweigelt, which was dynamic and well paired with Denver’s The Wolf’s Tailor. They served bison tongue with a watermelon red braise, black vinegar glaze, and pickled goji berries.

“Our winemakers really are connected to the state and want to support our local farmers,” Schlachter says. “It’s the kind of adventurous pioneering spirit of Colorado.”

This year’s Colorado Uncorked event was an inspiring example of Colorado’s creative means to make the most of our climate, with mountain-made wines, locally sourced foods, and a true sense of community.

Our favorite wine was the Pinot Gris by Stone Cottage Cellars in Paonia—a surprise since we’re both red wine lovers—and it opened up daydreams of going back to Verona to experience more wine, like when we first got together. It was a great opportunity for us to be present together, and reminded us why we love Colorado so much—for our community, perseverance, and heart.

Consider checking out next year’s Colorado Uncorked event and be sure to try this year’s Governor’s Cup winners. Learn more at coloradowine.com.