Immerse yourself in Wyoming’s wine culture, from scenic vineyards to the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Tucked between rugged mountains and vast prairies, these locally-owned wineries have created idyllic spaces to savor the flavor of the Wild West.
While Wyoming may not be an obvious choice for wine enthusiasts, the state boasts a small viticultural scene as rich and diverse as its natural wonders. With unique grape varieties cultivated at high elevations, these wineries are a testament to the passion and dedication of Wyoming’s winemakers. Whether you’re an oenophile eager to discover new flavors or a traveler seeking solace off the beaten path, Wyoming has something for every palate and preference.
Mustang Mountain Vineyard (Lovell, Wyoming)
The cozy tasting room at Mustang Mountain Vineyard, which offers everything from wine flights to charcuterie boards. Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Brentano.
Nancey and Larry Blair established Mustang Mountain Vineyard in 2010, and within a few years, they transformed the property into a successful growing operation. In 2016, their daughter Nicolle Laffin and her husband Dan moved to Lovell, and just one year later the family began working to build a winery.
Their winery now offers tastings and a space for events, and their charming backyard vineyard has more than 700 vines with four varieties of grapes. The winery also imports grapes to craft their own unique blends, which vary from year to year. In addition to a tasting room and several outdoor areas for guests to enjoy, Mustang Mountain Vineyard is also part of the Harvest Hosts program, offering RVers a quiet, scenic place to stay.
Frontenac grapes on the vine at Mustang Mountain Vineyard, which can withstand temperatures as cold as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Brentano.
Nicolle greeted me with a warm welcome, and when we toured the property on an ATV, I was impressed with her knowledge and passion for viticulture. As we walked among the vines, Nicolle explained the differences between the on-site grape varietals, including La Crescent, Brianna, Marquette and Frontenac. These hybrid, “cold hardy” grapes can withstand harsh winters, which is key to survival in Wyoming.
When we returned to the winery, I met Nancey, who helped me select a quartet of wines for my tasting flight. Their La Crescent white was the clear winner, as it reminded me of some of my favorite Sauvignon Blancs, but with hardly any acidity, plus refreshing notes of green apple and citrus. I was soon joined at the bar by two locals, and in between sampling wine, we chatted about the nearby Pryor Mountain wild horses. From regulars to road trippers, it’s clear that Mustang Mountain Vineyard has built something special in Northern Wyoming — and their love for the land is evident in every barrel they produce.
Mustang Mountain Vineyard in Lovell, Wyoming is open from May to September, Thursday to Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from October to December, on Saturdays only, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. From January to April, they are open by appointment only. Their online store is always open, and for more information, visit the Mustang Mountain Vineyard website.
Table Mountain Vineyards & Winery (Huntley, Wyoming)
Vines growing next to the tasting room at Table Mountain Vineyards & Winery, which is a lovely outdoor space for events. Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Brentano.
The Zimmerer family farm has been in business since the 1920s, but it wasn’t until 2001 that they brought grapevines to their land in Southeast Wyoming. Patrick Zimmerer was studying agricultural economics at the University of Wyoming, and after learning about cold hardy grapes, he decided to make that the focus of his senior thesis.
In 2004 Patrick and his sister Amie won the university’s 10K Business Plan competition, and they used that funding to launch Table Mountain Vineyards & Winery. The property now spans ten acres with 10,000 vines, and their wines can be found in retailers across Wyoming, making them Wyoming’s largest vineyard and winery. In addition to tours, tastings and events, Table Mountain Vineyards are also part of the Harvest Hosts program.
Wyoming Gold, Frontenac Gris, Cowgirl Blush, Sunset Rose and Cowboy Reserve, which are some of the wines produced locally at Table Mountain Vineyards. Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Brentano.
