As if we needed another reason to head to the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Masca, Colorado, we now have a really good one. Dune Valley Distillery has opened, making spirits, reviving a family wine brand, making the most of local crops, revamping an historic building, and practicing sustainability – all at the same time. We’ll drink to that!
Listen to this In Good Taste Denver Podcast to meet Nicholas Chambers whose title is Chief Alchemist at Dune Valley Distillery. We’d also give him the title of Renaissance Man, what with all the ways he’s made the business a reality. You’ll learn more about the historic 8,000-square-foot former gymnasium (it’s on the Colorado Register of Historic Properties), that has been turned into the Distillery and tasting room, a welcome change for the community. He has grand visions for all the ways the Distillery will become a hub of activity for visitors and locals alike.
Nicholas also tells us about the various spirits and cocktails being made at Dune Valley and the relaunched A. Carbone & Co. LLC family wine. The business has a fascinating history that started in Italy but has been firmly planted in Colorado for decades. In fact, the company got Liquor License No. 1 after prohibition was over! The family’s wines are being served at the Distillery.
Organic potato vodka is the base of Dune Valley Distillery’s products but they distill Colorado Peaches, and other friends, organic carrots, beets, rye, and quinoa into their spirits. Every one of these crops comes from local farms in the area.
The commitment to local food extends to the Root Cellar Market from Valley Roots Food Hub (another business of Chambers’), which sells to-go foods like meats and cheeses from inside Dune Valley Distillery. Handy for when you’re camping at the Dunes.
Renewable Energy is at the core of Chambers’ efforts at Dune Valley. It’s something he’s very passionate about, as you’ll hear. But there’s more. As the company’s press release states: “He is an expert as an adjunct instructor at Santa Fe Community College’s Biofuels Lab, working in anaerobic digestion, wood-chip gasification and biodiesel. With his experience in solar thermal and distillation, Chambers is well-poised to bring these technologies together in a productive and meaningful way. The EPA has awarded the company a $200,000.00 grant for this process.”
Dune Valley Distillery has special events including a series of 5-course pairing dinners. Learn more about those here. Learn more about the Distillery and its upcoming activities on their Instagram page.
-Article by Courtney Drake-McDonough, In Good Taste Denver publisher, managing editor and podcast host. Photos provided by Dune Valley Distillery.
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