About CHILL SWITCH WINES.
Chill Switch Wines is a natural, vine to bottle winery situated in the heart of the Western Slope in the town of Cedaredge, Colorado. Founded in 2012 by owner and winemaker Dave Aschwanden, this boutique winery stands as a testament to artisanal craftsmanship and a rich heritage of winemaking passed down through generations of Swiss ancestry. Though a native to Colorado, Dave fell in love with wine while traveling in Europe. It was there that he discovered the profound ability of a well-crafted bottle to transport one to moments of pure relaxation- a sentiment he fondly refers to as ‘flipping the chill switch’.
Chill Switch Wines are crafted exclusively from grapes grown in Colorado, and the wine is made without any adulteration or what Dave calls ‘the freaky stuff’. Embracing a commitment to purity, this wine is free of color enhancers, flavorings, artificial aromas and stabilizers and clarifiers. Instead, Dave creates his wines with patience and old world techniques that allow the wine to develop complex flavors naturally. He learned about natural winemaking through a position at a local winery and he believes that by being careful and patient with his winemaking, he can produce a product that is delicious without the need to add ingredients to alter or hurry the process itself.
The very name, Chill Switch, evokes a sense of serenity, inviting guests to unwind and savor the moment. A visit to the winery promises an experience marked by transparency, pride and integrity. Dave is keen on sharing the intricacies of his craft, eagerly engaging in conversations about winemaking, customer preferences, and the idealistic hope for how wine can and should be enjoyed.
Label Artist
The artwork on our labels was created by local artist Jennifer Riefenberg, a fourth-generation Coloradan and member of the Plein Air Artists of Colorado (PAAC), American Impressionist Society, and Oil Painters of America. Known for her nature-inspired oil paintings, Jennifer has won awards in both local and national exhibitions and teaches art as well. Her work is currently on display at The Redstone Art Gallery in Redstone, CO, and Mary Williams Fine Arts in Boulder, CO
“I prefer painting from life - en plein air. Painting is exploring and discovering, healing and learning, admiring and preserving. As a painting takes on its own voice, it becomes a living experience with each brushstroke a breath toward its creation. I love to paint and I hope that my artwork communicates the experiences that I have and captures the very essence of the beautiful world through my eyes and interpretation.”
Apprentice Program
Chill Switch Wines is passionate about nurturing new talent and those looking to learn more about winemaking. We often hire an apprentice to join us during events and harvest season. Working closely with owner and winemaker, Dave, this apprentice will be deeply involved in all aspects of the winemaking process. From grape crushing to fermentation and bottling, this role offers a comprehensive look into the art and science of winemaking, especially during the fast-paced harvest season. Housing is provided, creating an immersive learning environment that allows our apprentice to fully engage with and grow in the winemaking process.