Tucked on a dirt road about 15 miles from Torrington, Wyoming, the atmosphere at Table Mountain Vineyards can best be described as bucolic bliss. I was lucky enough to sit down with Patrick, and I was given a crash course on cold hardy grapes over a glass of Sunset Rose. These resilient hybrids are a cross between American grapes and wine grapes, resulting in smaller clusters with intense, fruity flavor.
They also have a shorter growing season, and if they’ve established roots, they are tough enough to handle everything from wind to hail storms. “Our wines are full of Wyoming character,” Patrick says with a smile. Some of the grape varieties growing on Table Mountain’s vines include Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, Valiant, Marcheal Foch, Elvira and Marquette, and they offer a dozen grape and fruit wines for sale, all of which are proudly produced from locally-grown vines and fruits.
Table Mountain Vineyards in Huntley, Wyoming is open year round, by appointment only. Visit the Table Mountain Vineyards & Winery website or call 307-459-0233 for more information.
Vintages Handcrafted Wine (Cheyenne, Wyoming)
The tasting room at Vintages is set among rows of barrels in the winery, and it can accommodate up to ten people. Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Brentano.
Located in the heart of downtown Cheyenne, Vintages Winery offers a unique and personalized wine experience, thanks to the expertise of master vintner Lino Di Felice. Lino begins with a tasting session, meticulously blending grape varietals to craft a wine tailored to each customer’s palate.
In addition to sampling different wines, Lino asks his customers about everything from their coffee preferences to cooking styles, enabling him to refine each batch even more effectively. From initiating fermentation to bottling the final product with custom labels, customers are invited to be involved in every step of the process, making this an ideal setting for small events. Lino makes a minimum of nine liters (one case) per order, and he maintains detailed records so repeat customers can easily resupply. Grapes for the winemaking are shipped from vineyards across the world that pride themselves on sustainable growing practices, and all wine is produced on-site.
Inspired by his Italian roots and the vibrant traditions of Abruzzi, Italy, Lino believes in the power of wine when it comes to bringing families and friends together. He fondly recalls childhood memories from the kitchen table, and how this has influenced his approach with customers today. Lino first dabbled with winemaking four decades ago when he imported grapes to sell to other Italian families in his community, and this lifelong passion is evident in every bottle he makes. Not only does Vintages produce exceptional, one-of-a-kind wines, but the connection forged between Lino and his customers makes it the perfect venue for oenophiles seeking a truly bespoke experience.
Vintages Winery in Cheyenne, Wyoming is open year-round, by appointment only Tuesday through Saturday. Visit the Vintages Winery website or call (307) 426-4635 for more information.
Jackson Hole Winery (Jackson, Wyoming)
Jackson Hole Winery is situated along Spring Creek, and the patio boasts incredible views of the mountains. Photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Winery.
Sitting at the base of the majestic Teton Mountains at 6,229 feet, Jackson Hole Winery embodies the art of high-altitude winemaking. With 18 percent less oxygen and cooler temperatures, the slow fermentation and aging process results in wines with distinctive personalities. Formerly the Spring Creek Dairy, Jackson Hole Winery was established in 2009, now producing approximately 4,000 cases of wine annually.
Founder Anthony Schroth’s journey into winemaking began rather unexpectedly. Once a baseball recruit at Sonoma State University, a shoulder injury altered his path, leading him to a wine course that sparked his interest in the industry. Anthony graduated in 2006 with a double major in marketing and wine business, and he took a position at Harvest Moon Estate & Winery, in the famed Russian River Valley. Anthony’s conscientious approach is evident in every step, from selecting the finest grapes from vineyards in Sonoma, Napa and Walla Walla, to patiently waiting for the perfect balance of flavors and aromas.
The Jackson Hole Winery tasting room on 2800 Boyles Hill Road in Jackson, Wyoming is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., May through October, by reservation only. Walk-ins are welcome at the winery’s nearby downtown space, located at New West Knifeworks on 98 Center Street, in Jackson Town Square. The downtown location is open year-round, seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visit the Jackson Hole Winery website or call (307) 201-1057 for more information.
