Vendor Profile: Blue Mountain Vineyards

By: Garth Bontrager, Master Gardener

It’s so pleasant to talk with Bill Prewitt the owner of Blue Mountain Vineyards. He makes talking about wine as easy as talking about the weather, and has a wine for any meteorological event. Bill has 15 or so varieties of wine. He grows some grapes himself at his winery in Larimer County (Berthoud), and is able to selectively purchase fine grapes from other purveyors. He has several wines made exclusively from Colorado grapes. His own French hybrid grapes are aging in oak right now, waiting to make their debut as a port-style wine in a year or two, when Bill decides it’s time.

Within moments of interviewing Bill, he is effusive in his praise of his Larimer County Farmers' Market customers. He gives a heartfelt, “Thank you, Larimer County. Thank you to all the people in Fort Collins for their super support of my product.” Bill loves his spot in front of the courthouse doors, where he gets such a nice reception from so many people involved in Larimer County. Often he is set up next to a cheese booth which is a nice partnership with his wine. It’s very easy for Bill, or one of his TIPS certified helpers to pair a wine with your cheese purchase.

Some good sellers this year are the pinot grigio, sangiovese, reisling, and cabernet sauvignon. You just need to come over and try some samples to find a wine to fit your flavor profile, or to pair with your next meal. Wine is definitely for everyone. Considering Bill’s high standards in selecting the perfect grapes for his vintages, and his easy going demeanor, you’re bound to purchase something that will delight your taste. Even beer lovers can enjoy wine now and again, usually something that is lower in tannins with a softer palate.

At the Blue Mountain Vineyards booth, there’s a locally-made wine from a family-owned winery with your name on it. All the wines are made and bottled on site at the winery. Blue Mountain entertains tastings by appointment. The winery is next to a lake with a view of the mountains and gardens. For a personal experience go to http://www.coloradobluemountain.com/ and schedule a visit. In the meantime, go to the Blue Mountain Winery booth at the Larimer County Farmers' Market and try a sample of Bill’s work.