Colorado in general and the Denver area in particular have become known for great microbrews and brewpubs, but this is also a place where locals know and love their wine. Colorado passed a law years ago allowing wine and liquor stores to conduct in-store wine tastings.
Customers may taste four 1-ounce samples (4 ounces total per tasting) of wine, beer or spirits. Many shops pride themselves on carrying small-batch wines that may not be available elsewhere in the metro area.
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Knowledgeable staffers can guide customers through the tasting process and also discuss the grapes, the terroir where they were grown and the winemaker’s approach.
Below are some metro area stores that offer FREE wine tastings (sometimes including cheese and crackers or other small bites, too).
Our top picks:
The Boulder Wine Merchant
If you saw the film “Somm,” you have an idea of how rigorous the examination for Master Sommelier is. There are currently only 56 of these elite wine experts in all of the United States.
And two of them established The Boulder Wine Merchant, Wayne Belding and Sally Mohr, who became only the second woman to achieve this status.
In 2010, the torch passed when fellow Master Sommelier Brett Zimmerman purchased the store. It is known for its knowledgeable staff and for selling only good, carefully selected wines at surprisingly reasonable, and always, fair prices.
The rare wines are secured in the back of the store.
Tastings are Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. No reservations required.
2690 Broadway, Boulder.
Divino Wines & Spirits
This shop dropped anchor on Denver’s South Broadway before South Broadway was really cool. In fact, we think that Divino elevated the street in the eyes of wine connoisseurs, beer aficionados and others who appreciate the diverse selection of adult beverages and the good life they represent.
The space is long and narrow with wine racked on custom light wood shelves on either side, so when you walk through you’ll feel as if you are in a tunnel of wine. Make sure to also check out the shop’s unique wine posters.
Tastings happen on random Saturdays each month, check Instagram @divino_wine_spirits for dates and times.
1240 S. Broadway, Denver.
Mondo Vino
This is the original neighborhood wine store in the burgeoning Highlands neighborhood. This spacious corner store gained renown early on for a good selection of the wines from the German-speaking countries and eastern Europe that are largely underrepresented in this country.
Tucked into the back of the store is the vaulted “cave,” where the rarest wines are found.
Come by Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a taste of what’s new and noteworthy.
3601 W. 32nd Ave., Denver.
Have a dram of wine for free at one of these places. Photo by Linnea Covington
Spero Winery
This is a family-owned-and-operated spot right on the edge of North Denver. The winery was started by Clyde Spero, who learned to make wine from his father Gaetano.
When just a teenager, Gaetano left his hometown of Potenza, Italy and traveled until found himself in Colorado. He started working in the mines in Southern Colorado.
Eventually Gaetano started making his family’s cache of yearly wine, teaching his son along the way. In 1999 Clyde opened his small winery, finally serving the vino of his family with other people.
Sample the wines for free each Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.
3316 W. 64th Ave.
Find More Free Wine Tastings
Argonaut Wine & Liquor, Denver. Irregularly scheduled tastings; click on “Events” on the store’s home page or call 303-831-7788. 760 E. Colfax Ave.
Bevy’s Liquor World, Littleton. Typically Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m., check their “Events” page for updates. 5869 S Alkire St.
Bubbles Liquor World, Castle Rock. Irregular schedule. Check their “Events” page for updates and double check if they are hosting by calling 303-468-8100. 675 Genoa Way.
Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits, Highlands Ranch. Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. 5555 Boatworks Dr.
Hazel’s Beverage World, Boulder. Typically Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. 1955 Pearl St.
Heritage Wine & Liquor, Centennial. Irregularly scheduled and may be hosted at other locations, check their “Events” page to confirm all details. 7475 E. Arapahoe Rd.
Molly’s Spirits, Denver. Tastings are random, check the website under “Events” to find out what and when. 5809 W. 44th Ave.
Pearl Wine Co., Denver. Tastings on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. 1886 S. Pearl St.
In addition, some tasting rooms at Front Range wineries (not vineyards where grapes are grown but wineries where wines are made) offer samples of their own wines.
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