Sweet Heart Winery Earns Back-to-Back Scout Guide Recognition as a Top U.S. Winery

Loveland, Colorado — Sweet Heart Winery is once again making national headlines, earning back-to-back recognition by The Scout Guide as one of the top wineries in the United States — solidifying its position as a rising force in American wine.

After being named one of the "Top 10 Wineries in the United States" in 2025, Sweet Heart Winery has been featured again in 2026 among the country's must-visit wineries — an achievement that underscores both consistency and growing national influence.

"This is about more than recognition — it's about momentum. We're building something special here in Colorado. To be recognized nationally, two years in a row, validates not only the quality of our wines, but the experiences we create for people to connect."

— Charles Oster, CEO of Sweet Heart Brands

From its flagship property in the Sweetheart Valley to its expanding footprint in Fort Collins and beyond, Sweet Heart Winery continues to redefine expectations of what a modern American winery can be. By sourcing exceptional fruit from premier California regions — Napa & Sonoma County, Santa Cruz Mountains, Paso Robles, Chalone, Yolo, and Lodi — and perfecting each wine at elevation in Colorado, the winery delivers a product that is both distinctive and nationally competitive.

But it's not just the wine driving attention.

Sweet Heart Winery has become known for delivering high-impact guest experiences — blending premium hospitality, scenic beauty, and intentional connection. Whether visiting the award-winning Loveland property, enjoying an evening at Tesoro by Sweet Heart Wine in Old Town Fort Collins, or exploring the company's state-of-the-art production facility, guests are immersed in an experience designed to bring people together.

A Premier Wedding & Celebration Destination

Beyond wine, the Loveland gem on Highway 34 has become one of Colorado's most sought-after wedding and event destinations. Set along the Big Thompson River and rooted in a city known globally for its connection to love, Sweet Heart Winery offers a naturally romantic setting for weddings, celebrations, and life's most meaningful moments — further reinforcing the brand's commitment to creating experiences for people to connect.

Platform Growth & Strategic Expansion

Since its acquisition led by the local investment firm Elevation Partners in 2024, Sweet Heart has experienced meteoric growth, rapidly expanding its footprint, production capabilities, and brand portfolio. Backed by a clear strategic vision and disciplined execution, Sweet Heart Brands has scaled from a regional standout into a multi-channel platform spanning direct-to-consumer, hospitality, events, and wholesale distribution.

This accelerated growth is reflected not only in national recognition, but in tangible performance — rising wine club membership, expanding distribution, and the successful launch of new brands and experiences that continue to deepen customer engagement and loyalty.

Expanding Beyond Wine: A Multi-Brand Growth Strategy

Sweet Heart Brands is accelerating its growth through a disciplined house-of-brands strategy, including the introduction of three distinct hard cider brands: Climb Hard Cider, Patriot Press American Hard Cider, and Sweetheart Cider.

Each brand is intentionally positioned to serve a unique audience and occasion — while also aligning with meaningful causes that resonate within the communities they serve. From supporting children's health initiatives to honoring veterans and first responders, these brands extend the company's mission beyond the glass and into real-world impact.

Built for Scale: "The Cellar" Production Facility

Fueling this expansion is the recent completion of The Cellar, Sweet Heart Brands' state-of-the-art production facility in Loveland, Colorado. Designed for precision, cleanliness, and scalable craft beverage manufacturing, The Cellar enhances the company's ability to produce premium wine and cider at volume — while maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency.

Experience-Led Growth

With customers now spanning 38 states and a rapidly growing wine club, Sweet Heart Brands is evolving from a regional success story into a nationally recognized lifestyle brand — anchored by its mission to create experiences for people to connect.

This latest recognition by The Scout Guide reinforces not only Sweet Heart Winery's standing among the country's most compelling wine destinations, but also Colorado's emergence as a serious player on the national wine stage.

About The Scout Guide

The Scout Guide is a nationally recognized lifestyle publication that celebrates and connects communities through curated guides to exceptional local businesses, artisans, and destinations. With beautifully designed print editions distributed across cities throughout the United States, along with a growing digital presence, The Scout Guide highlights the people, places, and experiences that define quality and craftsmanship.

About Sweet Heart Winery

Sweet Heart Winery is a nationally recognized, award-winning winery based in Loveland, Colorado, guided by its mission to create experiences for people to connect. From the Sweetheart City — where hearts are central to everything — Sweet Heart Winery is known for sourcing exceptional fruit, perfecting wines at elevation, and giving back to the community it calls home.