Meet Last Year's Buffs on Tap Winners
A CU Boulder homecoming favorite is back this year and better than ever, serving up unique drinks. Buffs on Tap is Homecoming weekend’s hottest ticket (after the football game, of course!) You won’t want to miss sampling beer and wines crafted by fellow Forever Buffs!
Buffs on Tap attendees get to vote on their favorite beer and wine, so let’s look at the 2023 Homecoming faves for a quick preview of who’s making the beverages you’ll have the opportunity to sample. Space is limited, so make sure to register in advance for Buffs on Tap to secure your spot!
Best Beer 2023: Holidaily Brewing
Holidaily Brewing Company is a 100% certified, dedicated, gluten-free brewery — one of only 16 in the United States and the only certified woman-owned brewery in the United States. It is the passion project of Karen Hertz (CU Denver MBA’05), a craft beer enthusiast with an appetite for living life to the fullest. Having survived both melanoma and thyroid cancers, Karen adopted a gluten-free diet as part of her treatment.
With limited options in the gluten-free beer market, Karen felt compelled to create a solution. Hertz embarked on extensive taste-testing and research into gluten-free brewing ingredients. Karen envisioned a brewery that could redefine the gluten-free beer experience.
Buffs, did they succeed! Regarding their award-winning taste, Karen said, “Some people don’t even realize it’s gluten-free. It’s just a great craft beer and it happens to be gluten-free.”
For more on Holidaily Brewing, check out the story in CU Denver News
Best Wine 2023: Bella Grace Vineyards
For Jess Havill (Econ’09), wine is a family affair. He is co-owner and general manager of Bella Grace vineyards, which he runs with his parents and two brothers. Their winery, wine cave and vineyards are located in Plymouth, California, and their tasting room is on the main street of Sutter Creek, California.
In 2006, the Havills purchased 50 acres with 20 acres of wine grapes. The family has cultivated Primitivo, Zinfandel, Grenache, Vermentino, Grenache Blanc, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Mourvedre grapes without pesticides or inorganic substances.
According to CU alum Jess Havill, “Being able to build a business with my family has been an experience I will cherish forever. It’s an added benefit that it’s making and selling wine!”
Want to try this incredible beer and wine for yourself? Join us in the shady backyard of the Koenig Alumni Center at Buffs on Tap. Get all the details on the official Homecoming events page here.