Purgatory Cellars Winery
When you walk into Purgatory Cellars in Parker, Colorado, a lot of things might catch your eye. Maybe it’s the fireplace mantel which is lined with wine bottles draped in medals from the variety of wines Purgatory has received awards for. Or it could be the large historic wine press in the back corner. More likely, it’s the smiling faces of owners Marko Copic and Ivanka Copic, whose passion for their product is clear the moment you open the door.
Purgatory Cellars wines are not all your usual fair. Made primarily with grapes sourced from Colorado, Purgatory also stands out for its wine-making process, which Marko Copic describes as “trying to combine old winemaking technique with modern technology.” Purgatory is the only winery in Colorado and one of a few in the U.S. making wine the original way, meaning in huge clay pots.
“It’s just absolutely a unique way, and a little bit open. It develops different flavors, because when you make wine in a clay pot, mostly for the white ones, what are you trying to do? You are trying to extract the tannins and the color out of the skin, which is white varietals, and then when you crush, you put it all together in a clay pot, and then you’re fermenting everything together with the skin, seeds, and everything else.”
Along with receiving awards for the wines they create, Purgatory has also found a lot of support from the Parker community, “I would say the community is really, really supportive. They try to support and help. I'll give you just an example. When you have a bottling. We have a really long list of people who would like to join our bottling parties.”
Purgatory has also benefitted from local programs, including the Facade and Landscape Improvement Program (FLIP) from Parker’s Urban Renewal Authority, P3. The FLIP program provided matching funds to create an outdoor patio so customers can enjoy a little bit of Colorado sun with their wine, “Parker is trying to be business-friendly, and we really appreciate, and all the help and everything that we get from town. It's really helpful.”
Purgatory has big plans for the future, including adding a possible food trailer and offering food on-site. If you find yourself with a bit of time in the afternoon, stop by Purgatory for an award-winning wine made in clay pots and with Colorado grapes.
Purgatory Cellars Winery
18921 Plaza Dr #100
Parker, CO 80134
(303) 600-8209