Meet Megan Nickelson | Marketing and Brands

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Nickelson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At Sweet Heart Winery, our mission is creating experiences for people to connect, and we believe that meaningful connection can create meaningful impact.

Giving back has always been an important part of who we are. Throughout the year, we support causes that are close to our hearts, with a particular focus on veterans, women, and children. Through fundraising initiatives, charitable partnerships, special events, and purpose-driven products, we help raise awareness and financial support for organizations that serve these communities. From supporting veterans and military families, to advancing women’s causes, to contributing to children’s health programs, we are committed to making a difference where we can.

As a family-owned winery, we are proud to use our platform to bring people together while supporting causes that strengthen our community. We believe that when people gather around a table, a glass of wine, or a shared experience, they have the power to create positive change far beyond the winery itself.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sweet Heart Winery is a family-run winery and house of brands (Sweet Heart Brands) built around a simple mission: creating experiences for people to connect.

What sets us apart is that we’re not just focused on what’s in the glass—we’re focused on how people feel when they’re with us. Whether it’s a couple celebrating an anniversary, a family gathering by the river, a wedding overlooking the Rocky Mountains, or friends sharing a bottle together, our goal is to create memorable experiences that bring people closer together.

Our family took ownership of Sweet Heart Winery in 2024 with a vision of building upon an already beloved local destination while creating new opportunities for growth, connection, and impact. Since then, we’ve focused on elevating the guest experience, expanding our events and hospitality offerings, growing our Wine Club community, and opening Tesoro by Sweet Heart Wine, a tasting room in the heart of downtown Fort Collins.

The journey has not always been easy. Taking over an established business comes with both opportunity and responsibility. We faced the challenge of honoring the winery’s history while bringing our own ideas and vision to life. Like many small businesses, we’ve navigated economic uncertainty, changing consumer habits, and the realities of running a family business. Through it all, we’ve learned that success comes from listening to your guests, staying adaptable, and remaining committed to your core values.

What we’re most proud of is the community that has grown around Sweet Heart Winery. We see guests become friends, celebrations become traditions, and first-time visitors become lifelong supporters. We are also proud to use our platform to support causes that matter to us, including veterans, women, children, and organizations working to strengthen our communities.

At the end of the day, we’re a family-run business that believes connection matters. We want people to know that while wine and cider may bring people through our doors, it’s the experiences, relationships, and memories created here that truly define who we are.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the things we love most about living and working in Northern Colorado is that there is truly something for everyone. If my best friend were visiting, I’d want them to experience the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, great food, local culture, and of course, wine.

We’d start with a day in downtown Fort Collins exploring the shops, restaurants, and historic Old Town district before stopping at Tesoro by Sweet Heart Wine for wine tastings and small bites. From there, we’d spend an afternoon walking the trails around Horsetooth Reservoir and catching one of Colorado’s incredible sunsets.

A trip to Northern Colorado wouldn’t be complete without spending time at Sweet Heart Winery. We’d enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the river with a glass of wine, live music, and mountain views. It’s one of those places where time seems to slow down and people naturally gather and connect.

Another day would be dedicated to exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you’re hiking, wildlife watching, or simply driving Trail Ridge Road, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the country.

We’d also spend time exploring the unique character of nearby communities like Loveland, known for its public art and sculpture scene, and Estes Park, which offers incredible mountain charm and outdoor recreation.

For food, I’d encourage visitors to experience everything from local coffee shops and breweries to chef-driven restaurants and family-owned hidden gems throughout the region. Northern Colorado has an amazing food and beverage scene that often surprises first-time visitors.

What I love most about this area is that you can spend the morning hiking in the mountains, the afternoon relaxing by a river with a glass of wine, and the evening enjoying live music in a vibrant downtown. It’s a place that offers adventure, connection, and community all in the same day, and that’s what makes it so special.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Our shoutout goes to our community. Sweet Heart Winery would not be what it is today without the incredible support of our guests, Wine Club members, employees, local families, and visitors who have chosen to spend their time with us over the years.

As a family-run business, every milestone we’ve achieved has been made possible by people who believed in us, celebrated with us, shared our story, and continued to show up. From those who enjoy a glass of wine by the river to those who host life’s biggest moments at the winery, our community has helped shape who we are.

We are deeply grateful for the trust, encouragement, and support we’ve received. This recognition belongs just as much to the people who have been part of our journey as it does to us.

Website: https://sweetheartwinery.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetheartwinery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetHeartWinery/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sweetheartwinery

Other: Instagram: @tesorobysweetheart