Alfred Eames Cellars wins Best of Show in Governor’s Cup

By Kristen Kuchar

Each year, Colorado winemakers get the opportunity to enter their wines into the statewide Governor’s Cup competition. This year, 286 wines were submitted from 48 local wineries, and the wines were judged by highly acclaimed wine industry members from across the country.

The top 12 became the 2023 Governor’s Cup Collection, and the one receiving the highest score is named the Best of Show. This year, the 2019 Carmena from Alfred Eames Cellars was awarded Best of Show.

The 2023 Governor’s Cup Collection
Alfred Eames Cellars (Paonia) - 2019 Carmena
Balistreri Vineyards (Denver) - 2022 Syrah - CSU Vineyard, Grand Valley 
BookCliff Vineyards (Boulder) - 2022 Syrah
Dragon Meadery (Aurora) - Red Apple Cyser
Restoration Vineyards (Palisade) - 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Grand Valley AVA 
Sauvage Spectrum (Palisade) - 2022 Teroldego, Grand Valley AVA 
- 2022 Malbec, Grand Valley AVA 
Snowy Peaks Winery (Estes Park) - 2019 Élevé (Syrah/Petite Sirah/Mourvedre), Grand Valley AVA 
Snowy Peaks Winery (Estes Park) - 2022 Muscat Blanc, Grand Valley 
The Peachfork (Palisade) - Pear Apple
The Storm Cellar (Hotchkiss) - 2022 Albariño, Grand Valley AVA 
The Storm Cellar (Hotchkiss) - NV Gewürztraminer, Grand Valley AVA 

Located in Paonia in the West Elks AVA, Alfred Eames Cellars produces primarily red wine, including pinot noir, tempranillo, syrah and various red blends. Winemaker Alfred Eames learned the craft of winemaking in Spain in the 1960s. Eventually, he would plant his own Colorado vineyard and launch the winery on the Western Slope in the 1990s. He believes Colorado’s unique terroir is perfectly positioned to produce world-class wines.

Eames describes this year’s award-winning wine as a full-bodied, rich wine, in which the fruit is quite evident. Eames values quality over quantity and he likes to take his time. The award-winning Carmena aged in European barrels for at least 1.5 years.

All submitted wines are judged during a two-day blind tasting, critiqued by a mix of industry experts – master sommeliers, wine writers, retailers, winemakers and more. Wines are organized into flights with the same or similar styles, explains Kyle Schlachter, Colorado Wine Industry Development Board executive director.

These top wines are used in various marketing efforts for Colorado wine throughout the year, showcasing the best in what the state can produce.

The Governor’s Cup Collection was available at a public, ticketed event – UnCOrked Colorado. The best way to get more exposure to Colorado wines is to let the consumer taste, Schlachter says, adding that each year the event grows in attendance. Not only does it show Coloradans that local producers are making great wine, but it also breaks the misconception that Colorado wine is very expensive. 

In addition to more exposure and marketing for Colorado wines, the winemakers themselves also benefit from the competition. Being honored is an opportunity to gain awareness for the winery. In addition, winemakers receive valuable feedback from the expert judges.