Growing on the Vine: Mustang Mountain Vineyard and Winery

For more than five years, Mustang Mountain Vineyard and Winery, 24 Mustang Mountain Drive in Lovell, has been growing and improving.

Nicole Laffin and her husband Dan Laffin moved to Lovell in 2017 to help Nicole's parents Nancey and Larry Blair on the Vineyard, recounted Nicole. 

In an email interview, Nicole explained that before the Blairs moved to Lovell, they visited a multitude of places due to Larry's job. When they were in Washington state, Nancey went to many vineyards and wineries and learned how to establish a vineyard by working with a seasonal crew for a few summers. Due to this, when they relocated to Wyoming after their retirement, the Blairs decided to keep a hobby farm to stay active. This farm included a small vineyard.

Nancey and Larry invested in a lot of research before starting their vineyard, so they were aware of which vines would grow in Wyoming. Four types of grapes are grown in the vineyard: Frontenac, La Crescent, Brianna, and Marquette. These are hybrid grapes. The vines are cold-resistant to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, Nicole said. 

Nicole explained that despite the fact that hybrid grapes have their own unique flavor, they are flavors that would generally be expected to find in a wine. A typical white wine will be fruity or citrusy in flavor, while a red wine will typically be a dark berry in nature. 

The vineyard expanded in 2017 when Nicole, Nancey and Larry decided to open up their own winery. According to Nicole, as the vineyard was being expanded, Nicole returned to school at Texas Tech University and earned her certification in viticulture and winemaking. 

The process of processing and releasing white wine for sale typically takes one year. Red wines typically take 18 to 24 months to process and release for sale. The winery offers a variety of styles, such as dry, off-dry, semi-sweet, white and red blends, explained Nicole. It has also been possible for the winery to add a hard cider to its menu.  For the time being, they only produce wine and cider, but they plan to expand their venue next summer.

The Mustang Mountain Vineyard and Winery is a family owned and operated business with no other employees beyond family. According to their website, https://www.mustangmtnvineyard.com, they are open on Saturdays from 1-4 during winter.

Apart from their regular open hours, they also host parties, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and team building. There is a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre that takes place in September. In the coming winter, they will be offering a 'Family Feud' night.