Sweet Heart captures 3rd straight "NOCO Best", Lands in top 3%
Sweet Heart Winery Wins “Best Winery” in NOCO Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Third Consecutive Year
Loveland winery ranks among the Top 3% of all businesses in Northern Colorado
LOVELAND, Colo. — December 1, 2025 — Sweet Heart Winery has once again been named “Best Winery” in NOCO Style Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards, securing the honor for the third consecutive year.
This year’s competition generated 244,459 total votes and 2.7 million ballot impressions. Among thousands of businesses across all industries, Sweet Heart Winery placed in the Top 3% of all vote-getters in Northern Colorado, one of the highest distinctions in the contest.
This award adds to Sweet Heart’s continued momentum, including recognition as a Top 10 Winery in the United States by The Scout Guide, Best Winery/Cidery by the Reporter-Herald Readers’ Choice Awards, finalist for Colorado BIZ Magazine, Business of the Year, and winner of Loveland Business of the Year, Loveland Chamber of Commerce.
A Celebration of Craft, Community & Connection
Rooted in Loveland’s Sweetheart Valley, Sweet Heart Winery is known for its premium, small-lot wines selected from elite California vineyards and perfected at altitude in Colorado. Guided by its mission—Create experiences for people to connect—the winery has become one of Colorado’s most beloved destinations for wine, hospitality, and community.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award for the third year in a row,” said Megan Nickelson, Media Relations Manager for Sweet Heart Winery. “Ranking in the top 3% of all businesses across Northern Colorado reflects the overwhelming support of our community and the dedication of every member of our team.”
“Most importantly, we want to thank our customers,” Nickelson added. “Their trust, enthusiasm, and loyalty built this place. Every glass poured, every event held, every bottle shared is because of you. We are deeply grateful.”
Major Investments Strengthening Northern Colorado
Privately Funded Highway Improvements
Sweet Heart Winery is completing a privately funded, seven-figure highway expansion project in collaboration with local and state agencies—adding widened lanes, a dedicated turn lane, and safety enhancements near the property. This investment improves public access and supports the region’s long-term growth.
The Forge – State-of-the-Art Production Campus
Sweet Heart is also investing significantly in The Forge, its advanced production facility located in the City of Loveland. This facility expands capacity for wine and cider production, canning operations, and future distribution—positioning Sweet Heart Brands for strong regional and national growth.
Voices Behind the Wine
Crafted With Care
Brent Larson, Production Manager, shared:
“Every bottle and cider we produce is the result of hours of craftsmanship, refinement, and passion. Our production team cares deeply about creating something beautiful that brings people together. This recognition fuels us to keep elevating what we do.”
A Property That Feels Like Home
Chad Oster, Partner & Director of Facilities & Landscape, added:
“Our goal has always been to create a place where people feel connected the moment they arrive. Every tree planted, every path built, every improvement is intentional. Having the community acknowledge that for a third year truly means a lot.”
A Destination That Continues to Grow
Over the last year, Sweet Heart Winery has reached several major milestones:
Opened Tesoro by Sweet Heart Wine in Old Town Fort Collins
Expanded its Wine Club into one of the fastest-growing in the U.S.
Launched new wines including the Rustic Elegance Series, Monarch Series, and Signature releases
Expanded its cider portfolio with Patriot Press, Climb Hard, and Sweetheart Cider
Supported nearly 200 local causes, from women’s initiatives and local schools to senior communities and veteran organizations
What “Top 3%” Really Means
Sweet Heart Winery didn’t just win the winery category—it ranked among the highest-scoring businesses of any kind in the entire region.
Put simply:
The community didn’t just name Sweet Heart the best winery—they placed it among the top businesses in all of Northern Colorado.
About Sweet Heart Winery
Founded in 2007 at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, Sweet Heart Winery is one of Colorado’s premier destinations for handcrafted wines, connection-driven experiences, and heartfelt hospitality. With premium small-batch wines selected from California and perfected in Colorado, the winery offers guided tastings, weddings, events, live music, and one of the fastest-growing Wine Clubs in the nation. Sweet Heart Winery is part of Sweet Heart Brands, which also includes Tesoro by Sweet Heart Wine and multiple hard-cider labels.
Media Contact
Megan Nickelson
Sweet Heart Winery – Media Relations
Email: Megan@sweetheartwinery.com
Website: sweetheartwinery.com