The combo was the brainchild of New West KnifeWorks owner and founder Corey Milligan, who approached Jackson Hole Winery co-owner Bob Schroth after inspiration from the three-day Aspen Food and Wine Classic last year.

The all-American, Jackson-born businesses have a lot in common, notably high-end products and thoughtful presentation, Schroth said.

At 6,229 feet, Wyoming’s only winery is the highest in the United States. With less oxygen, wine takes about two weeks longer to ferment. But tough conditions make for a smoother finish.

“Bacteria can’t grow at the same elevation so we don’t have to add as many sulfites,” said Jackson Hole Winery server Maggie Balderston.

This is the Jackson Hole Winery’s second stab at a satellite tasting operation downtown. The first was in the current location of Wyoming Whiskey but closed during the pandemic.

Jackson clients tend to be sophisticated.

“They appreciate gold medal, award-winning wine,” Schroth said. “The reaction from people has been great.”

But you don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy the setup. Whether in long coats, jeans or ski bibs, customers can step up to the wood bar — handmade by carpenters from New West KnifeWorks — and sample a rainbow of six wines for $35.

With varietals sourced from California’s Napa Valley and Washington’s Columbia Valley, the menu starts with a light sparking white, “Old Faithful,” whose natural bubbles come from riddling — the traditional Champagne method of periodically turning a bottle as yeast ferments its contents. Next comes a surprising new twist on Chardonnay.

“People who generally don’t like Chardonnay don’t like it because it’s too buttery or too oaky,” Balderston said.

But with a barrel ratio of 20% stainless steel, 30% New American Oak and 50% neutral, dry flavors temper to let fruit notes shine. The “Alpine Glow” rosé lends refreshing cherry and strawberry, balanced by a bold Pinot Noir.

Balderston acts as a guide, not just for the origins and subtleties of each wine, but also how to best enjoy Jackson Hole at any time of year.

She encourages anyone to “sip and shop” their way through the knife gallery with fresh inspiration for their next dinner party, from paring knives to pairing wines.

Bottles in the winery’s current tasting selection range from $28 to $44 and glasses range from $12 to $18. The tasting room is open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and stays open another hour on Friday and Saturday.

The New West KnifeWorks Store cabin room and Jackson Hole Winery tasting room are also available to rent for private events, with prices dependent on the time of year.

“The reaction from people has been great.” — Bob Schroth jackson hole winery