Two of the three Awards of Excellence handed out by the Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology during its annual VinCO Conference and Trade Show went to Grand Valley winemakers.

Kaibab Sauvage of Colorado Vineyard Specialists and Sauvage Spectrum was named 2025 Grape Grower of the Year, and Richard McDonald of Cliff Dweller Wine Co. and Grand Valley Enology was named 2025 Friend of the Colorado Wine Industry.

Meanwhile, Aspen Peak Cellars in Bailey, Colo., was bestowed Winery of the Year at the three-day event, which concluded Jan. 22 at the Grand Junction Convention Center.

Sauvage was recognized for his “lasting contributions to the state’s wine industry,” according to a CAVE news release. CAVE detailed his background, writing:

“Beginning in the early 2000s as a grower for BookCliff Vineyards, Kaibab quickly earned a reputation for listening to growers and working collaboratively alongside winemakers. He soon founded Colorado Vineyard Specialists and has consistently produced high-quality grapes that have helped define Colorado wine.

“Over the past decade, marked by significant challenges for grape growers statewide, Kaibab has demonstrated exceptional leadership by pioneering new varietals in both vinifera and hybrid plantings. His grapes have been the foundation of numerous award-winning wines, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of Colorado viticulture.”

For McDonald, CAVE wrote:

“One of Colorado’s few Australian winemakers, Richard brings a global perspective shaped by early experience with the Dave Phinney winemaking family in California, best known for The Prisoner. In 2018, he relocated to Colorado to serve as head winemaker at BookCliff Vineyards for two years, followed by extensive work with Rio Grande Winery in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

“Just prior to the pandemic, he and his wife, Aly, founded Colorado Vintners Collective, creating a collaborative hub for winemaking, education and community on the Western Slope. In 2023, he further expanded his impact by receiving a USDA grant to launch Grand Valley Enology, improving access to winery analysis in the region, while also debuting his personal label, Cliff Dweller Wines. His dedication to collaboration, innovation and regional growth makes him so deserving of this award.”