What do you want when you want to learn about wine? Do you want to discover new grapes or just try wines that are too familiar? One of the most popular wines is a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – seems like it’s the No. 1 choice forever. What if you wanted to try something new from an undiscovered region you’ve had no exposure to? Wherever in the world you are, there is always some form of wine business going on.
Even Iceland has crowberry wine 🇮🇸
So next time your on a trip of a lifetime a getaway or just in a town – look for the nearest vineyard or winery
Discovering new wine and trying different styles of the same grape is a life experience.
Not only do your enrich your sights, sounds and taste buds you also learn – not bad from the humble glass of wine !
Colorado is recently one of those experiences. It has just two AVAs ( or regions of vine growing ) – Grand Valley and West Elks – both high-altitude, sun-drenched, and quietly brilliant. Grand Valley sits at 4,000ft with warm days, cool nights and river-fed soils – ideal for ripeness with freshness. West Elks climbs higher (5,000–7,000ft), cooler and shorter in season, better suited to Pinot Noir, Riesling and aromatic whites. Both are situated 4 hours drive from Downtown Denver and the International Airport.
These are not textbook regions. They’re discovery regions. And that’s where the future of wine is heading. More and more of us want to try different things , different places and try new fabulous wines.
Denver isn’t a wine region you’re taught to know. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Barossa – yes. Colorado? Never mentioned. And that’s exactly why it matters.
After 15 years in the industry, I’ve seen the shift. From quantity to quality. From labels to stories. People are thirsty for something new. England. Wales. Paso Robles. Mornington Penninsula . And now… Colorado.
Last week, I spent 10 days in Denver. Ski culture, craft beer, oversized food… and then, quietly, seriously good wine.
One winery stood out: Carboy Winery. And yes – I tried everything. Note: Ive left out 6 reviews for the wines i tasted : 13 is enough for you to get an idea 🤩
Of course there are more vineyards and wineries and yes the AVA’s are a 4 hour drive from Denver (where all tourists fly into ) but i guess that why they have the wineries in Downtown Denver. Its a great appeal for those that want to try wines home grown but cant drive the 4 hours !
Denver hasn’t broken onto the international stage just yet but when you think about going to regions that havn’t had that exposure to tourism for wine. Try an alternative, try an undiscovered area. Try Denver !
As you can see from the tasting notes below Carboys offers a host of grape varietals that some are widely known but interestingly though some are grapes i’ve never heard of – or rather are not grown in numbers seen in Europe. So for me. new varietals means new discoveries.
So what have I learned from discovering a new region? Well, I end up flying into Denver for Aunt’s and Uncle’s Thanksgiving dinner and end up taking a last minute trip to downtown Denver to see what an undiscovered wine region tastes like. What welcomes me to the approch of downtown Denver is ……
What i expereinced recently was a super welcoming crowd of super passionate people. It felt right to walk into the winery and let people tell me about wines in their way. My day job is in the wine industry and i have this blog as well as a shop. A night off was ok just to listen and ask questions.
and for those that wanted to know about why the winery is called what it is …….
A glass carboy is a large, sturdy, airtight glass vessel, often shaped like a big bottle, used by homebrewers for fermenting and aging beverages like beer, wine, and cider because it’s easy to sanitize and doesn’t absorb odors or oxygen. These traditional containers, also known as demijohns, allow brewers to monitor fermentation through their clear glass and typically seal with a stopper and airlock to prevent contamination. While durable, they are heavy and fragile, requiring careful handling to avoid breakage.
Key Features & Uses
Fermentation: Acts as a primary or secondary fermenter for alcoholic beverages.
Oxygen Barrier: Glass is nonporous, making it an excellent barrier against oxygen, which can spoil brews.
Easy to Clean: Smooth surface doesn’t scratch easily and doesn’t harbor bacteria like some plastics can.
Monitoring: Clear glass lets you watch the fermentation process.
