When I sat down for a happy hour pour at Wolf + Wildflower in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, I immediately felt like I had landed upon the community jackpot. The women-owned wine bar opened last summer, and its evolution has been a labor of love, as co-owner Tamara McTavish puts it.

Photos courtesy of Wolf + Wildflower.

Together with her business partner and longtime friend Sarah Galloway, the duo transformed the 1,600-square-foot space into the tight-knit neighborhood’s newest gathering spot, complete with an eclectic wine program and an assortment of snacks, charcuterie boards and desserts.

“The concept took shape as a blend of a passion for wine and a desire to create a warm and inviting space in our community where we ourselves would want to hang out with friends,” McTavish says. “From the very beginning, I envisioned a wine bar that would feel like an extension of my home, a place where people could relax and connect.”

Wolf + Wildflower is a nod to masculine and feminine energy. The space features ample indoor and outdoor seating, a custom repurposed white oak bar top with waterfall ends, a wall of windows that invite natural light and a neon sign that reads “you belong among the wildflowers,” an ode to the Tom Petty lyric. “The design process was meticulous, focusing on combining rustic elements with modern and industrial touches to create a cozy yet elegant ambiance,” McTavish explains.

Partnering with local businesses is cornerstone of the bar’s mission. Outside of helping revitalize Wheat Ridge with fun events like First Friday Art Walks, Wolf + Wildflower collaborates with a Colorado favorite — Carboy Winery — to elevate its wine offerings. “It’s about bringing a touch of the vineyard experience to our wine bar while supporting another local business,” McTavish says.

Wines are available by the glass, starting at $8, and by the bottle. Guests can expect rotating daily specials and wine flights. There is also beer on tap, plus seltzers by the can. Non-alcoholic brand Gruvi Bubbly Rose and Dry Secco are found on the menu in addition to the small plates, ranging from flatbreads to charcuterie boards with both meat and vegetarian options.

“I’m particularly excited about our diverse natural wine selection that showcases some fun, unique wines from around the world,” McTavish shares. “One wine that stands out is an Argentinian Malbec with delicate tannins that pairs perfectly with our Howling Wolf charcuterie board — a harmonious marriage of flavors. Our unique orange wines have also been a hit, adding a touch of creativity to the menu with an orange wine offering, which you don’t see too often.”

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your wine journey, Wolf + Wildflower is here to transport guests to a world of wine-inspired delight.

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7190 W. 38th Ave.
Wheat Ridge, CO
wolfnwildflower.com

Originally published in Winter + Spring 2023-24 issue of Well.