Calling No. 7
Burgeoning winemaking regions generally have at least one megawinery with dollars, expertise and a willingness to develop the local industry. Think along the lines of the way Coors helped many microbreweries off the ground a few decades ago.
“You look at states where this has happened quickly; you have some major player to step up,” Stephen Menke said. “You need a star, whether it be a wine, a winery or a person.”
Perhaps John Elway, left, wants to get into the game with a 50,000-case-a-year operation (roughly twice the size of the state’s largest winery now), producing premium Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Think a No. 7 Reserve would sell well?
“I think that would be a big shot in the arm in the industry,” said Doug Caskey. “We would fall all over ourselves to help.”
Whether No. 7 could be distracted from his duties at Dove Valley remains to be seen, but even without him, it appears Colorado is on the right track toward building a recognized, respected wine industry. A big-time player would just get us there a little quicker.
Jacob Harkins
