Wolf + Wildflower: Women-Owned Wine Bar Brings New Energy to Wheat Ridge
Situated on Denver’s western border, Wheat Ridge is an interesting blend of the past and present. Primarily a residential area, Wheat Ridge’s downtown strip on West 38th Avenue features an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. As a key player in the town’s revitalization efforts, Wolf + Wildflower — the newly-opened neighborhood wine bar — offers locals a space to sit back and enjoy a pour.
Photos by Tamara McTavish Photography
“The journey to Wolf + Wildflower has been a labor of love,” said co-owner Tamara McTavish. Joined by her business partner and longtime friend Sarah Galloway, the duo opened the doors to Wolf + Wildflower last summer. With its rustic charm and impressive selection of wine, McTavish says the community has already given them a warm welcome.
“Wheat Ridge is a close-knit community with a strong sense of identity, and we hope that Wolf + Wildflower becomes a place where neighbors gather, friendships flourish and memories are created,” she shared.
When The Curio Cabinet team was offered the chance to visit the women-owned wine bar, we jumped on the opportunity. The Mile High City has an abundance of options when it comes to happy hour, but few offer the new energy of Wolf + Wildflower.
The 1,600-square-foot space pays homage to both masculine and feminine energy. In fact, McTavish’s husband owns Berkeley neighborhood favorite Rocky Top Tavern. “The name Wolf + Wildflower comes from wanting to play off of the duality of the two bars,” McTavish says. “Wolf + Wildflower represents the more feminine while Rocky Top is more of the masculine. It is a nod to two opposing but complementary forces.”
Upon entering, guests’ eyes are instantly drawn to a neon sign that reads “you belong among the wildflowers,” an ode to the Tom Petty lyric. Expansive windows bathe the bar in natural light, so whether you choose indoor or outdoor seating, the ambiance is perfect for people-watching in the neighborhood.
You can savor wines by the glass (starting at $8), or opt for a bottle. Beer, seltzers and non-alcoholic drinks are also found on the menu. Delicious small plates from flatbreads to snack boards are offered with both meat and vegetarian options.
Be sure to sample the Argentinian Malbec ($15 glass/$53 bottle) with its delicate tannins, and pair it with The Howling Wolf charcuterie board (starting at $28). For the seasoned sipper, taste one of the unique orange wines, a type of white wine made by leaving the grape skins and seeds in contact with the juice, creating an orange-hued product. Dessert lovers will also appreciate the flourless Chocolate Cake ($9) topped with whipped cream and seasonal berries.
Because community is cornerstone to the bar’s mission, Wolf + Wildflower partners with Carboy Winery to bring a touch of the vineyard experience to its wine bar. So regardless of whether you’re a wine aficionado or just embarking on your wine adventure, Wolf + Wildflower is worth the visit.
Wolf + Wildflower is located at 7190 W. 38th Ave. in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. It is open Monday-Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday from 3-10 p.m. and Saturday from 2-10 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. Learn more at wolfnwildflower.com.