Variations: Come in different sizes (e.g., 5-gallon/23L, 10L, 11L) and sometimes include protective baskets.
Verdict: 4 hour drive is a bit commited even for me to travel to the Vineyard but what I have in Denver is a host of wineries that are operating in a major town, setting up winemaking facilities so consumers can see what they are doing. Great idea. I was very surprised at the impressive quality of the wines at Carboys. New varietals , fabulous blends and sexy labels.
Please see their website below for more info
Note : Carboys Winery is not yet in the UK or Europe but for those that read my site in the USA this is well worth visiting or at the least joining as a wine club. Definately 5 *
TASTING NOTES for those that have reach this far…..
Its not just about me ! Its all about the grapes !
want to know what I thought of the wines ……….
2024 Native Fizz Blanc
Apple and pear are prominent characters here – touches of tangy lemon sorbet, fresh grapefruit and key lime. I dont know whether to turn it into a cheescake or drink it. Its a Pop, sip, repeat type of sparkling wine.
Grape : 100% Traminette
Traminette is a cross of the Joannes Seyve 23.416 grape and Gewürztraminer made by Herb C. Barrett (1965) His intention was to produce a large-clustered table grape with the flavor of Gewürztraminer. Traminette was found to be excellent wine quality, combined with good productivity, partial resistance to several fungal diseases, and cold hardiness superior to its acclaimed parent, Gewürztraminer, while retaining a similar character. It was the perfect combination! Traminette produces solid yields with out forgoing quality
Where you find it ! USA – Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, the Finger Lakes AVA and Niagara Escarpment AVA of New York, and parts of Virginia, as well as in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Southern New England.
GW Verdict : Trying a new region and a new grape, what a surprise that was. Fresh vibrant and full of character this is a perfect cork popper for a summers evening or ones of those days when you dont need a full on rich Champagne like Bollinger, Veuve or Dom Perignon. This is all about celebrating a local winery, a new discovery. Top marques can quite frankly wait !
2024 Native Fizz Rosé
TGW verdict : – Imagine a strawberry soda with touches of vanilla, candied orange,peaches and cream on the nose with apricot and nectarine.
Grape : Blend.
Certainly the Winery must get an award for sexy labels. Very distinctive Made up of 3 varietals Syrah, Blaufränkisch and La Crescent
Grape :60% Syrah – dark fruits like black cherries and plums, with overtones of black pepper and spices.
Grape 30% Blaufränkisch: blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, allspice, and pepper. Medium-bodied, with medium tannins and good acidity.
Grape 10% : La Crescent is a hybrid grape. Grows well in cooler climates with Characteristics of apricot, citrus, and pineapple,
GW Verdict : TIP : With Natural wines always look for oranges and nectarines – sure fire way of assesing its quality.The winery also list this as Half Nat, but what is that, Its a mix of two processes Pét-nat + Charmat method
Pet Nat (short for Pétillant Naturel) means “naturally sparkling” low-intervention method where sparkling wine finishes fermentation inside the bottle, capturing CO2 for gentle, cloudy bubbles, creating fresh, often rustic, white, rosé, or red wines The Charmat method is a popular way to make fresh, fruity sparkling wines (Prosecco), where the fizz happens in large, pressurized stainless steel tanks, not individual bottles. By sealing the wine it creates bubbles (preserving vibrant fruit flavors and speeding up production faster and more cost-effective producing vibrant wines
CO.SECCO
When i tasted this in Dec 2025 i found it to be vibrant and refreshing. Lots of green apples and citrus zest. Great alternative to champagne or cava. sophisticated and approachable sparkling wine – leaves its European counterpart well in the Agreesive mouse camp !
Grape : 100% Traminette
Traminette is a cross of the Joannes Seyve 23.416 grape and Gewürztraminer made by Herb C. Barrett (1965) His intention was to produce a large-clustered table grape with the flavor of Gewürztraminer. Traminette was found to be excellent wine quality, combined with good productivity, partial resistance to several fungal diseases, and cold hardiness superior to its acclaimed parent, Gewürztraminer, while retaining a similar character. It was the perfect combination! Traminette produces solid yields with out forgoing quality
FOOD PAIRING : enjoy with most light dishes, like salads and enjoy all year round with Pizzas.
