A Convo with Nicholas Games, Co-Owner of Maison La Belle Vie Winery
The Grapevine: Tell me about your connection with Maison La Belle Vie. What was it about the winery that caught your attention?
“We both worked for the post office in Denver before this and just enjoyed wine as casual drinkers. Now, we’re living the winery life.”
Nicholas Games: “I actually met my wife at the post office a few years back, and we got married in 2019.
Our first date took us to the Colorado wine region, and we ended up stopping at Maison La Belle Vie for lunch. Fast forward a few years and several trips down to the Western Slope for wine club pickups, we saw a different winery for sale. That got us thinking, ‘What if we bought a winery?’ This was shortly after COVID, around 2020 or 2021. The owner of Maison La Belle Vie found out we were interested in owning a winery and invited us down to take a look. Six months later, in October of 2021, we closed on the property. We’ve been here for three years now. It’s been an interesting journey.”
The Grapevine: What have you kept from the previous owners, and how have you made the winery your own?
“The previous owner was a French gentleman from the Loire Valley, John Barbier. He loved cows, and they were on the label of his wines. He focused on European-style wines and had the foresight to build a restaurant into the winery, which makes us unique as the only winery in the area with a restaurant.”
“My wife and I wanted to bring our own story into the winery, so we created a new label inspired by our history with the post office and our love for travel. The labels feature postmarks and topographic maps. We’ve also expanded on the European influence by incorporating more German, Eastern European, and Mediterranean flavors into our restaurant menu. My mom is from Germany, and Holly’s parents are from Europe as well, so it’s a reflection of our heritage. We’ve also started hosting higher-end dinners to attract more guests beyond just wine tastings.”
The Grapevine: Was there a specific moment or inspiration that sparked your passion for wine?
Nicholas Games: “I have a love for learning, and I didn’t know much about the process of growing and making wine before we bought the winery. That curiosity really sparked my interest. Since buying Maison La Belle Vie, it’s been nonstop learning—taking sommelier classes to understand flavors, learning about how terroir affects the grapes, and studying barrel aging. I’ve also been diving into viticulture, listening to experts online about grape growing, and applying what I’ve learned to take care of our vines year-round. It keeps me busy and engaged.”
The Grapevine: What do you love most about the winery life?
Nicholas Games: “I love watching people enjoy our wine and food in the tasting room. That’s where I spend most of my time—interacting with guests. It’s a bit like being a chef; there’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing people enjoy what you’ve created.”
The Grapevine: Can you tell us about the wines you produce at Maison La Belle Vie?
Nicholas Games: “We grow seven varieties, including Maréchal Foch, Muscat, Landot Noir, Léon Millot, and Crimson Cabernet. Some were already here when we took over, and we’ve added our own ideas to the mix. It’s a combination of honoring what came before us and making it our own. Each wine reflects the unique story of Maison La Belle Vie and our journey as owners.”
The Grapevine: How has it been working alongside your wife? Any challenges or joys you’d like to share?
Nicholas Games: “It’s been both challenging and rewarding. We’ve only been married a short time—it’ll be six years this March—so we were still learning about each other when we added the dynamic of running a business together. Early on, we had disagreements about who would handle what, but over time, we figured it out. Now, we’ve divided responsibilities, and our team knows who to go to for what. During our peak season, from April to October, we employ about 25 people, so there’s plenty to manage. We’ve got six acres here in Colorado with seven grape varieties, and that keeps us both busy. Even though we don’t see each other much during the day, we’ve found a balance that works. It’s been amazing to grow together, both personally and professionally.”
“One of the best parts is seeing my wife’s growth. She’s developed a real passion for learning about wine, and it’s great to be able to share that with her. Being able to sit down and talk about work, knowing she understands exactly what I’m talking about, has been a big plus. It’s a partnership in every sense of the word.”
The Grapevine: Colorado winters can be cold. When’s the best time to visit the Palisade wine region?
Nicholas Games: “Tourist season is definitely from May through September. The weather is better, and the area is bustling with activity. That said, if you prefer a quieter experience, winter is a great time to visit. It’s more peaceful, and you’ll have more one-on-one time with the winemaker, owner, or staff. Personally, I enjoy winter for that slower pace and the chance to connect with guests.”
The Grapevine: When people visit your winery or drink your wine, what’s the biggest takeaway that you hope for them to have?
Nicholas Games: “I hope they feel relaxed, at home.”
With a full restaurant serving delicious meals alongside expertly crafted wines, Maison La Belle Vie offers an unforgettable experience—enjoying a charcuterie board on the sun-drenched patio, overlooking the majestic Mount Garfield, all while savoring locally made wines in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Editor
Natalie is co-founder and editor of The Grapevine Magazine where she helps winemakers big and small tell their stories. She lives in Manhattan, New York City.
