Chloe's Charcuterie and Wine Bar is August 2025 RACC Member of the Month
The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce is recognizing Chloe’s Charcuterie and Wine Bar as our 2025 August Member of the Month. The Member of the Month program is an ongoing effort by the Chamber to provide residents and visitors information about businesses and organizations in the area and promote the patronage of our local resources and our small, independent companies. We had the privilege of chatting with Holly Kintz, owner of Chloe’s Charcuterie and Wine Bar, about how being diagnosed with cancer was a catalyst in her life to her realizing her dream of opening a wine bar.
Q: Please introduce yourself and what inspired you to open Chloe’s?
A: I’m Holly Kintz, a Colorado native from Denver. My immediate family moved to the Western Slope in 1980, and my father’s side of the family has been in Colorado since the pioneer days, when they left their established home in Indiana and headed west. In fact, my great-grandmother was one of the very first graduates of what is now Western [Colorado] University in Gunnison. I had been thinking of opening my own restaurant for quite some time after having worked in the restaurant and fine dining industry for over 30 years. I had no idea I would open my own place over here, given the boom-bust culture of Western Colorado. Frankly, I had dismissed any dreams of opening my own space initially. However, I had always loved Provisions, and as much as I love the food of Aimee Minnick, I loved the space itself. I thought it was just perfect for my wine bar idea.
As a back story, I can’t leave out the fact that I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in November of 2023. More than anything, I figured there’s no point in putting things off; if I’m going to do it, I’d better do it now or I'll never implement my dream.
Q: How long have you, yourself, been in Ridgway?
A: I’ve been coming to Ridgway since I was about 8 years old. I’ve always thought of Ridgway as a beautiful, relatively enlightened community on the Western Slope, with a cool kind of groovy, hippie vibe that I could relate to. Being that wine is somewhat of a sophisticated arena, I thought at the time that we would find an easy home here and I was kind of surprised that there wasn’t a wine bar here already!
Q: How would you describe Ridgway?
A: I describe Ridgway as an arts and outdoors-loving, tight-knit community.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of owning a business in Ridgway?
A: The most rewarding thing about Ridgway is the warm community and beautiful backdrop that we have here. Amidst the incredible artists and talented people just hanging out everywhere in the San Juan mountains in a kissable distance, it’s just a great place to be.
Q: What is your favorite wine and board pairing?
A: My favorite board and wine pairing? It’s not a fair question. I’ve curated an incredible list of wines and charcuterie ingredients, some local, some native to the state, and others from around the globe, it’s not a fair question. There’s a pairing for every personality type, at any level of knowledge or sophistication on one’s wine journey. So what I can say is that we’ll explore the perfect pairing together.
If you haven’t already, engage your senses through food and wine in a way that is truly unique. Whether trying small pours of multiple wines side by side some incredible cheese and meats, textures and flavors, local fruits and vegetables….it all makes for a tremendous amount of fun!
Q: What should patrons expect when visiting Chloe’s?
A: A completely unpretentious and inviting, casual atmosphere. We offer small plates, charcuterie boards and paninis, as well as espresso drinks, non-alcoholic beverages, and local beer and cider, in addition to wine. We are super gluten friendly and pride ourselves on obtaining the best food and ingredients locally and seasonally.
