The Story of Vino Salida

Steve Flynn, Winemaker

Steve Flynn took a roundabout path to become the winemaker and founder of Vino Salida. As a sophomore biology student, Steve learned the basics of fermenting and tried his hand at making Concord grape wine in his closet at home. While the results were mediocre, the experience left an impression on the young creative mind.

After studying fine art in college, Steve started working in restaurants in New York, and found his way “out West” to New Mexico and Colorado. In 2002, he joined Mountain Spirit Winery in Salida, Colorado as a cellar hand and salesperson. After the first harvest of Colorado grapes, Steve fell in love once again with winemaking. This time, it was serious.

In 2004, Steve gathered a group of friends to hand-pick and foot-stomp Colorado grapes each harvest, from which he made wine for the group. Word and demand spread through the small-town community about these delicious, food-friendly table wines. With the encouragement and financial support of his friends and community, Steve founded Vino Salida Wine Cellars in 2009.

In 2016, the winery achieved its goal of sourcing 100% Colorado grapes in all of their small batch wines. Steve took great care in selecting and partnering with growers in Palisade, which is known as Colorado’s fruit and wine byway, and continues to build relationships with some of the most talented growers in the state. Colorado’s abundant sunshine, warm days, cool nights, and low humidity provide the perfect conditions for wine grapes that feature the complex character and chemistry required to craft exceptional wines. Steve has worked tirelessly to develop ties with Colorado grape and honey producers to make certain that his cellar produces wines that are distinct and purely Coloradan. 

That same year, Vino Salida moved to its new location, which includes a wine bar and tasting room, located near the intersection of highways 285 and 50 in Poncha Springs. Visitors can enjoy tasting flights, wine by the glass, and a selection of antipasti and small plates designed to pair perfectly with the wines. In addition to Vino Salida’s varietals, a selection of local beer and spirits is offered, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Bottles and 1.5L pouches of Vino Salida wines can be purchased, as well as merchandise. Currently, Vino Salida offers an impressive variety of wine and vermouth to please a wide range of pallets. Steve and his crew enjoy tasting the wines with visitors and sharing their unique perspective on each. When you come to Vino Salida, you will immediately feel like you’re one of the family!

Visitors can take a guided tour of the production facility, or sign up for one of several “How To” classes covering topics like the basics of wine and food pairing, and how to speak the language of wine. Live music is hosted most weekends year round, either indoors in the tasting room, or on the patio, which boasts breathtaking 360 degree mountain views. Private, Semi-Private, and Wedding events are also popular at the winery. And as a continuation of the early days, every autumn equinox Vino Salida welcomes the community to foot-stomp the grapes and celebrate another year’s harvest.

Be sure to check out the Vino Salida Wine Club, which offers many benefits to its members, including complimentary tasting, discounts on wine, merchandise, and events, as well as free shipping and Happy Hour anytime!

Vino Salida’s philosophy of making wine accessible through education, community, and fun has made it a delightful mountain winery destination for those seeking a unique Colorado wine experience.