Our food values: Regenerative. Local. Seasonal. Organic. Delicious. Unpretentious.
Orchard Country
We had a happy surprise when we relocated to The McElmo. The food scene. The canyon, a bit of a banana belt to what surrounds, has higher temperatures and a longer growing season with myriad micro-climates supporting orchards, vineyards and intensive gardening. Heritage apples trees and stone fruit orchards are all along our country road. We boast an apple orchard as well, planted by George Kelly* and come spring our land here is redolent with fruit blossoms from apples to hard pears to peaches.
Local organizations such as Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project are dedicated to preserving both our local history as a fruit growing community as well as some 'lost' heritage tree varieties hidden in plain sight. Hard ciders from local microbreweries are outstanding both in quality and in practice: sustainable and local, turning what could be fruit waste into delightful windfalls.
McElmo Canyon apple orchard
Local talent
Speaking of orchards, located in a thriving arts community in nearby Mancos, and along the Mancos river, Fenceline Ciderhouse upcycles wild and historic regional apples into beautifully crafted hard ciders. Wildedge is brewing up inspired brews too, right here in Cortez in cool restored warehouse, including Colorado grains and hops. Visit Sutcliffe Vineyards just up the road from us for an experience of Provence in The Southwest.
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Sutcliffe Vineyard McElmo Canyon
Local Diversity
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Quality and diversity extends beyond the canyon. Cortez, an agricultural community, takes pride in local pasture raised beef and lamb. Naming a few among many high quality perveyors located near Cortez, Bell Beef provides meat from happy, pasture grazed cows. Podunks Ranch, women owned and operated, spans three generations of hands on ranching. Further North, James Ranch creates local cheeses from grass fed milk and responsibly raises beef and pork.
A prolific farmer's market supplies seasonal vegetables, greens, heirloom varietals and chiles. Seed savers such as Vibrant Earth Seeds are doing their part around here as well, preserving heirloom seeds from the growing traditions of native peoples, like The Three Sisters: corn, beans and squash- seeds that are open-pollinated, drought resistant and hardy, continuing connections to ancestors.
Local abundant harvests at Cortez Farmer's Market
Heritage Grains and more...
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Canyon farmers like the Pueblo Seed Company are growing heritage grains and we are delighted to use their flours and in our homemade sourdough and wheat breads, as well as their artisanal cereals in our breakfast bowls. Visit their bakehouse in Cortez, truly exceptional. Our fresh eggs are hand delivered from our neighbors. Our coffee is roasted in Telluride. We create from our own kitchen as well, preserving our fruit in jams and jellies, creating our own spices and concoctions with what we grow in our own gardens.
Provecho!