About The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey

Like the Benedictine Fathers to whom his winery pays homage, Matt Cookson upholds tenets of concentration and discipline as he makes his lauded varietals. He’s been following these principles throughout his extensive winemaking career, which began in New York state and the Napa Valley. In 2002, he relocated to Cañon City and co-founded The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Since then, his wines have racked up more than 100 awards at various international competitions. The vino ranges from a dense 2010 merlot reserve to a light and fruity apple-blossom wine made with juices from five apple varieties.

Matt and his team dole out sample flights beneath the sweeping arches of the winery’s tasting room, a 1911 cottage that also stocks travel books and pottery imported from countries such as Spain and Tunisia. Outside, picnic tables at a tree-shaded park accommodate scenic meals surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and Wet Mountains. Every autumn, Matt shares more of his handiwork during the winery’s annual Harvest Fest, where guests can taste wines, sample local produce and cheeses, get their faces painted, or showcase their air-sax abilities as live jazz and blues music plays.