The Kauffman family lives on a 3rd generation family farm in Fort Morgan, Colorado. A farm where Dan Kauffman learned to set irrigation tubes at the age of nine, grow corn and alfalfa on the 400 acres and where his love of wine took root.
Over the course of ten years, Dan developed a serious hobby for wine making. Going by the taste and feel of the grapes, he ensures every vintage comes out with a unique taste to satisfy even the most scrutinizing wine connoisseur. In fact, his friends and acquaintances enjoy the free samples so much, they’ve pushed him and his wife Sharon to start selling. So, when their three wonderful daughters—Angela, Alisha and Ashley—left home, Dan and Sharon thought, why not open a winery?
After all, Sharon is the perfect complement (and partner) to her husband. She’s active in the community, currently stands as the President of the Fort Morgan Community Hospital Governing Board and has served on the hospital’s Foundation Board as well. She’s also helping the transition of The Country Steak Out in becoming “The Block” commissary kitchen—striving to help small businesses in the Fort Morgan community. Additionally, she’s also owned and operated Insurance Connection for over 30 years.
By combining their strengths and passion, the couple saw an opportunity to grow their hometown. “We want our area to be a thriving community. Proving good education, healthcare, and social and cultural activities make this an attractive place to live for our leaders and kids after college,” says Sharon. It’s why they wanted to entice wine lovers around the Fort Morgan area with “a place where friends and wine meet.” They called it Country Road Vines and Wines.