Jayme Henderson and Steve Steese have been working with wine for a long time. However, around eight years ago, after years of experience in the Front Range hospitality industry, the pair of sommeliers decided they wanted to make a change.

All eyes are on France this week. A historic Tour de France finished yesterday, and the Paris Olympics opens Friday. Whether you are hosting a watch party or just want a taste of Paris while you watch all the events, here is our guide to Colorado-crafted French wine and food experiences.

Carboy Winery in Littleton recently became the first Colorado winery to join a program that aims to protect the hearts and lives of wine-lovers. The program, “Trained for Saving Lives,” is run by a California winery called River Road Family Vineyards and Winery. When owner Ron Rubin suffered a cardiac emergency in 2009, a defibrillator saved his life. Now, it’s his mission to bring these lifesaving machines to wineries around the country.

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey has been notified by the prestigious Sunset International Wine Competition that they have been awarded two Best of Class awards and 16 medals, including two double golds and five golds, for their wines.

Often referred to as the unofficial kickoff to summer, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen has brought some of the world’s finest wine and cuisine to the Roaring Fork Valley for 41 years. This year, more local vendors than ever were celebrated alongside other world-renowned chefs, sommeliers, and food distributors.

Vilsack announced that the USDA was awarding $50 million to 141 farms in 40 states and Puerto Rico through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program). Award recipients includes several Colorado wine-growing producers.

Colorado wine is growing up. With more than 170 licensed wineries in Colorado, around 30 of which are in or near Palisade, there are now more winemakers here than ever, producing everything from straight-forward reds and whites to ambitious skin-contact sparklings and funky, naturally fermented wines.

’Tis the season for Colorado food and drink festivals, which celebrate everything from local and national culinary talent to craft beer, wine, and mead. As you start to make your warm weather travel plans, consider adding these road-trip-worthy affairs to your calendar.