Our Story

Alfred Eames, Vintner, Alfred Eames Cellars, Paonia, Colorado Winemaker
The Vision

The Beginning

At age 17, Alfred Eames traveled to Spain’s Rioja region, where he was immersed  in traditional European winemaking. That experience started his understanding and lifelong love for wine. He was then conscripted by and served in the US military changing his trajectory for many years to come. But no mater where he was he continued to make wine.

In the mid 80’s he happened to past through the little town of Paonia Colorado and be there at the right time to try a fresh peach from a local farm. Absolutely amazing!!  From there on he was hooked and soon came to believe that the West Elk Mountains of Colorado hold the potential to produce wines that rival the world’s most celebrated regions.

Our Philosophy

Less Intervention. More Expression.

At 6,000 feet, our vines endure what few others can — and from that endurance comes extraordinary character. We believe great wine is grown, not manufactured. Our approach is defined by restraint: limited production, minimal intervention, and an unwavering commitment to letting the wine to speak for itself.

Every decision — from canopy management to barrel selection — serves a single purpose: to express the unique character of our high-altitude terroir with honesty and grace.

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Alfred Eames Cellars, Paonia, Colorado, Winemaker Devin Petersen

A Legacy Written in Altitude

Today the legacy of Alfred Eames Cellars is carried on by Alfreds son, Devin Eames.  Devin having been raised making wine and building the wine cellar with his father found it was ideal  to return after many years of travel and exploration to carey Alfred Eames into the next generation.  

The Craft

From Vine to Bottle

01

Harvest

Hand-picked at dawn when acidity and sugar are perfectly balanced.

02

Fermentation

Carefully selected yeasts, gentle extraction and fermentation in masonry open vats to preserve fruit purity and terroir expression.

03

Barrel Aging

16–20 months in French oak builds structure and complexity while pr .

04

Bottling

Unfined and unfiltered. Each vintage released only when ready.

Taste the Terroir

Explore Our Wines

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