The Sutcliffe Story

Thirty years ago on a ranch deep in Southwest Colorado a tiny vineyard was planted on a whim.

A small metal sign on the ditch, deep in McElmo Canyon read: melons, tomatoes, peaches, ranch. The fruit was bought and an offer was made on the ranch. The next day the offer was accepted and low and behold Sutcliffe Vineyards was born.

John says, “The architect, Reggie Gibson, who designed my two houses, had camped on our newly acquired ranch, absorbed the nature of the place, and then toured Northern New Mexico to gain inspiration from buildings that addressed the prevailing essence of this canyon, Truchas, Chimayo, Taos, and of course, Santa Fe. Sitting in the drawing room, cradling a glass of good bourbon and nibbling at anchovy-smothered toast, he expounded an idea that would fundamentally change my life. In an accent honed in Anderson, South Carolina, he said, ‘I believe vines’d be beautiful around these houses…no, I really do.’

Before I could dispel this idea, my wife , Emily, responded “Yes, Reggie. What a great idea.” And so the saga began.

When John Sutcliffe was operating Tavern on the Green in New York City, he gave unwavering support to California Vineyards when they were still a tough sell in the city; France and Italy ruled. To Sutcliffe's delight and surprise, some of those vintners, now deeply successful, appeared to help him plant vines years later.

The idea of churning out wine in a place that is absolutely ideal has no appeal, so there was something entrancing about the idea that it’s impossible to make wine here, in the harsh wilderness of McElmo Canyon.

Vineyard with grapevines and mountains in the background during sunset.

Two of Colorado's most celebrated and trusted winemakers began to build this iconic label. Ben Parsons first, on his way to creating the legendary Infinite Monkey and then Joe Buckle for 12 years before establishing Buckle Family Wine. What a great start.

We remain committed to their passion and talent. Twenty years on, the vines are weathered and strong, the wine more complex, and the tradition continues under Jesus Castillo’s devoted eye. We have been told that our inception was the beginning of a new approach to winemaking in our beloved Colorado, 4,000 cases a year of world class wine. To this day, we continue to garner more awards than any other Colorado Vineyard. Isolated, idiosyncratic, passionate and stubborn, we know no other way.

History of Sutcliffe Vineyards

A scenic view of mountains with snow caps, rocky hills, and a dirt trail under a partly cloudy sky.

Three people on horseback with a dog in an open, rocky landscape.

Harvesting

Sutcliffe's harvest season is a time of anticipation and celebration as we hand-pick the finest grapes from our vineyards. It's a labor of love that marks the beginning of building the exceptional wines that define us.

Close-up of green grape clusters hanging on grapevine with green leaves.

Close-up of a grapevine with several clusters of ripe white grapes growing on it, set against green leaves and a trellis system.

A human hand with a silver ring holding a bunch of green grapes on a vine, surrounded by green grape leaves.

Close-up of a bunch of grapes with a hole in the center.

A man pours freshly harvested purple grapes from a scoop into a large container for grape crushing. There are grapevines and barrels in the background.

Sutcliffe Values

A deep and lasting respect for the land, the community, and the quality of our wines. Traditional and reverent in our winemaking methods, quite simply: “we let the earth speak”.

The Team

John Sutcliffe

FOUNDER
As I get older, much older, I feel compelled to explain why I choose to continue on the same demanding and at times anguished path. I have always loved to spin a tale and I have done enough things, seen enough places and met enough people to keep some of those tales interesting. Why then not rest on those experiential moments to regale my friends and acquaintances, perhaps inject the odd twist or detail to retain their attention. Quite simply it is in the joy of new moments, new places, new people that have always funded the stories, would I deny myself those pleasures in the future. Would I be satisfied to have found a place of tired contentment. My compulsion is to communicate my endless curiosity, my tireless fascination with ideas and thoughts, from the most compelling to most amusing. I have a Vineyard and Farm and people deeply committed to its success, who have assumed the same fascination with this eccentric place. I am compelled to ensure they take it further. It is a role I cannot deny.
Jesus Castillo

LEAD WINEMAKER
Our Winemaker Jesus Castillo began his career at the Vineyard in 1996, managing the livestock and hay operation. His firm but gentle way with the animals was astonishing as well as his ability to rope a crazy heifer plunging through the willows. As the Wine operation grew, Jesus became increasingly involved, first with Ben Parsons of "Infinite Monkey" noteriority, Joe Buckel of Buckel family wine and as mentor to David Culliton of the Fableist in Paso Robles. All the winemakers extolled Jesus' talents and this has been endorsed by the fabulous wines he has crafted since 2017. We are proud to have had Jesus raise his 3 children on the Vineyard, a demanding but exciting place.
Bill Cavena

OPERATIONS & FINANCE
Chance is a heady concept. When Bill Cavena swung his car around on a road trip to investigate the unlikely, and irrational, presence of a vineyard in Colorado he was astonished by what he found. That was the beginning of his remarkable love affair with us. Raised in Southern California, Bill earned his degree at BU and began his consulting career in New York City. He continues this career from the stunning canyons of Southwestern Colorado, where he lends some measure of financial discipline to the cavalier approach of Sutcliffe Vineyards. A historian, philosopher, wine and food lover, student of winemaking, and the current holder of the Battlerock ascent record.
Antonio Samperio

VINEYARD OPERATIONS
Searching for answers in a state of despair, Antonio has developed an eye for opportunity. Robust health, compassionate decisiveness and an autodidact mentality has secured this lad a spot in McElmo Canyon. Mexican American, Antonio shares truths with everyone on the team and fills roles from splitting logs to looking after the Wine Society. He’s found all the mentorship needed to understand every aspect of the business. Aspirations of legacy for the estate. Antonio has a fire in the belly that can only be doused with wine.
Carrie Clay

GENERAL MANAGER
Carrie, a McElmo Canyon native and seasoned hotelier, felt the irresistible pull to return to her roots in this enchanting canyon. Having traveled the world, she still believes McElmo is the most beautiful stop of all. Her passion for wine, appreciation of the surrounding beauty, and love for outdoor activities have seamlessly integrated her at Sutcliffe Vineyards. Carrie brings a balance and accountability to our team. Her confidence and charm has made her a favorite with our guests.