Winery
“Wine is God’s way of kissing humanity”
A winery is a sacred place. It is not merely a collection of vines and barrels, but a place guided by the rhythm of the seasons and the slow process of fermentation. It is a place of connection and conviviality, where wine becomes more than a drink. It is an experience of generosity that flows through every aspect of life. It draws people closer to the land and to one another, inviting them to pause and savor the moment in every season.
Restoration Vineyards is located on a 10-acre property surrounded by peach and cherry orchards with majestic views of the Grand Mesa and Bookcliff mountains. It is a place where the soil, sun, rain, and the hand of the vintner join together to craft wines to tell the unique story of the Grand Valley. The vineyard’s journey began as a "fix and flip" project—a corporate business plan to bring life back to a neglected vineyard. But what began as a business venture transformed into a deeper pursuit of curiosity and hospitality.
The winery's name "Restoration" encapsulates the vineyard's remarkable revival. Bruce Talbott, a fifth-generation local farmer and neighbor to Restoration Vineyards, suggested flooding the vineyard to see if any life remained in the neglected vines. Known by local schoolchildren as the “stick stop” because of its barren appearance, the once withered vines responded and flourished back to life. The unexpected revival ignited a spark in owners Gary and Linda Brauns. Linda, a lifelong learner, cultivated a sincere passion for the art of winemaking, while Gary, with a love of restoring old Mercedes and old houses, turned his restorative touch to the vineyard itself. Their shared passion for renewal was reignited, setting them off on a journey of discovery and revitalization.
Restoration Vineyards is rooted in its resilient connections to its neighbors. The winery thrives on a spirit of community and reciprocity. One blistering day, as Gary and Linda worked tirelessly in the merlot vines, a neighbor arrived with cold beers. A simple yet profound gesture that reframed their approach to life and work. Linda, Restoration’s winemaker, remembers, “It was almost a shock that our neighbor was thinking about us, out here in the heat. We didn’t realize how much we needed that interruption, but he did. We knew we were somewhere special.” Here, interruptions are welcomed as opportunities for connection rather than distractions.
Every Saturday, this communal spirit is celebrated at the vineyard with “Band in the Barrel,” where locals and tourists gather to enjoy live music, delicious food from a local Thai food truck, and, of course, wine. It’s more than a social event. It is a ritual that forms strangers into friends. It’s where stories are shared, laughter is plentiful, and burdens are lightened in the glow of the setting sun. The staff, chosen for their spirit of openness and kindness welcome every guest with genuine warmth. There are no pretenses. Tasting notes are set aside, encouraging each guest to embark on their own journey with the wine, discovering a personal connection, whether they come in celebration, in need of consolation, or on the most ordinary of days.
The winery invites another pace. A unified place, where heaven touches earth, where the sacred can be savored in every sip. The Psalmist writes that God “brings forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden the human heart” (Psalm 104:14-15). A winery is a material sign of God’s benevolence, softening the hard places and reminding us we are all part of a greater story; one of restoration, community, and grace. The winery is a sacred place.
Written by Katie Lukashow
