Stone Cottage Cellars

Stone Cottage Cellars is a family estate high on Garvin Mesa above Paonia, in the West Elks AVA, where Brent and Karen Helleckson have grown grapes and made wine since 1994. Brent, a former aerospace engineer, and Karen left the corporate world to build a sustainable life, constructing the winery stone by stone from fieldstone cleared as the vineyards were planted.

At more than 6,200 feet, the estate produces some of the highest-elevation grapes in the world, with crisp, intense flavors, and it holds the distinction of the world's highest commercial Merlot vineyard. Farming is organic and low-impact, with no herbicides and fertilizer from local sheep and cattle, and the wines, Chardonnay, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and a Rose of Pinot Noir, are made to complement food. The hand-built stone buildings recall old Europe, and the original stone cottage now serves as a guesthouse for visitors who want to linger.

Hours, tasting fees, and reservation policies change with the season, so it is worth checking the winery's website or calling ahead before you visit, especially on weekends. The details on this profile may have shifted since publication, and the producer is always the most authoritative source.

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