Meet the Winemaker: Marcel and Julie Flukiger (Aspen Peak Cellars)

Julie and Marcel Flukiger

Most people in Colorado have never heard of this micro-winery, bistro and bed and breakfast nestled in the foothills west of Denver. You might have seen Aspen Peak Cellars mentioned in the news this past summer. Unfortunately, it was because their 135-yr old barn burned down due to a lightning strike. However, Marcel and Julie Flukiger have not let this catastrophe deter them from doing what they love. In fact, they have a new tasting facility opening in a few weeks!

Originally from Switzerland, Marcel met Julie almost twenty years ago while they both worked at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver as chefs. Fast forward to 2009, and Aspen Peak Cellars at the Clifton House was born. Thank you, Marcel and Julie for being a part of our "Meet the Winemaker" interview series!
CWP: How did you get into winemaking?

I gave Julie a wine making kit for Christmas 7 years ago. The hobby turned out to be a lot of fun and quickly got out of control.

CWP: If you weren’t in the wine business, where would you be working?

Our background is in the restaurant business, as we both are trained chefs. Most likely that is what we would be doing.

CWP: What do you do when you’re not at the winery?

The few days outside the winery we enjoy family time with our daughter, Chantel. We love traveling, camping, 4-wheeling, and hiking. Marcel also the president of the Platte Canyon Area Chamber of Commerce.

CWP: What is a wine that you currently do not make that you want to make?

A classic Bordeaux blend.

CWP: If you could make wine in any wine region in the world, other than Colorado, where would you be making wine and why?

There is something about Tuscany with it's culture, landscape, food and tradition that would be hard to pass on.

CWP: What is the best bottle of wine you’ve ever drunk?

2004 Clio by Bodegas El Nido, Jumilla, Spain. It is a blend of 30% cabernet sauvignon and 70% monastrell and is a wonderful effort by a New World winemaker with Old World grapes.

CWP: To what style of music would you compare your wine lineup?

A medley by Queen.

CWP: What do you think consumers should think of when they think about Colorado Wine?

An emerging region with potential of becoming a producer of great wines, mostly likely will be known for their Bordeaux varietals and blends.


CWP: Where do you see the Colorado wine industry in 10 years?

With help of continuing education classes, aging of the vineyards, conversions from orchards to vineyards, and an extra ordinary marketing plan, Colorado wine can be competitive for decades to come.


CWP: What question would you like to ask me and my readers?

What are the determining factors for you to consider buying more Colorado wine?