GW Verdict : Crafted in the Charmat method (see above ) they having given a nod to the Italian Prosecco by refering it as Colorado Prosecco.
Grand Blanc de Blanc
The Blanc de Blanc, is a fruit cocktail for the senses and likely to be your new favorite sparkling wine. Intense pear, peach and mango fill the air around you and combine with nectarine, canned mandarin orange and kiwi in the glass for a magical experience. Sorry, not sorry!
Grape : 100% Chardonnay
GW “Pear, nectarine and citrus with zero oak nonsense.
For people who like Chardonnay… done properly.”
Food Pairing:Shellfish: Oysters, scallops, crab, shrimp.Sushi & Sashimi: Its minerality and acidity complement raw fish.White Fish: Tartare, ceviche, or gently cooked fish.Light Dishes: Salads, grilled fish, steamed vegetables.
GW Verdict : Normally with Chardonnay i would say clean crisp and fresh . Not normally experiencing pear peach mango nectarine and kiwi swirling around in a delicious glass of fun. May not be a classic experience of what Europe expects in a traditional white – but then if we had all grapes with the same characteristics across the globe. how boring would that be! AND its a Denver wine ! TIP : Always try and discover a new wine , a new grape, a grape varietal that you expect to be what it is. Change the boundaries of what you expect. If you dont like don’t go back there !
Grand Premier Blanc de Blanc
Hints of Gala apples, banana chips and raw coconut on the nose
On the Palate : Pineapple and clementine
Enjoy this wine from start to finish, enjoy the adventure and take your time with this one ! Finishing the bottle is not the issue finding another one immediately is !
Grape : 100% Traminette
Grapes: Aromella (37%) – Floral, perfumed, hints of peach and citrus.Vidal Blanc (23%) – Crisp tropical fruit, bright acidity, perfect for sparkling.La Crescent (18%) – Apricot and citrus-driven, cold-climate friendly.Traminette (18%) – Lychee, rose, and gentle spice, aromatic and fresh.Vignoles (4%) – Honeyed, tropical, small grape, big impact.
Food Pairing :Seafood: Oysters, scallops, light ceviche – acidity refreshes the palate.Poultry: Lemon-herb chicken, turkey breast with mild citrus glaze.Vegetarian: Roasted vegetables, asparagus risotto, quinoa salads.Cheese: Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie, triple cream, or mild chèvre.
GW Verdict : Carboys has introcuced its inaugural Grand Premier Blanc de Blanc using only its best grapes for premium character. Almost all of this wineries wines offer a fabulous array of characteristics. If someone is looking for something different just look at the grape varietals above
Grand Cuvée Blanc
100% Chenin Blanc from the Grand Valley Intense bouquet of lemon curd and golden apple with touches of crushed rock and green tea. Enjoy starfruit, passionfruit, apricot and kumquat within the fine mousse.
Enjoy this wine from start to finish, enjoy the adventure and take your time with this one ! Finishing the bottle is not the issue finding another one immediately is !
A premium sparkling wine produced by Carboy Winery’s Grand series Appearance. Pale straw to light golden hue. Aroma Zesty, orchard fruit and white flowers with touches of yeasty/brioche notes. Palate : Refreshing with citrus (lemon, grapefruit) & white peach. Creamy with a fine mousse.
Food Pairing :Oysters, Grilled prawns / scallops , Grilled chicken Vegetarian: asparagus risotto, Spicy Asian dishes
GW Verdict : Carboy’s Grand Cuvée Blanc is a bold statement from an emerging region that refuses keep quiet – this is high-altitude Colorado showing serious intent and serious class. GW : “The Winery has taken its jacket off, thrown it into the corner of the room and is putting its “dukes ” up ”
This is not imitation Champagne.
