Trustees approve vintner’s restaurant liquor license for Snowy Peaks Winery

The Estes Park Town Board unanimously approved Resolution 65-26 on Tuesday, granting Snowy Peaks Winery a new vintner’s restaurant liquor license for its location at 292 and 294 Moraine Ave. The license allows the business to continue making wine on site while expanding alcohol service beyond its own wines. It also requires that at least 15% of sales come from food.

During the public hearing, town staff said Snowy Peaks currently operates under a state manufacturing license and a town business license. The new license would let the winery sell other alcoholic drinks in addition to its own products, while remaining a winery at the Moraine Avenue property.

The applicant told trustees the change is meant to broaden offerings, not to turn the business into a bar. The owner said Snowy Peaks has produced wine in Estes Park for 20 years and wants flexibility to add items such as Colorado beer, whiskey tastings, food and nonalcoholic options so mixed groups, wedding parties and other visitors can all find something they want. "We're still going to be a winery," the applicant said.

Trustee Bill Brown asked whether the main purpose of the request was to allow sales of other alcoholic products. After hearing from the applicant, Brown praised the business's patio and gelato. No one spoke against the application, and staff said the town had not received any comments on the liquor license request.

Mayor Gary Hall closed the public hearing before the board voted. Hall announced the vote as "all green," signaling unanimous approval of the license.