Terror Creek Winery

About Winery and Wines

Taking the name of the snow-fed stream tumbling along the property’s edge, Terror Creek Winery, at 6,417 feet, is home to the highest-altitude commercial winery and vineyard not only in western Colorado, but in the world! Overlooking the picturesque North Fork Valley of the Gunnison River from high up on Garvin Mesa, this small, family-owned winery offers visitors a chance to savor classic Alsatian-style wines while taking in sweeping vistas of vineyards and the surrounding West Elks mountains. Owners John and Joan Mathewson are known for crisp Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines as well as Chalet, a tasty blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir; all grown and produced in Colorado. In 1992, Terror Creek was the first winery to open in Delta County near Paonia. While it was a bit lonely at first, Terror Creek now enjoys the company of many outstanding wineries here in the West Elks AVA area. People say it’s definitely worth the drive to this friendly, hidden hilltop gem!

At the turn of the century, a Frenchman planted the first vines at Terror Creek… thus beginning a tradition of fine wines and hospitality. Today, Swiss-trained oenologist, Joan Mathewson, creates wines alive with fruit flavor and crisp acidity. All Terror Creek wines are made exclusively from grapes grown in the clear climes and pure waters of western Colorado.