Garrett Portra

Board Member at Colorado Mesa University

Garrett Portra, owner and winemaker at Carlson Vineyards has lived in the Grand Valley since 2007. Garrett grew up working on a farm in Missouri, then moved to Grand Junction after graduating from Westminster college with a BA in Environmental Science. The 6-month adventure has turned into over 12 years. Garrett has been making wine at Carlson’s since 2011. In 2014 Garrett and Cailin agreed to purchase Carlson Vineyards. Since then Garrett has continued with the legacy of Carlson Vineyards by providing quality and approachable wines. Along with Laughing Cat brands he has explored with new takes on new wines while keeping all products local.