This is Colorado finding its voice.
Elegant, structured, and quietly confident. Cellar-worthy… if you have the willpower.
Grand Brut Rosé
Bursting with bright aromas of mango, cherry and rose blossom. Mouth-wateringly juicy. Palate shows strawberry and raspberry with a clean, crisp finish.
Charcuterie & goats cheese, Smoked salmon or trout canapés — lively bubbles balance smoky, rich flavours. Seared tuna or grilled prawns with lemon herb marinade. Herb-roasted chicken or turkey breast with raspberry glaze. Brie, camembert, or creamy cheeses
Grape : Blend
67% Merlot | 10% Cabernet Sauvignon | 10% Cabernet Franc | 5% Syrah | 4% Orange Muscat | 2% Counoise | 1% Mourvèdre | 1% Primitivo
Plum and black cherry from Merlot lead the charge, backed by Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure and Cabernet Franc’s leafy freshness. Syrah adds dark fruit and peppery depth, while a flicker of Orange Muscat lifts the aromatics with orange blossom and mandarin. Counoise brings herbal brightness, Mourvèdre adds savoury grip, and a final splash of Primitivo delivers juicy blackberry sweetness.
GW “A Willy Wonka of an experience”
GW Verdict : Appearance Color: salmon-pink to light rosy hue Bubbles: Fine and persistent Aroma strawberry, raspberry, and cherry notes on the nose. Hints of citrus zest (e.g., grapefruit or lemon peel).A crisp, vibrant bouquet not heavy or buttery Palate :creamy, lively texture red berry flavors carry through from the aroma.
“You have to try it just because of the newly discovered grapes !”
Grand Premier Brut Rosé
Wild strawberry, raspberry, and sour cherry with clean minerality.Fine mousse and good acidity make it dangerously delicious !
Food Pairing: Seafood: Seared scallops, smoked salmon.Charcuterie: Prosciutto, mild salami, soft cheeses.Poultry: Herb-roasted chicken.Vegetarian: Beetroot salad, roasted peppers, watermelon & feta.
Grape : Blend
73% Marquette 15% Chambourcin 12% Verona
Marquette: Bright cherry, strawberry, lively acidity.Chambourcin: Red berries, gentle spice, smooth texture.Verona: Dark fruit, soft spice, subtle structure.
GW ” A wonderful discovery”
GW Verdict : Appearance : Color: salmon-pink. Fine, persistent bubbles Aroma Red berries: Strawberry and raspberry dominate Ripe cherry, rose petal and summer blossoms. Citrus zest & minerality: ance Color: salmon-pink to light rosy hue Bubbles: Fine and persistent
A stand out Colorado sparkling rosé — fruity energetic and of energy.
2022 Chardonnay
Not a big smack in the face Chardonnay from the USA ! Imagine a
Food Pairings Because it’s fresh and fruit‑centred it works with a wide range of dishes that complement bright fruit and balanced acidity: Grilled salmon&Shellfish. Roast chicken,Turkey & Pork tenderloin. Soft cheeses: Brie, camembert or mild goat cheese. Creamy risotto with peas or mushrooms.
Grape : 100% Chardonnay
Pairing tip: This style of Chardonnay is especially enjoyable with lighter, bright dishes that highlight citrus and fruit notes, and with mild creamy sauces that harmonize with its fruitiness without overwhelming its fresh character. Expect one thing and get a delightfully other experience. This chardonaay should be big and bruisy instead its more likely to “put the rubbish out and mow your lawn. Not lazy just light bright elegant and not too much fuss
GW ” It just grows on you more and more , i love it ”
GW Verdict : Appearance: Color: Pale straw‑golden hue. Aroma pear and nectarine Citrus and tangerine Hints of jasmine Palate : balanced fruit flavors with Medium acidity keeps the wine refreshing rather than heavy. No BIG OAK MONSTERS here Finish: Clean lasting fruit and a touch of lemon lifts the experience.
