Winemaking Written in the Stars - and 5280 Magazine
Written in the stars: it seems that Paul's departures from radio may have been the universe showing him the way to not only find the love of his life -- which led to a family -- but to also explore his passion for winemaking, and to bring that passion to Sunnyside with Bonacquisti Wine Company.
This week, award-winning freelance writer Terri Cook of 5280 DENVER'S MILE HIGH MAGAZINE interviewed Paul and wrote about the firings that changed his life, his course correction, and the winery. Her article made our spirits sparkle even more brightly this holiday season, so we wanted to share it with you as well. The full article is below, and we hope you'll read some of Terri's other pieces HERE.
Behind the Vines: Bonacquisti Wine Company
Denver’s original urban winery focuses on making great wine—and helping to build a strong community in Sunnyside.
The first time Paul Bonacquisti was fired from his job as a DJ, he spontaneously asked his partner, Judi, to marry him. The second time, in 2005, he decided to open a winery. Both were ultimately good decisions: The happy couple has now been together for 20 years, and they jointly run Bonacquisti Wine Company, Denver’s longest-running urban winery.
For Paul, the leap from music to vino wasn’t as drastic as it might seem. A second-generation Italian American, he grew up in Brighton helping his father make wine in their garage. Plus, he’d been unhappy in the radio business for some time, so his firing, says Judi, was actually “a blessing in disguise.”
While developing the winery’s business plan, Paul earned a Level 2 sommelier certification from the International Wine Guild. The technical knowledge he gained allowed him to improve upon the “old-school Italian approach” that he’d learned as a kid. It didn’t take long for oenophiles to notice; Paul’s 2013 Malbec was selected to be part of the prestigious 2015 Governor’s Cup Case.
Now in its 11th year, Bonacquisti Wine Company offers a selection of award-winning wines both bottled and on tap, as well as a mouthwatering assortment of Italian antipasti (including spicy, housemade Italian sausage) to nosh while you’re sipping.
The Space: Bonacquisti Wine Company is located in an unpretentious “funky, industrial warehouse space” in the Sunnyside neighborhood on Pecos Street a few blocks south of I-70. Inside, the building’s industrial elements have been thoughtfully combined to create a modern, welcoming interior featuring seating on two levels and outdoor tables just outside a silver roll-up garage door.
The Grapes: Since urban wineries don’t grow their own grapes, Paul is free to source his fruit from a variety of fertile regions, including Colorado’s Western Slope, California, Washington, and New Mexico. Recently, he has also begun importing and repackaging wine from small producers in both Italy and Spain.
The Wine: In keeping with their deep family roots, Paul and Judi named a wine after each of their kids: Bella Risa, a refreshing Pinot Grigio with hints of juicy stone fruit, and Vinny No Neck, a smoky-flavored, Italian-style Sangiovese that garnered a bronze medal in this year’s Governor’s Cup competition.
Take Home: In addition to bottled wine, Bonacquisti Wine Company offers one-liter, eco-friendly growlers that can be refilled from the current selection of red and white wines on tap.
Visit: Bonacquisti Wine Company is located at 4640 Pecos St., Denver ~ 303-477-9463