Table Mountain Vineyards & Winery
Table Mountain Winery 2010
About
The winery produces hand crafted wines from 100% Wyoming grapes, raspberries, honey and agricultural products. The wines are full of "Wyoming Character" and reflect Wyoming's climate and growing conditions in every sip. Our wines reflect our history and family's commitment to Wyoming Agriculture. We invite you to learn about the ever growing wine experience and experience Wyoming wine!
Location Description
Located in South East Wyoming near Huntley.
Features
- Wyoming's largest winery!
Additional Information
- Meeting / Conference Facilities:
- Caves:
- Wedding Facilities:
- Picnic Facilities:
- Dog Friendly:
- Winery Tours:
- Wine Tasting:
- Art or Architecture:
- Organic / Biodynamic:
- Awards:
- Wine Club:
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Average Bottle Price
Winemaker
History
The Zimmerer Family Farm was established in 1926 near Huntley, Wyoming. Four generations of the Zimmerer family have worked the soil, grown crops, and kept the family farm operating. The farm has seen sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, corn, and a cattle feed lot operation. With such agriculture diversity, a vineyard operation wasn't too out of the ordinary even in Wyoming.
THE VINES
In 2001, the vineyard was established as part of a research project that got out of control. Patrick Zimmerer was finishing his college education at the University of Wyoming and completed his senior thesis project on establishing vineyards. When he was done, Patrick convinced his family to plant a small 300-vine vineyard on their farm. After realizing that the vines were able to survive Wyoming's harsh climate, Table Mountain Vineyards went full speed ahead.
Table Mountain Vineyards continued to expand its vineyard and to select grape varieties that were able to survive Wyoming's climate. The vineyard now spans nearly 10 acres with 10,000 vines. The vineyard is composed of cold hardy hybrid grapes that can stand all of the growing challenges that Wyoming has to offer.
Practices & Techniques
Estate Vineyards / AVA
TMV began with the initial planting of 300 grape vines. Much to the surprise of the Zimmerer
family, the vines grew by leaps and bounds - these 300 vines make up our "Old Vines" of the
Valiant grape variety. Family matriarch Donna Thompson considers this her vineyard and keeps
a watchful eye on them throughout the year.
The 'Yards - 2002
The yards are the most scenic of vineyard locations - overlooking Table Mountain itself. While
it isn't a huge mountain and would be considered a hill to most, Table Mountain offers scenic
views and great sunsets. The Yards are home to 2000 vines of Elvira, Foch and Valiant grape
varieties.
Horse Creek- 2003
The Horse Creek vineyard features the majority of our cold hardy white varieties (2,500 vines)
and provides a dramatic view nestled in front of the winery. TMV discovered the success of the
Frontenac grape here - the most successful variety in Wyoming. The vines are planted near
Horse Creek and overlooks three wildlife viewing ponds.
Drunkards Path - 2004
Our Vineyards are full of "Character" - and Drunkard's path is no exception. As the vineyard
site was measured and lined out, perfectly (or so the story goes) - the final vineyard was less
than perfect. The uneven layout and crooked rows make the grapes grow in a fun and creative
environment without conformity or any type of lines to follow! While the measuring error was
never confirmed, the vineyard name explains it all. 1,000 Frontenac were planted in this
location in 2004.
The Last Frontier - 2005
TMV planted 1,500 Frontenac vines at the "Last Frontier" - The Frontenac had made a name
for themselves - surviving and thriving in Wyoming's challenging climate. The Last Frontier
features Frontenac, Frontenac Gris and the LaCresent varieties. The Last Frontier was to be
our last vineyard planting. (See Below)
The Last Frontier (Pt. 2) - 2006
Despite the family pact to end our quest in planting vineyards, more vines (2000 to be exact)
found their way into the ground at TMV. Additional Frontenac vines were planted and the
Last Frontier expanded - and once again with a family vow to NEVER plant another vineyard
at TMV.
The Last Frontier (Pt.3) - 2007
Same story different year - 500 Additional vines were planted in 2007, expanding the Frontier
once again with the stern and strong pact to NEVER pant another vineyard at TMV.
Awards
Wyo Nectar - 2011 Silver - Mead FLIWC
Rooster Red - 2010 Bronze - Any other Red FLIWC
S.O.B. Wine - 2009 Bronze - Int'l Cold Hardy Wine Comp
Wyo Gold - 2011 Bronze Int'l Cold Hardy Wine Comp
Frontenac Gris - 2011 Bronze Int'l Cold Hardy Wine Comp