2022 Roussanne
pours a pale gold with a soft, luminous sheen. The nose is quietly expressive – pear, almond, herbal tea and a hint of honeyed chamomile. On the palate it’s textured and savoury, showing ripe apple, gentle stone fruit and a subtle nutty depth, finishing fresh, composed and beautifully balanced.
Food Pairings Poultry: Roast chicken, turkey, lemon-herb poussin – texture loves protein.Seafood: Scallops, monkfish, crab.Vegetarian: mushroom risotto.Cheese: Comté, Gruyère. Nutty all the way !
Grape : 95% Roussanne, 5% Marsanne
Roussanne is a white Rhône variety known for expressive aromatics, medium‑plus body, and layered fruit and herbal note. You expect something soft and simple… and then Roussanne quietly flexes. Pear, almond and herbal tea glide in with calm confidence, followed by a savoury, honeyed depth you didn’t see coming. Textured, composed, and quietly powerful – the gentle giant of the white wine world.
GW ” often ignored never disappoints. Yum Yum “
GW Verdict : Quietly confident and beautifully balanced, Carboy Roussanne delivers texture without weight and complexity without noise. A thinking drinker’s white – elegant, savoury, and seriously satisfying. Its never going to be one of the most drunk varietals in the world – It’s often overlooked but find it and discover something wonderful
2022 Viognier
Viognier is so versatile. Loved by most foods. If this was your neighbours you’d love em
Food Pairings Poultry: Roast chicken, turkey, lemon-herb poussin – texture loves protein.Seafood: Scallops, monkfish, crab.Vegetarian: mushroom risotto.Cheese: Comté, Gruyère. Nutty all the way !
Grape : 95% Viognier, 5% Roussanne
Appearance Color: Bright pale straw-golden, medium to fuller bodyAroma Tropical & Stone Fruit: Notes of papaya, cantaloupe, and fresh apricot lead the aromatic profile. Hints of white flower and a touch of mineralityPalate Fruit Flavors: Melon and white peach & juicy stone-fruit intensity. Medium body luxurious mouthfeel. Good acidity with a lingering finish .
GW ” often ignored never disappoints. Yum Yum “
GW Verdict : Quietly confident and beautifully balanced, Carboy Roussanne delivers texture without weight and complexity without noise. A thinking drinker’s white – elegant, savoury, and seriously satisfying. Its never going to be one of the most drunk varietals in the world – It’s often overlooked but find it and discover something wonderful
BLAN.CO White Blend (2022)
balances fruit brightness, aromatic intrigue, and refreshment
Food Pairings Poultry: oysters or shellfish shrimp or scallops. Herb-grilled chicken, Turkey breast. burrata, goats cheese or antipasti
Grape : Cayuga White (54%), Roussanne (28%), and Traminette (18%)
Color: Pale straw with golden highlights The bouquet is fragrant and refreshing
saline touch: with minerality
Overall, the aroma is expressive, tropical, and appealing — great for sipping even before tasting. Tropical fruit: Pineapple and lychee notes bring a sweet, exotic lift.Citrus & orchard fruits: Fresh mandarin and peach aromas add clarity and brightness.
GW ” It would be very east to have a ‘Piggy Pour’ on this wine ”
GW Verdict : The 2023 Blanco shows excellent quality of fruit, very food-friendly and shows no sign over overt oak (so prevalent on the West Coast ). Shows great acidity and well balanced probably down to fruit selection on the estate and clever winemaking. It is a very pleasant white wine that doesnt dominate it just shows off in the most elegant of ways. “New Wine Tried !“
Concordia Blanc
43% Riesling 37% Albariño 17.5%Gewürz2.5% Roussanne
2023 Sauvignon Blanc
2023 Rosé45% Marquette, 39% Frontenac, 16% Chambourcin
Such a great choice for everyone See their website for more info
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet sauvignon
Merlot
and others ……