Beyond the Brewery: Why Littleton Is Becoming a Wine-Lover’s Destination

For years, Littleton has earned its reputation as a go-to spot for Colorado craft beer, with riverside patios and tap lists that showcase local brewers at their best. But if you’ve visited recently, you may have noticed a shift—glasses filled with elegant reds, crisp whites, and intriguing orange wines appearing alongside the usual ales and lagers. That’s because wine is finding a foothold here, and Littleton is fast becoming a destination for those who prefer their happy hour grape-forward.


As national wine sales plateau or even decline in some regions, Littleton is leaning into something different—an emerging wine culture that’s equal parts sophisticated and approachable. Thanks to innovative producers like Carboy Winery and a growing number of wine-friendly restaurants, bars, and events, Littleton is proving that you don’t need to be in Napa or the Western Slope to have a world-class wine experience.


Carboy Winery: Changing the Way Colorado Thinks About Wine

At the center of Littleton’s wine renaissance is Carboy Winery, a name that’s become synonymous with the new era of Colorado winemaking. Their Littleton location is more than a storefront—it’s a fully operational winery where innovation, sustainability, and hospitality come together in a setting that’s both modern and welcoming.


Carboy’s flagship winery is located on Santa Fe Drive next to The Farm House at Breckenridge Brewery, just south of downtown. It’s also connected to Angelo’s Taverna, a cozy Italian eatery known for its oysters and robust wine list—making it an ideal spot to enjoy a glass of Carboy wine with dinner.


Housed in a reimagined historic building, Carboy has redefined what a winery can be. Instead of a sprawling vineyard, you’ll find gleaming stainless steel tanks, stacked barrels, and a thoughtfully designed tasting space that invites guests to explore wine without pretense.


Carboy’s wines are crafted using Colorado-grown grapes from the Western Slope and beyond, showcasing the potential of this high-altitude terroir. But they don’t stop at traditional reds and whites. As Carboy CEO Kevin Webber explained to Denver7, “We just wanted to bring a cool experience to Colorado.” That spirit of experimentation has led to wines that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in Colorado’s adventurous identity.


The winery embraces amphora aging, carbonic fermentation, and méthode ancestrale sparkling wines like the Vino Al Volo series. According to Webber, Carboy isn’t bound by convention—“There’s no rules,” he says. “We’re not bound or fettered by convention of what a winery should be, and what wine should be, and how people should enjoy it.”


Their success proves the point: at a time when national wine sales have dropped by 4–5% per year since 2023, Carboy has grown its wine club by nearly 10%. That growth is driven by a commitment to hospitality, creative winemaking, and Colorado-centric storytelling that resonates with today’s wine drinkers.


Whether you’re stopping in for a quick glass, joining their wine club, or attending a food pairing event on the patio, Carboy is a must for any wine lover visiting Littleton.


More to Sip: Wine-Friendly Spots Around Town

While Carboy may be the anchor of Littleton’s wine scene, it’s far from the only destination for wine lovers. The town’s blend of historic charm and evolving culinary culture has created the perfect conditions for wine bars and restaurants to thrive.


NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD! Honnibrook Mead Cottage is a new addition to Downtown Littleton. Opened in 2025, it brings something different to the wine scene: mead. Housed in a restored 1910 cottage at 5757 S. Rapp Street—just north of Dirt Coffee and south of The Melting Pot—this cozy and inviting space offers a wide range of gluten-free session meads that are light, flavorful, and handcrafted. With over 20 rotating flavors, including Surrender, Hive Mojito, and Prickly Pear, there’s something to discover with every visit. Honnibrook encourages tasting flights and conversation, and the location is both family- and pet-friendly.


Mead—or honey wine—has a history older than beer or grape wine. Once favored by nobles and ancient cultures, it’s now being reimagined by artisans like the team behind Honnibrook. By pairing traditional fermentation with a modern approach, Honnibrook delivers layered, complex meads made from Colorado honey, fruit, and botanicals. Their mission: to make mead more accessible, more delicious, and more social than ever before.


While their main production facility is in Castle Rock, the Littleton cottage brings the meadery’s charm to a walkable, historic neighborhood. Whether you’re new to mead or already a fan, it’s the perfect place to try something refreshingly different.


Open Monday–Thursday 3–9 PM, Friday 3–10 PM, Saturday 12–10 PM, and Sunday 12–6 PM. Learn more at honnibrook.com.


Kate’s Wine Bar has been a cornerstone of the Littleton wine scene for over a decade. Nestled just off Main Street, it offers the kind of cozy, candlelit charm that turns first-time visitors into regulars. The rotating wine list includes a wide range of varietals and price points, and the staff are known for guiding guests to just the right pour. In addition to small plates and decadent desserts, Kate’s often hosts wine education nights and tastings that draw a loyal following. It’s a relaxed, approachable place to discover something new—whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just in the mood for a memorable glass.


Black+Haus Tavern, located on Main Street, is best known for its modern cocktail program and upscale dining, but wine lovers will also find something to sip. The chef-driven menu highlights seasonal ingredients in handcrafted dishes that pair beautifully with selections from their cultivated wine list. They also offer a happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 3–6 PM (bar and patio only) featuring HH wine specials like Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc by the glass.


Grande Station, while better known for its cocktails, deserves a spot on your wine tour for its thoughtful by-the-glass selection and upscale comfort food menu. With plenty of seating and a location in the heart of Littleton’s walkable district, it’s an easy stop for a pre-show glass or relaxed dinner.


