Our Story

Thirty years ago on a ranch deep in Southwest Colorado a tiny vineyard was planted on a whim.

A small metal sign on the ditch, deep in McElmo Canyon read: melons, tomatoes, peaches, ranch. The fruit was bought and an offer was made on the ranch. The next day the offer was accepted and low and behold Sutcliffe Vineyards was. born.

When John Sutcliffe was operating Tavern on the Green in New York City, he gave undinted support to California Vineyards when they were still a tough sell in the city; France and Italy ruled. To Sutcliffe's delight and surprise, some of those vintners, now deeply successful, appeared to help him plant vines years later.

The idea of churning out wine in a place that is absolutely ideal has no appeal, so there was something entrancing about the idea that it’s impossible to make wine here, in the harsh wilderness of McElmo Canyon.

Two of Colorado's most celebrated and trusted winemakers began to build this iconic label. Ben Parsons first, on his way to creating the legendary Infinite Monkey and then Joe Buckle for 12 years before establishing Buckle Family Wine. What a great start.

We remain committed to their passion and talent. Twenty years on, the vines are weathered and strong, the wine more complex, and the tradition continues under Jesus Castillo’s devoted eye. We have been told that our inception was the beginning of a new approach to winemaking in our beloved Colorado, 4,000 cases a year of world class wine. To this day, we continue to garner more awards than any other Colorado Vineyard.

Isolated, idiosyncratic, passionate and stubborn, we know no other way.