Vino Colorado at the Sweet Elephant

On a day I was off from work, we went to drive/walk around the Old Town sector in Colorado Springs. [it seems like there is an “old town” in almost every city that we are fortunate enough to visit… it’s just a matter of finding where it is!!] Most of these Old Towns are not very large, so we usually do a "drive through" of the entire town first, then we can see where we want to start. This not only gives us the lay of the land, it also helps us scope out the best parking spots!! [cause it's all about finding good parking for Shawn!! Haha]

As luck would have it, there was a row of available parking spots adjacent to “The Sweet Elephant Barrista/Gifts.” We read the sign on the move and continued to peruse right on by. [I wasn't looking for gifts or souvenirs at this time] We proceeded to walk to the end of town, then crossed the street so we could walk back up the opposite side. [we didn't want to miss anything!!] Before crossing the street again, back to where Steele [the name of my sweet little gray convertible VW bug] was parked... I then finished reading the Sweet Elephant sign in its entirety. It continued like this “at Vino Colorado Cellars, Gifts & Wine Tasting Room.” Ummm... say what!? [and I almost missed it completely.. LOL]

Whoo hoo!! Guess what!? They were open... talk about being in the right place at the right time!! [wether or not Shawn felt this way, I'm not so sure.. haha] He does spoil me though and I believe in my post I referred to him as “my sweet, indulgent, amazing, wonderful, awesome love… who always waits patiently for me.” [he is pictured below... sigh] This still holds true to this day and it is one of the many, many reasons that I have given myself the title... "luckiest girl in the world!!"

I loved the décor when we walked in, it gave off an Italy-like wine room vibe. [not that I have ever been to Italy, but I have seen pictures of wineries in Italy so I'm practically and expert… HA!] I was drawn to the “Vino” letters on the archway... this led into a cozy and semi-private tasting room. There was a bar along the right wall and this is where you went to choose the wines you wanted to taste. A complimentary wine tasting, offering their very own Colorado-made wines. They had a barrista with a wide selection of coffee, and a deli where you could get sandwiches, assorted cheeses, chocolates, pastries, and select items that paired specifically with the wine list.

Wines of Colorado is a family owned and operated winery. The owners, Don and Susan Quintana wanted to bring the best of Colorado's coffee and wine to share with their customers. [cause let's be honest... "her day starts with a coffee and ends with a wine"] They offered private parties, bridal and baby showers, and events for their wine club members. They incorporate paint classes and rousing games of wine bingo, along with an amazing gift section that is spread throughout the store. This place gave shoppers and wine enthusiast alike something new and exciting to experience.

I saw a flyer hanging on the wall for an upcoming wine bingo night and I really wanted to attend the event. I have always liked bingo, but I have never played a game like this!! I made a point to go back so I could play!! [solo this time, cause can you really see Shawn playing bingo!? LOL] I met several new friends, a couple of young girls who graciously shared their table with me. I thought the wine cork markers were a nice touch [pictured below] and I even won a round… BINGO!! There was a table with gifts from which to choose your prize. [however, none of these gifts were a bottle of wine!! Haha] I ended up choosing a jar of Merlot wine jam... hey, I was just stoked to have won anything!!

I was pretty sad to read that the Sweet Elephant was permanently closed at this location. I didn't know at the time that Vino Colorado had a second wine room. This location was in the form of a restaurant, and is just down the way a little in the town of Fountain… “nestled on two acres next to the Fountain Creek.” They invite everyone to visit them at 606 S. Sante Fe, Fountain CO. I noticed they still offer the complimentary wine tasting of their Colorado wines, and I recognized some of the wines on their list. I really hope to one day visit them here!!

Since I have visited and experienced Vino Colorado at the Sweet Elephant, their Old Town location, [and since I'm so incredibly acquainted with Italian culture... through photos. hahaha] I have no doubt that the acclaimed “European” feel they offer in their restaurant and winery are totally legit. I challenge my readers who may live in this area, [you know who you are.. yes I'm talking to you, Lisa Yoder... who is my sister and doesn't live too terribly far from the town of Fountain] to go investigate for me and then report back!!

On one of my several visits to the Sweet Elephant, I purchased [from their gift store] the cutest little wine tasting set, it includes four, 2-3 oz wine glasses with a handmade wooden serving paddle that has cutouts to hold the glasses!! [I love it and use it often] This ensures that I'll always remember Vino Colorado at the Sweet Elephant!! I really hope they are still using the same labels, as you can see from the photo above, the Sweet Elephant labels are totally adorable!!

Join me next week as Wine with Wixy heads back in Phoenix for the winter where we will get "Uncorked" and have an especially grape time!!

Cheers to you my wine loving friends, and TTFN!!