Black and white grape on vineyards.

OUR STORY

Photo of Richard and Aly McDonald.
Meet Richard & Aly McDonald ...

“Our wines are made with the intention to tell the story about the land, the history, and the people of Colorado. We hope you enjoy these wines with the ones you love, and let the beauty of Colorado be celebrated in every sip.”


Photo of grape vineyard with Palisade's Mtn. Garfield. in the back.
Photo of Wine barrels in Cliff Dweller Wine Co.'s wine barrel room.
Grapes hanging on vineyard in Palisade, Co.
How it began

Every journey begins with a single step and ours commenced in the picturesque Napa Valley, California, back in 2009. It was there that a Colorado girl and an Australian winemaker, destined to be more than just co-workers, first crossed paths. Love blossomed amidst the vineyards and, as we began creating wines together, we also embarked on a shared adventure that took us across France, New Zealand, and Australia.

Eight fruitful years in Napa Valley were followed by a profound discovery that would redirect our path. We unearthed a hidden gem – Colorado’s untapped potential as a wine-growing region. The prospect of blending our passion for wine with our deep-seated love for Colorado’s mountainous lifestyle was irresistible.

Black and White photo of Aly McDonalds, owner of Cliff Dweller Wine Co.
Black and white photo of Richard McDonald, wine maker and owner of Cliff Dweller Wine Co.

Picked with care.

Our vision extends beyond simply establishing another winery. We envisioned a community-oriented space that would foster and celebrate Colorado wine. We believe in the world-class quality of our region’s vineyards, and we are on a mission to share this secret with the world.