Wine in the desert

  Cortez, Colorado, United States
Thursday, August 7, 2008

Sutcliffe Winery

After all the up and down hiking of the previous day, we were in no hurry to get up. When we finally got our act together, I called one of the local vineyards that had tastings by appointment only. The owner was going to be around that day and invited us out to his vineyard in McElmo valley, about 25 minutes from Cortez.

Vines in a desert canyon 1

We drove out to the Sutcliffe Winery and met the owner John Sutcliffe. John is an ex world class polo player, now turned wine maker and restaurant entrepreneur. He gave us a tour of his small aging barn and expounded on the virtues of French oak barrels over those made from American oak. At this point, another couple from Alabama arrived and asked if they could join the tasting and John led us into his office which doubles as his tasting room. He poured whites, rosés, and reds, all the while telling us about the five star restaurants that serve his wine. He seems to be on a first name basis with many of the chefs of these establishments and has obviously led a rich and varied life. Afterwards, we walked out to his backyard and talked while Deb took pictures of the stunning cliffs overlooking the vineyard. John says that each vine receives five gallons of water a day and he has 20,000 vines!

100,000 gallons of water a day!

As in most of the west, water rights are what make anything possible. We purchased wine and returned to town, having spent 3 hours enjoying the wine and John's company. It would be great fun to be able to talk at greater length with him.

Vines in a desert canyon 2

 
After the wine tasting, it was back to the RV to get packed up for the next leg of our journey and, of course, another dinner at Tequila's. As we walked the dogs that evening, there was a phenomenal sunset to mark our last day in Cortez.

Cortez sunset 1

Cortez sunset 2