Sweet Heart Honored at Chamber Gala with Destination Excellence Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chamber recognizes Sweet Heart Winery's contributions to tourism, economic vitality, and the Northern Colorado community.

LOVELAND, COLORADO — October 23, 2026— Sweet Heart Brands was honored Friday evening with the 2026 Destination Excellence Award at the Loveland–Johnstown Chamber of Commerce's annual awards gala, recognizing the company's contributions to the region's tourism economy, hospitality industry, and broader community.

Presenting the award, Mindy McCloughan, President of the Loveland–Johnstown Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the important role local businesses play in building communities that attract visitors, encourage investment, and create lasting memories.

"The Destination Excellence Award honors businesses that help enhance our community's reputation, attract visitors, create memorable experiences, and contribute to the economic vitality of our region," McCloughan said.

"And very few businesses embody that spirit quite like Sweet Heart Winery."

A Place People Remember

Situated on nearly eight acres along Loveland's Big Thompson River, Sweet Heart Winery has become a gathering place for weddings, anniversaries, community celebrations, corporate events, and everyday moments shared among family and friends.

McCloughan highlighted the company's evolution from a small winemaking venture into a growing regional hospitality destination, noting its expansion into Fort Collins and Windsor and its continued investment in Colorado-crafted beverage production.

But it was her description of Sweet Heart's impact on the community that captured the spirit of the evening.

"What makes Sweet Heart truly special is their understanding that great destinations are not simply places people visit. They are places people remember," McCloughan told attendees.

"Sweet Heart Winery is not just selling wine and cider. They are creating memories, strengthening our destination economy, and showcasing the very best of Colorado's hospitality."

Her comments closely reflect Sweet Heart's mission: "Create experiences for people to connect."

Investing in Northern Colorado

Beyond its hospitality operations, Sweet Heart contributes to the region through local employment, visitor spending, business partnerships, charitable initiatives, and investments in community infrastructure.

During the presentation, McCloughan specifically recognized the company's privately funded improvements along U.S. Highway 34, including a new turn lane designed to improve access and traffic safety near the Loveland winery.

"And their investment does not stop at the property lines," McCloughan remarked.

The project reflects Sweet Heart's commitment to responsible growth and its belief that the success of a local business should contribute to the well-being of the surrounding community.

McCloughan also acknowledged the company's recent national and regional recognitions, including honors from The Scout Guide, The Knot, and WeddingWire, along with a gold medal for Climb Hard Spiced Apple Cider at the 2026 Great American Beer Festival.

Together, these achievements help bring greater visibility to Loveland and Northern Colorado as destinations for tourism, hospitality, and locally crafted products.

A Recognition Shared with the Community

For Charles Oster, CEO of Sweet Heart Brands, the award represents both an honor and a responsibility.

"We are incredibly grateful to Mindy, the Chamber, and the community that has supported us," Oster said. "Loveland is our home, and we believe that as our company grows, so should our contribution to the community around us. Whether that's creating jobs, supporting local causes, investing in infrastructure, or welcoming visitors to Northern Colorado, we want to be a business that makes this community stronger. This recognition belongs to our extraordinary employees and everyone who has helped make Sweet Heart what it is today."

As Sweet Heart continues to grow across Northern Colorado, the company remains committed to its founding mission of creating experiences that bring people together.

McCloughan perhaps summarized that mission best in her closing remarks:

"They are creating memories, strengthening our destination economy, and showcasing the very best of Colorado's hospitality."

About Sweet Heart Brands

Sweet Heart Brands is a Loveland, Colorado-based brands and hospitality company whose portfolio includes Sweet Heart Winery, Sweetheart Cider, Patriot Press American Hard Cider, and Climb Hard Cider. With a growing presence across Northern Colorado, the company is committed to exceptional hospitality, local investment, and its mission to "Create experiences for people to connect."

Learn more at www.sweetheartwinery.com

Media Contact Megan Nickelson
megan@sweetheartwinery.com
www.sweetheartwinery.com/press