Garrett Portra came to winemaking through a love of agriculture fostered by growing up in Missouri and working on his family’s farm.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Portra pursued a career in the oil and gas industry before joining Carlson Vineyards as a cellar assistant. After gaining experience in both wine production and sales, he purchased the winery in 2015.
During his time as an owner, Portra has served on numerous state and national industry boards, launched new brands and fostered partnerships across the wine industry and other hospitality fields. He came to CMU in 2025 with the goal of helping prepare the winemakers of tomorrow, both in Colorado and throughout the industry.
Portra is a proud girl dad to two daughters. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with them and can usually be found with a fly rod in hand or chasing his French Brittany, Finn, through the mountains in search of birds.
Service Work
- Vice Chair of the Grand Junction DDA and BID Boards
- Executive Director of the Warren Winiarski Gerald Ivancie Institute of Viticulture and Enology