Annual awards announced at Colorado wine industry conference

The annual VinCO Conference and Trade Show was held this week and the winners of this year’s Awards of Excellence were announced.

Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology (CAVE) recognized the Winery of the Year, Grape Grower of the Year and Friend of the Colorado Wine Industry at its annual awards banquet.

Aspen Peak Cellars, owned by Julie and Marcel Flukiger, was recognized as Winery of the Year for 2025.

“Together, they have created a winery that truly embodies the spirit of Colorado wine, one defined by resilience, creativity, and genuine hospitality,” CAVE said in a statement. “Aspen Peak Cellars offers a distinctive and memorable experience that is fun, welcoming, and deeply rooted in community, leaving a lasting impression on every guest.”

Palisade winemaker Kaibab Sauvage took home the Grape Grower of the Year award. Sauvage began in the early 2000s as a grower for BookCliff Vineyards and later founded Colorado Vineyard Specialists, according to a news release.

“Over the past decade — marked by significant challenges for grape growers statewide — Kaibab has demonstrated exceptional leadership by pioneering new varietals in both vinifera and hybrid plantings,” CAVE said in a statement. “His grapes have been the foundation of numerous award-winning wines, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of Colorado viticulture.”

Richard McDonald, also from Palisade, was recognized as Friend of the Colorado Wine Industry for 2025. He and his wife, Aly, founded Colorado Vintners Collective in Palisade and launched his own label, Cliff Dweller Wines.

“One of Colorado’s few Australian winemakers, Richard brings a global perspective shaped by early experience with the Dave Phinney winemaking family in California, best known for The Prisoner,” CAVE said in a statement.

Overall, this year’s VinCO conference was a success and featured more than 25 expert speakers, offering educational programs tailored to the evolving needs of Colorado’s wine industry, according to a news release.

“VinCO continues to be a cornerstone event for Colorado’s wine community,” Executive Director of CAVE Cassidee Shull said. “The level of engagement, shared expertise, and genuine collaboration we saw this year speaks to the strength and resilience of our industry. This conference is about more than education — it’s about building relationships and shaping the future of Colorado wine together.”