Flipping the Switch: Dave’s Take on Crafting Chill Switch Wines

Picture it: Cedaredge, Colorado, 2025. You’re lounging outside in a chair. A breeze sweeps through your hair. The fresh air quiets the mind, and suddenly all the stress and noise of daily life fades. You need a reset—an escape from the chaos. That’s what Chill Switch Wine offers. It’s in the name.

Chill Switch Wines winemaker, Dave Aschwanden, serving up his new wine lineup at his much-anticipated spring open house event in Cedaredge, Colorado. Photos by {Sassy Creative}

Meet Dave. His journey has taken him from Europe to Colorado’s Front Range and now to the peaceful town of Cedaredge. He and his wife came here to escape the noise—literally and figuratively. Dave comes from a long line of Swiss winemakers, though he didn’t follow the path right away.

Dave officially stepped into the wine world in 2008. After bouncing between careers—from competitive bike racing to cross-country skiing to carpentry—he found himself working at Woody Creek Cellars.

By 2015, he went all in. He built a new winery building in 2016. "You really need space. The amount of gear is intimidating," he says.

The name? That was a journey, too. It started as Crag Crest Cellars, named after a local hike with stunning 360-degree views. But people constantly butchered the name—it drove him nuts. When he ran out of wine in 2015, it felt like the perfect time to rebrand. He had three criteria for the new name:

1. Easy to say and spell.

2. Evokes emotion.

3. Not already taken.

The rainbow of Chill Switch wines are stunning in taste and presentation!

Chill Switch was born. He didn’t love it at first, but it grew on him. Now, it fits perfectly. Local artist Jennifer Riefenberg created the unique labels and artwork. He would pick from different samples, then she would manipulate and change the colors. The new toggle switch and beautiful, vibrant colors stand out.

Dave has a unique approach to winemaking, one that is as much art as science. He trusts his instincts and palate. His wines are natural, meaning they contain minimal additives and undergo minimal manipulation. On that note, my head thanks you, sir. Many customers would agree. Winemaking is mostly just cleaning. From grape to bottle, it takes about 30 months.

"I’m just doing something different," he says.

He is against wine snobbery. "All that matters is what your palate is telling you, how it makes you feel. If it doesn’t make you feel good, then I’ve failed."

The elevation in Cedaredge helps his process as well. Cooler fermentation holds onto floral and fruity notes, as long as the grapes don’t show up in August, he says with a laugh. Dave is old-school; he lets the season speak for itself. "Some years are better than others—no shame. That’s just nature."

He produces a wide variety: one year, 18 types of wine in small batches—around 50 to 200 cases each. "Not the smartest business plan," he admits, "but I can’t help myself." He’s always chasing something fun, something interesting. Winemaking in Colorado is a creative playground. There’s so much freedom.

"We grow so many different grapes—fifty or sixty. I don’t even know them all."

Unlike Europe, where grape varieties and production are often tightly restricted, Colorado allows exploration. And Dave embraces that.

Chill Switch Mourvèdre Wine, courtesy photo

He loves a blind tasting challenge. "I’ve fooled people before, and I’ll do it again."

Why does origin matter if the wine tastes great? That’s what matters most to him: whether you enjoy it. Whether it makes you feel good.

His wines aim to deliver peace of mind, without the hangover. "Nobody wants to feel like a train hit them after drinking wine all night." People want to play in nature—hike, bike, explore—day and night. Enjoying a glass of his wine, ‘you play, you pay’ feeling goes out the window.

Dave is grateful to be doing what he loves. "People like what I do," he says. He tweaks each vintage, always learning, always evolving. He trusts his instincts. Following a strict formula? That would bore him.

Chill Switch fans gather at the winery for an evening of wine tasting, fabulous food and time with friends.

There’s even a disclaimer on the back of his bottles, outlining what he doesn’t do to the wine. No formulas. No overengineering. Just magic.

His advice,” Beware the cheap stuff."

If you’re curious about the art and magic Dave creates, book a tasting. (Yes, it’s by appointment only.) 24621 Tannin Rd, Cedaredge, CO. Chillswitchwines@gmail.com, 303-518-0581

Produced & photographed by {Sassy Creative}, written by Amanda Hahn.