There is something quietly transcendent about a place built not only on craft, but on care — where each glass holds a story, and every pour reflects the pulse of a family who believes that generosity is as essential as the wine itself.
At Sweet Heart Winery, nestled along the banks of the Big Thompson River, giving is not a gesture reserved for the holidays. It is their way of life, a daily devotion to community, compassion, and connection.
As Megan Nickelson, marketing coordinator and daughter of co-owners Charles and Farah Oster, puts it simply, “Because as a family, we love people, and we love to help people.”
That simple truth has become the beating heart of Sweet Heart Winery: a place where family values blossom into community action, and where wine is only the beginning of a greater mission. Their philosophy outstretches the boundaries of the vineyard and reaches into the soul of Northern Colorado, touching countless lives through causes both great and small.
Megan explains that their purpose extends far beyond the tasting room. “It’s creating experiences for people to connect in ways that connect them to the community.”
Those experiences, sometimes shared over a glass of red by the river, sometimes through a fundraiser that changes a child’s life are what define the spirit of Sweet Heart Winery.
Over the past year alone, Sweet Heart has partnered with an astounding array of local organizations. “There's probably over 100 organizations that we had a touch in over the year.” From veterans’ causes to children’s hospitals and women’s support programs, the winery’s generosity has become a steady current flowing through Northern Colorado.
“Combat Recovery Foundation is an organization out of Northern Colorado that helps veterans that need support,” Megan shares, “and we give back through partnering with one of our ciders. We created a cider brand that's called Patriot Press.”
Each sip from those bottles carries a story of courage, healing, and remembrance. And for Sweet Heart, it’s not just about pouring cider. It’s about pouring hope.
Another cherished partnership blooms each February, when the winery’s signature Valentine’s wines take on a deeper purpose. “We give back to the Heart Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado, and a portion of all of our Valentine's wines goes to the heart institute.”
Through these heartfelt collaborations, Sweet Heart Winery turns every season into a season of giving. They open their doors, their tables, and their hearts to support those who need a little extra kindness in their lives.
“We also give back to A Friend for You regularly, which provides pregnancy support to women in need, and we support them in a variety of ways, whether it's donating wine or donating space. We love meeting the women who are impacted, who are helped through the organization, understanding that everyone is going through something, and everyone just needs a little kindness in their life.”
And the reach of their compassion doesn’t stop there. “Life for the Innocent is another organization that helps children who come from terrible situations that need help, whether that's food or education. Last year, we donated wine to their gala.”
Even art and music find a home within their giving spirit. “The symphony is coming out December 15th and 16th to Sweet Heart Winery. Their mission is to bring music and education to Northern Colorado.”
In this season of giving, Sweet Heart Winery reminds us that generosity is not measured by the size of a donation, but by the love that inspires it. And as they expand their story with Tesoro by Sweet Heart Wine in Old Town Fort Collins, a new treasure offering wine, cider, and warmth in equal measure, that same heart continues to guide them.
Because at Sweet Heart Winery, giving is not a campaign. It’s a calling.
A family’s love made liquid, poured freely into the hands of their community; one glass, one act of kindness, one connection at a time.
“As a family, we believe in connection, and one way we do this at Sweet Heart is to help connect people to causes.”