Fort Collins isn't just for beer lovers; we've got wine too! If you're looking for the perfect one-stop-shop for both or a locally-owned winery with a perfect spot to sip, you need to check out The OBC Wine Project. Located right next to Odell Brewing, The OBC Wine Project is the perfect spot to enjoy a beverage and enjoy time with friends and family, or just yourself!
We spoke with Travis Green, the winemaker at The OBC Wine Project, to learn more about this award-winning, Colorado winery. The 2024 harvest was Travis' 16th vintage and has been crafting wine at The OBC Wine Project since moving here with his family in 2020.
What do you love about Fort Collins?
The sunrises and sunsets. We have some really beautiful sunrises. I'm an early riser, and seeing the sun rise with the mountains each morning reminds me of what a privilege it is to live here.
What are your top 3 favorite activities to do in Fort Collins?
- Hiking. We have so many incredible natural areas, either in town or within a quick drive, that pay huge dividends on a hike. However, just walking around town or the parks allows you to experience the spirit that makes Fort Collins special.
- Old Town in Winter. The lights, the shops and restaurants, maybe a little bit of snow - there's something special about cozying up in a bar or restaurant in Old Town when it's frigid out.
- Trying new things. Fort Collins rewards the curious. Want to learn to snowboard or ski? We've got some of the best resorts in the world within driving distance. Learn to fly fish? The Poudre is a Wild and Scenic classified river. Interested in gardening? We get 14 hours of light in the summer. Fort Collins is a great place to broaden your horizons.
What "can't miss" activity/restaurant/place would you tell a first-time visitor to go?
Drive up the canyon to the Mish for lunch to feel the breeze off the river and watch the hummingbirds. Stop at a couple of spots on the way back to take in the view and dip your feet in the Poudre. Reward yourself with a 90 Shilling on Odell's patio.
What makes The OBC Wine Project unique?
We're an award-winning Fort Collins winery that grew out of an award-winning Fort Collins brewery, making awesome wine from grapes grown in Colorado, Washington and Oregon, and serving our wine on a killer patio. We're especially honored to have won Best in Show from the Governor's Cup in 2024 - Colorado wine's highest honor. That's pretty unique!
What is the story behind how you got involved with The OBC Wine Project?
With thirty years of fermentation experience on the beer side of our operation - Odell Brewing - co-workers were inspired to start a winery in 2020. Since great grapes grow next to great hops in places like Oregon and Washington, we had a strong start to sourcing top-notch fruit. Plus, we knew we wanted to offer more types of beverages here on the Odell patio - our wines, spritzes and frosés have brought a whole new crowd that is really fun.
What do you want visitors to experience at The OBC Wine Project?
We try to offer something delicious for everyone in a welcome and fun environment. Wine isn't some mystical brew that requires a sommelier to understand, and I think we've done a good job at translating wine for folks who want something really good to sip on. We take our production and quality very seriously, we drive our project with respect and passion, and I hope all of that work translates to the glass.
(Photos courtesy of The OBC Wine Project)
The OBC Wine Project
Address: 824 E. Lincoln Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524
Hours: Monday, Tuesday from 1pm to 8pm. Wednesday, Thursday from 1pm to 9pm. Friday, Saturday from 11am to 9pm. Sunday from 11am to 8pm.
Phone: (970) 541-0540
Email: cheers@theobcwineproject.com
Website: https://www.theobcwineproject.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theobcwineproject
Instagram: @theobcwineproject
