We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Burks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.

David, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Our brand story began under the name of Sweetheart City Wines. At that time, Loveland, Colorado – the town where my wife and I had spent most of our marriage and raised our two children – was known as the Sweetheart City. Our vision back then was to craft a line of high-quality wines – from grapes sourced primarily from boutique California vineyards – right here in the place we call home. With the name established, the brand became associated with love, romance, and passion. Themed varietals (like Mesmerizing Malbec) and romantic images donned each label.

As the brand matured and grew over time (and as we began construction of our tasting room and event center) we realized it was time for a change. We wanted to honor where the brand had come from while reflecting our growth and goals moving forward. (Not to mention, we needed a name that wouldn’t be so clunky to fit onto labels, branded collateral, apparel, etc.)

We landed on Sweet Heart Winery because it not only captured the history behind our business – with my wife and I beginning it as a team. But it also represented the immense heart and passion we put into every one of our wines and into the experience we strive to give guests when they visit. Furthermore, in our family and in our circle of friends, we witness time and again how good wine brings people together. Around the table, huddled by a bonfire, sitting on the front porch, and celebrating important events. And that’s what we’re really about at Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center. Crafting unforgettable wines and moments that bring people together.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My interest in wine really began when I was just a kid. My grandfather made wine out of his house and the whole process intrigued me. As I got older, I came to appreciate fine wines and the experience of enjoying them with the people I love. But I didn’t begin making my own wine until 2008 with a group of good friends. In fact, I made a wine for my oldest daughter’s wedding in 2009 that was a big hit. From there, my interest in the science and art of winemaking only grew stronger, and I eventually began importing grapes from California. Over the course of the next 8 years, what had started as a simple hobby with a few barrels of Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon became a menu of 15-20 varietals served out of our 8-acre winery and event center in Loveland, Colorado. So many people and moments along the way made this possible for my wife and I.

At Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center, we pride ourselves on crafting top-quality wines from grapes that we source from some of the world’s most renowned growing regions. Using age-old techniques, extended oak aging, and meticulous standards of quality, we then bring the incredible flavors of beloved wine regions to the natural beauty of our Colorado home. Our vision is to give guests an authentic taste of wine country right here in Northern Colorado. Whether visiting our tasting room, enjoying a bottle at home with friends, or celebrating a wedding in our timber frame barrel room, guests should feel the heart and passion we put into our products and services.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When COVID hit and our tasting room/event center was still quite young, we certainly had to pivot in order to survive. We found ways of engaging with guests virtually and through special pickup or delivery options. We worked hard to ensure our cleanliness and safety protocols were above and beyond what was required in order to qualify for reopening our doors. We even shifted our service model from bar service to full table service so guests could enjoy wines and food without congregating in one crowded space.

While all of this was challenging and scary at times, it actually led us to creating a better experience for guests and increasing our revenues once we were able to return to full operations.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my wife/business partner, Kathy, in middle school. We dated for a very short period of time before she moved away from the area. But God had plans to bring us back together. When I was attending Colorado State University, I happened to see her grandmother at an event and I asked about Kathy. Her grandmother informed me that Kathy was also attending CSU and gave me a number where I could reach her. I wasted no time in calling her up. The rest is history! While it can certainly be a challenge to run a business with your spouse, I’m grateful for how she puts up with me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sweetheartwinery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetheartwinery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetHeartWinery

Image Credits
Mrs. Ferree Photography, Kristen Rush Photography