Known for its breathtaking beauty and dramatic landscapes, Grand Junction also produces some of the most flavorful fruit in Colorado. The Colorado River’s mineral-rich alpine water combines with the hot summer days, cool nights, and mild winters of Grand Junction’s temperate climate to cultivate juicy, mouthwatering produce that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world. Peaches, apples, apricots, pears, cherries, and grapes all thrive in Grand Junction’s perfect growing environment.
It’s no surprise that those passionate about crafting award-winning wine have picked Grand Junction as their winemaking paradise. To find out what makes Grand Junction a great place for a winery, we sat down with Bob and Billie Witham, owners and founders of the chic and beautiful Two Rivers Winery & Chateau.
Where are you both from originally?
We grew up in the towns of Craig and Meeker, Colorado.
We would imagine that to start a winery, you must have a deep-rooted passion for wine. Where did that passion come from?
Our passion for wine came from a combination of things. Growing up in rural agricultural areas, we were both familiar with farming. As adults, we had the opportunity to experience different wine and food pairings from across the U.S. and European regions. Through that, we grew a passion for growing grapes and making wine.
What were your first careers?
Bob has a degree in Criminology and Law Enforcement, and later, he obtained an MBA. Billie has a degree in Accounting. Their careers were in healthcare, with Bob eventually becoming President and Chief Operations Officer for a public corporation. Billie had her own business, where she consulted with various healthcare facilities on financial and accounting matters. They both were also involved in developing and operating two assisted living facilities in Texas prior to returning to Colorado.
Did you consider opening your winery anywhere else, or was Grand Junction always your ideal place?
Grand Junction was the only choice for us.
Why?
Both of our parents lived here, and we came back to assist them. Initially, we purchased the land to build housing for retirees in a gated community but abandoned the idea after researching the demographics. While working the land, we noticed that someone had grown miniature cherry trees in the past. We also knew about the fruit-growing opportunities in Grand Junction and focused on the possibility of growing wine grapes and then making wine. It was all serendipitous.
Photo by: Kyle Amann
Any wine-making challenges that come from being new to the business? Like finding the right mix and varietal of grapes, for example?
Growing grapes can be a challenge because of the rare cold spells we can have, but we quickly learned that the grapes that grow the best are those with thicker skins. Grapes in Colorado also tend to need more hang time to mature, getting a nice balance of sugar, total acidity and pH.
What grapes did you originally plant? Is that any different from the vines you currently cultivate?
We originally planted Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Now, we currently cultivate cold, hardy varietals, like Baco Noir and LaCrescent.
Why the shift from one grape variety to another?
It is called urban sprawl. A housing development came about just east of our property along with a large vinyl fence. With winds from the south and southwest, the previous flow of air to lower areas was disrupted and the cold air would flood back into the vineyard. This caused us to seek out grapes that were more winter-hardy. We also purchase grapes from growers in the surrounding Grand Junction areas.
Photo by: Kyle Amann
What was the first variety of wine that Two Rivers created?
Our very first varieties were Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Two Rivers has won over 60 different awards since opening in 1999, but is there one particular award you are the most proud of?
Probably the first medal we ever received, was for the first wine we ever released. It was a silver medal from the Pacific Rim International Competition in California for our Riesling. A neighbor who was a former wine judge encouraged us to enter the wine because he thought it was outstanding.
What do you think makes Grand Junction unique to other wine destinations in the U.S.?
Grand Junction grows grapes at high altitude in the high desert with just enough frost-free days to achieve maturation. Our climate and altitude present challenges, but also unique benefits. For example, we do not have the pest or disease problem that is prevalent in other climates.
Could you explain a little about how the warm days and cool nights cause the grapes to expand and contract and that creates higher sugar content?
During the time of the year when the grapes start to change colors and ripen (also known as veraison), the days are warm and the nights are cool. During the day, the grapes expand, and at night, they contract. The expansion and contraction create intense sugars.
Aside from winemaking, what do you enjoy about living in Grand Junction, CO?
We love the small and loyal sense of the community, which offers up nice opportunities to participate in local happenings. It allows us to feel like we’re not just a winery, but a part of the community.
To experience Two Rivers Winery & Chateau for yourself, visit the winery's tasting room and try one of their award-winning wines while strolling through the vineyards. With scenic views of the Colorado National Monument and divine libations, don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to stay awhile. Luckily, there is a ten-room Chateau onsite for guests to stay at. The Chateau is also a popular destination for weddings and elopements.
While visiting Grand Junction, be sure to make time to visit the other unique experiences the Grand Junction area offers. From the Colorado National Monument, known as the "heart of the world,” the Grand Mesa bursting with over 300 lakes, and the nationally-awarded Downtown, filled with over 115 outdoor sculptures and murals on display, Grand Junction is the perfect spot for your next vino vacation.
For more ways to experience Grand Junction, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.