Two Rivers Winery & Chateau
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Two Rivers Winery & Chateau is an agritourism destination site. Sitting on 15 acres, the facility offers wines produced on the property, an event facility and 10 rooms for lodging. Grapes are from estate and other vineyards. You will discover a wine country inn designed with the architecture and décor of a French country chateau and a winery producing 14,000 cases of wine. Robert and Billie Witham are the owners.
Despite the fact that we arrived at the winery and chateau after 10 pm at night, the approach to the winery and chateau was wonderful. The area had several stone buildings that emphasized the fact the owners are here to make an impression.
Upon arriving late at the chateau, we discovered a large event room on the ground floor. A carpeted, curved staircase rose to the right leading to ten luxurious rooms. The second level circles around and gives guests the opportunity to gaze at the lower level of the facility. Our room was spacious and had an unusual shape that added a nice touch to the room. The bedroom amenities included a “fainting” couch, fireplace and television. The large bathroom had a hot tub and an enclosed shower.
In the morning, we discovered smaller meeting rooms off the main event room. The main event room is capable of seating 150 guests for dinner. A full bar is available and the facility is required to have two liquor licenses. A variety of events can take place on the property including weddings. A delightful outdoor pavilion is available for outdoor weddings and receptions can follow indoors. The pavilion is surrounded by striking views of the rugged and beautiful Colorado terrain.
Breakfast in the morning was on the second floor and included a light and tasty blueberry soufflé. Fresh fruit available included melons, strawberries and pineapples. After our breakfast, Robert Witham offered us an extended tour and a tasting.
Two Rivers Winery & Chateau located on 15 acres includes 11 acres of vineyards. Varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They also source grapes from other vineyards. The nearby neighbors enjoy having a neighborhood winery with one neighbor across the road putting up a sign “Wino Crossing.” Take time to walk along the vineyards. There are many photo opportunities with wonderful backgrounds of Bookcliff Mountain Range to the north and Colorado National Monument to the southwest and Grand Mesa to the east. It is amazing that grapevines can grow so close to rock.
The owner took us on a tour of the facility where we viewed the primary and secondary tasting rooms. When the original barrel room outgrew itself as a barrel room, they redesigned it as a second tasting room. Both tasting areas are elegant and provide a wonderful ambience. Chandeliers made from antlers are definitely an unusual sight. Paintings available for sale add color to the walls. Paintings are dramatic and wine related. Below the winery is a large barrel cellar where the humidity is high. A wine library allows the owners to see how Colorado wines age. The winery sells forty percent of the wine on the premises with ten percent through the Internet and fifty percent through a distributor. During our tour we met Rob Hammelman, the winemaker. Rob studied at the University of Adelaide in Australia where he earned a Post Graduate diploma in Oenology.
After our tour, we tasted several wines. A unique idea in the tasting room is the use of a credit card type card that is plastic coated. On the back of the card, are the names of the wines. Tasting consultants supply a permanent marker so that visitors can check off the wines they enjoy during the tasting.
The 2006 Merlot had a red berries nose, red fruit taste with spice on the finish. The 2006 Syrah offered a red and black fruit nose. The taste was of red and black fruit with spices. It was crisp with tannins on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 offered a black fruit nose and taste with good tannins. The Port 2005 had an alcohol level of 18 percent. The grapes were from the estate vineyard. It was aged in neutral oak for 18 months. We noticed black currants and licorice.
The Withams, owners of Two Rivers Winery & Chateau would like consumers to realize that they produce award-winning wine. They have quality management and they continually try to improve the quality of their wine. Currently the winery has nine full time employees and encourages their employees to continually improve quality at the winery and inn.
Whether you stop by the winery for a tasting or to spend time at the inn you will most likely have a delightful time. I know we did. Remember to take a camera. The photo opportunities will delight both amateur and professional photographers.
Two Rivers Winery & Chateau
2087 Broadway
Grand Junction, Colorado 81503
Visit this Colorado lodging facility that partners with Wine Trail Traveler.
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