Article Contributed on: 10/20/2009 10:45:33 AM
Business: Aspen Peak Cellars at Clifton House Inn
Address: 12414 S. US Hwy. 285, Conifer, CO 80433
Hours: 10am-5pm Wednesday-Monday, including Sunday brunch 10am-1pm
Founded: 2009
Contact:Julie or Marcel Flukiger, 303-816-5505 or info@aspenpeakcellars.com
Employees: Diana Gilley, Sharon Trenkle, Brenda Heintzman
Interviewee: Marcel ; Julie Flukiger
How did you get involved in this business?
Julie and Marcel have been in the restaurant business for many years. Julie graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 1993. Marcel apprenticed in Switzerland and came to the US in 1993 to do an Externship at the Brown Palace Hotel. Julie started working there as well, and as they say, the rest is history. They married in 1995 and moved to the Denver Foothills area shortly thereafter. Working at several local restaurants, and getting to know the clientele, inspired them to venture out and start up their own catering business, The Chocolate Moose Catering Co. They started making wine as a hobby about 5 years ago and truly found their passion. They decided to combine their culinary skills with their fascinating hobby, and opened Aspen Peak Cellars at Clifton House Inn in June, 2009.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
Aspen Peak Cellars is a new concept micro-winery combined with food and lodging at the historic Clifton House Inn. Due to the constant availability of grape juice we are in position to produce our wines year round and are able to adjust to our clienteles comments and requests for varietals, blends and oaking. Pairing food and wine is a big part of our business, and is showcased at our lunch bistro, occasional wine dinners, as well as private dinner parties. To complete the unique concept we settled at the historic Clifton House Inn, a picturesque B&B located on 5+ acres of rolling hills, meadows and distant Pikes Peak Views, a rustic old barn for any occasion. All of these features can be enjoyed just a short, scenic drive away from Denver on US Hwy 285.
What do you like best about your line of work?
At Aspen Peak Cellars we proud ourselves to take care of each and every customer with the best possible service and attention they deserve in order to make their visit most memorable. To see our customers leave with a smile and refer us to their friends is the biggest compliment we can get.
What is your business' biggest challenge?
So far our biggest challenge has been the timing and scheduling of supplies for the wine production, in conjunction with the prediction of wine inventory needs for the future.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
If you like to learn more about food and wine pairings or just like to relax for a couple of days, you can treat yourself to a romantic winter getaway, a special package deal available from beginning of October to the end of April. Book one of our B&B rooms at regular price and receive, complete winery tour and tasting, a bottle of wine and chocolates to your room, full breakfast and a $50 gift card to our bistro or one of our selected local restaurants for dinner. For more info on room rates, pictures, menus and dinner parties please visit
www.aspenpeakcellars.com