You can find culture, refinement and serenity in the most surprising places — such as in, say, the shadow of the Continental Divide. Amidst the snowy peaks of the Rockies and within earshot of surging Colorado River rapids, a warm and welcoming sanctuary for wine lovers awaits at the Devil’s Thumb Ranch.
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The quiet, isolated Devil’s Thumb Ranch combines the look and atmosphere of a western lodge with modern menus and green-centric operations. Established in the 1930s, the ranch sits within reach of Winter Park and Fraser, the Ranch is surrounded by golf courses, horse trails, fly fishing, hiking and all of the expected Northern Colorado experiences.
Deep inside its wood-lined halls, John L’s Wine Cellar is stocked with outstanding vintages from around the world. It’s available to ranch guests or locals booking an event space. But, it’s remote space deep underneath all of the resort facilities give it a special atmosphere — an escape within an escape.
The founders of the ranch and the Wine Cellar had family land in Adirondack Park in New York State. The real cherry wood wine racks and beams came from 150-year-old cherry trees harvested on that family land.
Food from the ranch’s restaurants can be served to a group of up to 16 people with the resort’s chefs and sommeliers recommending wine pairings. But, even if folks are just going to uncork a bottle or two, John L’s Wine Cellar is a great space to gather yourself.
The name isn’t bad either.