Interview with Ray and Jean Bruening, founders
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I’ve had a 20-year passion for wine but I was always just a consumer, never having the opportunity to be involved in any other aspects of the business. All that changed when I met Braden Dodds. He has an oenology and viticulture degree from California Polytechnic State University and has made wine for three different wineries in Napa as well as in Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. We decided to explore the potential of Colorado, and Ruby Trust Cellars was created.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We always put what’s best for our product first and are constantly looking for ways to improve. Whether it’s small refinements to our packaging, our oak program or our blending. The bar is high, but it can always be raised a little more.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The smiles and reactions we get when people first try our wines. I love showing people the potential that exists in our state. I also enjoy the opportunity to meet and engage with the people who take the time to find us — whether it’s at a wine festival or at the winery.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Getting people past the fact that it’s a Colorado wine. If you hand someone a craft beer and tell them it’s from Colorado, they get excited. If you hand them a glass of wine and tell them it’s from Colorado, it’s a different reaction.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We do our own stunts.
Profile
Business: Ruby Trust Cellars
Address: 864 W. Happy Canyon Road, No. 120, Castle Rock
Hours: By appointment
Founded: 2009
Contact: 720-202-2041, rubytrustcellars.com
Employees: 2
