Beer, Wine & Spirits in Colorado Springs

Indulge Wine School's staff of educators, such as Kris in Jacksonville, a wine expert and blogger, expands wine knowledge with ease, having turned the revelry-steeped tassels of nearly 3,000 graduates. Classes of 12–20 take place in venues throughout the United States, as students swirl and sip their study materials and nibble complimentary appetizers. Every class ends with a Q&A session, during which potation professors shine a light on oenophilic mysteries including tannin content and regional differences. Afterward, students continue to ferment knowledge at home with a complimentary electronic copy of Indulge's book A Fun and Informative Introduction to the Wonderful World of Wine, a food-and-wine-pairing chart, and a top-10 list of wine-buying tips.

Sovereignty Wines is a locally owned, family-run business, featuring a diverse selection of wine, spirits, and beer from around the world. Whether you're a grapephile seeking a specific low-production vintage or a vino virgin looking for professional wine-pairing guidance or a thoughtful gift, the shop's knowledgeable staff will help you locate some special sips. Sovereignty stocks nearly every varietal, including favorites such as Bordeaux, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, chenin blanc, grenache, merlot, pinot noir, Riesling, sauvignon blanc, Shiraz, and sparkling wines, as well as fine spirits including cognac, brandy, scotch, whiskey, and bourbon. Peruse the shop's impressive inventory to discover reasonably priced staff recommendations, including the 2008 Lucky Star Pinot Noir (under $10), the French oaked 2007 Angeline Chardonnay ($10–$20), or a tasty liquid treasure such as the 2005 Etude Cabernet (over $20), rated 96 points by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Like the Benedictine Fathers to whom his winery pays homage, Matt Cookson upholds tenets of concentration and discipline as he makes his lauded varietals. He’s been following these principles throughout his extensive winemaking career, which began in New York state and the Napa Valley. In 2002, he relocated to Cañon City and co-founded The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Since then, his wines have racked up more than 100 awards at various international competitions. The vino ranges from a dense 2010 merlot reserve to a light and fruity apple-blossom wine made with juices from five apple varieties.

Matt and his team dole out sample flights beneath the sweeping arches of the winery’s tasting room, a 1911 cottage that also stocks travel books and pottery imported from countries such as Spain and Tunisia. Outside, picnic tables at a tree-shaded park accommodate scenic meals surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and Wet Mountains. Every autumn, Matt shares more of his handiwork during the winery’s annual Harvest Fest, where guests can taste wines, sample local produce and cheeses, get their faces painted, or showcase their air-sax abilities as live jazz and blues music plays.