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Looking for a great place to spend a really fun Saturday afternoon? I know a place. It’s a winery, but it’s not your usual snobby yuppie wine bar. Not at all! This is a local neighborhood winery, what you might call one of Denver’s best-kept secrets. I’m gonna let you in on the secret. It’s Spero Winery, at 64^th and Julian.

Yes, I know this seems like a strange place to find a winery. It’s a residential neighborhood. And Denver is not really known as wine country. Told you this place was not your usual winery!

The Spero family has been making wine for generations, and they have mastered the art. They offer twenty different varieties.

Saturday tastings have a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. There are trays of cheese, crackers, and sausage set out to snack on. There is a water cooler, too, to cleanse your palate between tastings. The jukebox will be playing an eclectic variety of music, from Benny Goodman to the Rolling Stones. You probably won’t notice the music, though, over the cheery buzz of conversation and laughter. You can sit at big round tables, or you can stand by the bar. It’s a great place to meet friends, and to make new friends, too. Clyde, the owner, is generous in his pours and always ready to join the conversation.

The Wines

You start with the white wines. First on the list is Viognier – light, sweet, with a hint of apple cider. The whites get drier as you go down the list, but the Viognier is my favorite.

But I’m really not a white wine drinker, and when you get to the reds, it really starts to get FUN! Spero has some rather unusual flavors of wine for you to try. The reds start with Pomegranate. Yes, pomegranate! Told you it wasn’t your usual winery! Translucent as rubies and with a butterscotch bouquet, this is a wine that engages all the senses.The pomegranate is too sweet for me, but imagine it poured over ice cream, or in a wine spritzer on a sunny day. YUM-MEE!

As you work your way down the list, you’re sure to find a wine you like. Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah, Merlot, the list goes on and on.

My friend Theresa likes the Cabernet Sauvignon the best. She says it’s the versatility – this wine goes with everything. It’s a good everyday wine, but also a great wine for a formal occasion. My sister Carol likes the Cab Franc the best. Reason – the complexity of flavors you can taste in this vintage. My favorite, by far, though, is the Raspberry. Nectar of the Gods! It is SO delicious! Raspberry wine? Told you this place was fun!

After the reds, we’re not done yet. There are still the dessert wines – plum, cherry, and muscat. Mike says the plum is his favorite. I love it, too, but if you like the plum you’d better act fast. Clyde says he’s not making any more, so when this year’s casks are gone, it’s done. Better stock up soon!

A Great Deal, and Tasty Food, Too!

Stocking up is not a bad idea. Saturday tastings are free, but the Speros hope that if you like what you try, you’ll bring a few bottles home. Prices

are very reasonable, and if you buy a case you get a 10% discount. You also become a member of their case club. They keep track of how many cases you buy, and the more cases, the bigger the discount. Then they throw a party for all their members once a year, where you will partake of an incredible Italian feast, live music and of course, lots of wine!

Speaking of feasting – Spero caters private parties. My friends the Evans will be celebrating their 25^th Wedding Anniversary with an exclusive bash at Spero’s next month.

Spero Winery does their part in helping you stay green, too. Bring back your empty bottles and get credit towards your next purchase.

Sound like fun? Then join me this Saturday, before that luscious Plum wine is all gone!

Spero Winery is located at 3316 W 64th Ave, Denver, CO · (720) 519-1506 Check them out online at http://sperowinery.biz/