MEEKER | For those residents who have been around Meeker for a while you will know our small town boasts an incredible and unique shop, run by an incredible and unique woman: Blanco Cellars and proprietor Vanessa Trout.
Vanessa Trout (left) and Kirstie McPherson have created a partnership aiming to upgrade the food and beverage experiences of their beloved Northwestern Colorado with the Blanco Whiskey and Wine Bar, an expansion of Blanco Cellars. | COURTESY PHOTO
Trout spent more than 20 years in the food and wine industry before starting Blanco Cellars in 2016. From Chicago to Napa Valley, and abroad from New Zealand to France, her passion for exciting flavors fueled her travels and expanded her expertise.
Trout opened Blanco Cellars from a 400 square foot space in downtown Meeker. Starting out as a small curated bottle shop, it was always such a cool find tucked around the corner and down the alley from Meeker’s single traffic light. The Little Cheese Shop soon joined the party, and after four years in that location she was able to gain a little more elbow space by moving into a suit at 317 E. Market St. This move gave Trout the ability to expand not only The little Cheese Shop and Blanco Cellars beverage selection, but to add a patio and begin to offer lunch and a to-go menu. And that has been an excellent, tasty addition to our town’s menu.
Knowing Trout’s ability to grow a business, it is no surprise that once again she is taking it to the next level with Blanco Whiskey & Wine. When asked what inspired this new direction her answer was brimming with pride for her community: “An evolution of my 30-year career in the food and wine industry, our supportive community, and year-round visitors, inspired me to continue bringing interesting and unique food and beverages to Meeker but with a new experience.”
This new endeavor brings not only a new experience, but a new face to Meeker. Kirstie McPherson of Craig, Colorado, is the new owner of both Blanco Cellars and The Little Cheese Shop. McPherson owns the 518 Wine Bar in Craig, and will be adding a second location of The Little Cheese Shop to this venue. Meanwhile, Vanessa is spreading her wings further by continuing on as the food and beverage manager for these locations as well as future businesses. Blanco Cellars will officially be morphing into the Blanco Whiskey & Wine Bar this spring, with final approval to the appropriate licensing anticipated in March.
“The liquor license will change from an off-premise retail store (buy and drink off the premise), into an on-premise (buy and drink on the premise). This will allow patrons to relax inside and outside, and experience seasonally inspired bites, craft cocktails, whiskey, wine, beer and more. Food, drinks, music, a modern western ambience and service will be the focus. Look forward to wine and food classes, whiskey and cigar nights, a book club, live music, with a new name to the business: Blanco Whiskey & Wine,” Trout said.
The current Blanco Cellars liquor license expires Feb. 4. Until then you can still use your gift certificates and get 25% off all alcoholic beverages. The little Cheese Shop will remain open beyond the liquor license expiration date, so don’t worry about missing out on your meats and cheeses while the new license is pending. Once the new license is approved, it is anticipated that patrons will be able to enjoy Blanco Whiskey & Wine’s amenities Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Interested in becoming a part of this new experience? The ladies of Blanco Whiskey & Wine are looking for both cooks and waitstaff, so please stop by 317 E. Market St. Suite 3A
By ADRIENNE WIX – Special to the Herald Times