ViewHouse Littleton and The Farm House at Breckenridge Brewery may lean toward beer, but both offer curated wine menus and beautiful outdoor seating that make them ideal for mixed groups. The Farm House, in particular, has hosted past wine dinners and seasonal pairings that showcase just how flexible Colorado cuisine can be when paired with the right bottle.


The Lazy Greyhound adds a touch of vintage flair to the downtown scene. Modeled after classic British lounges, it’s a quiet, dimly lit space with plush seating and a curated drink menu. While cocktails and whiskeys take center stage, the bar also features a small, thoughtful wine list. It’s a great spot to enjoy a glass in style, especially paired with their standout meat and cheese board.


Glass Half Full Taproom at Alamo Drafthouse is more than just a pre-show stop—it’s a great pick for wine lovers looking to combine dinner, a movie, and a glass of wine. Whether you’re planning a full night out or simply want to enjoy a low-key glass before the show, it offers a laid-back environment with just enough wine options to complement your evening.


Social Bar & Lounge offers two inviting locations in Littleton—on Broadway and Bowles—each with its own charm. The Broadway location provides a lively yet cozy setting with a rotating wine list. Meanwhile, the Bowles outpost offers a slightly more refined atmosphere with patio seating and a menu perfect for pairing wine with appetizers or desserts. Whether you’re downtown or venturing west, both locations offer a relaxed setting to enjoy a quality glass of wine and warm hospitality.


Insider Tip:Several downtown stops (including Grande Station and Kate’s) often pair their wine offerings with live music, giving you one more reason to sip, stroll, and stay awhile.


Seasonal Tastings and Wine-Centered Events

Littleton’s wine culture isn’t confined to tasting rooms. Throughout the year, the city plays host to a number of wine-forward events that bring locals and visitors together over shared glasses.


Carboy Summer Wine Club Weekend


Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025

Location: Carboy Winery, Littleton

Sample new club releases, enjoy wine by the glass, and connect with fellow wine lovers. Tickets are $5 per person, and each session lasts two hours. Guests are encouraged to bring their club tote bags for pickup.

Tickets: Reserve via Carboy Winery


Downtown Littleton Summer Wine Walk


Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Route: Kate’s Wine Bar → The Alley → Angelo’s Taverna

Enjoy casual wine sipping, short strolls, and patio time during this community-favorite wine walk.

Tickets: RSVP on Meetup


UNWINE Yoga at the BARBOX


Dates: Every Thursday through October 30, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Location: The BARBOX at Aspen Grove

Includes a 50-minute outdoor yoga class followed by a complimentary drink—wine, beer, canned cocktail, or non-alcoholic option.

Tickets: Register on Humanitix<


Chocolate & Wine Pairing Classes at The Chocolate Therapist


Location: 2560 W Main St, Littleton

Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Cost: $40 per person

Includes four wine pairings and ten handcrafted chocolates in a small-group format.

Tickets: Book via Eventbrite

Upcoming dates: May 31, June 7, June 13, June 21, June 27, July 3, July 12


Final Fridays in Downtown Littleton


Dates: Last Friday of every month through December 2025<

Time: Typically 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Downtown Littleton

Final Fridays turn downtown into a hub of activity with extended retail hours, food and drink specials, and live entertainment. While not exclusively wine-focused, many participating businesses offer wine tastings and themed promotions during the event.


Upcoming Dates: June 27, July 25, August 29, September 26

More Info: Follow @final_fridays_littleton on Instagram


Downtown Littleton Farmers Market


Even the Downtown Littleton Farmers Market gets in on the action—Colorado wineries often set up tasting booths among the produce stalls, turning a Sunday errand into an easy-going wine experience. The Downtown Littleton Farmers Market is held on Nevada Street (at the corner of Main and Nevada) every Sunday from May 25th to September 28th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It is the second annual market and focuses on food vendors, with wine purveyors like The Ordinary Fellow making regular appearances. The Ordinary Fellow, a craft winery from Western Colorado that brings small-batch wines to the market with a focus on classic French varietals. Their regeneratively farmed vineyards and hands-off approach to winemaking have earned acclaim from Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury resorts alike. At the market, you’ll often find their team pouring approachable reds and whites, ready to chat about their process and share the story behind their name—a nod to a favorite British pub and the beauty of everyday moments shared over wine.


Why Wine Works in Littleton

Littleton’s transformation into a wine destination didn’t happen overnight, but it makes perfect sense when you break it down.


The town’s identity is rooted in creativity, connection, and community. Its walkable Main Street, thriving food scene, and reputation for supporting small businesses all create an environment where wine culture can thrive. People here want to support local. They’re curious, open-minded, and not afraid to try something different.


And while wine may conjure images of formal tastings and fancy vineyards, Littleton offers a different vision: sipping a locally made rosé on a sunny patio, grabbing a bottle of hybrid varietal red to go with dinner, or learning about fermentation styles while chatting with the winemaker just feet away from the tank.


It’s a fresh take on wine—one that feels right at home in a town that values authenticity over affectation.


More Than a Pour: A Community Taking Root

Wine in Littleton isn’t just a trend. It’s a reflection of the city’s evolving tastes, its support for bold ideas, and its commitment to creating experiences that bring people together.


Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just looking to explore beyond the usual pint, Littleton offers something special: a chance to sip something new, learn something unexpected, and become part of a growing culture that’s redefining what it means to love wine, right here in Colorado.


So next time you’re in town, raise a glass. The scene is just getting started.


Plan Your Wine Weekend in Littleton

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Getting Around:

Littleton is easily walkable, especially around Main Street. Rideshare services and public transportation options make getting to and from events convenient.


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