Chestnut Cellars, a new independent wine and spirits shop focused on small-batch producers, Colorado makers, and accessible wine education, is the newest commercial tenant at FLORA, a 12-story residential landmark in Denver’s RiNo Arts District, featuring 92 residences with expansive balconies and over 7,500 square feet of curated amenities,
Slated to open in fall 2026, Chestnut Cellars will introduce a neighborhood-focused retail concept that connects Denver residents with thoughtfully curated wines, craft spirits, and community-driven experiences in the heart of RiNo.
Chestnut Cellars joins a growing collection of independent businesses helping to shape the building’s identity as a destination for culture, creativity, and community in RiNo.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Chestnut Cellars to FLORA,” said Brock Fleming, developer of FLORA. “Chris has created a concept that aligns perfectly with the vision for the building—a locally rooted business that prioritizes quality, connection, and experience. It adds an exciting new amenity for residents while creating a destination that will serve the broader neighborhood.”
Founded by Denver native Chris Gallegos, Chestnut Cellars was born from a desire to create a more approachable and inclusive way to discover wine. After spending years working in communications and marketing, Gallegos began envisioning a concept to bridge the gap between casual consumers and the often intimidating world of wine retail. For Gallegos, RiNo offered a unique combination of accessibility, energy, and long-term potential.
“As someone who was born and raised in Denver, I’ve watched this area evolve tremendously,” said Gallegos. “RiNo continues to attract people who are curious, creative, and interested in discovering something new. It felt like the right place to build a business centered around community and exploration.”
Slated to complete construction later this month in FLORA’s ground-floor retail collection, Chestnut Cellars will offer a carefully selected mix of wine, Colorado-produced spirits, limited craft beer, and specialty food items. The concept will prioritize family-owned wineries, small-batch producers, and minority-owned brands, creating opportunities for customers to discover products that are often overlooked in larger retail environments.
While the shop’s inventory will span a variety of categories, its focus remains on quality, education, and local connection. The approximately 600-square-foot space is being designed to evoke the atmosphere of a modern wine cellar, balancing industrial materials with warm textures and curated displays that will create an environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
Beyond retail, Chestnut Cellars is envisioned as a gathering place for the broader community. Plans include regular wine and spirits tastings, producer spotlights, and opportunities to showcase diverse and underrepresented makers throughout the year.
“Part of the fun is introducing people to something they’ve never tried before,” Gallegos said. “Whether it’s a family-owned winery, a Colorado distiller, or a producer with a unique story, I want the shop to be a place of discovery.”
Future programming may include monthly tasting events, private educational experiences, and rotating features highlighting women-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and minority-owned producers.
Construction on Chestnut Cellars is expected to conclude this month, with the shop anticipated to open in early Fall 2026. Additional details, programming announcements, and opening information will be released in the coming months.
