About Us
"Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle".
~Paulo Coelho, Brida
Created by Sommeliers
55° is the perfect temperature to consume or store wine. Our concept of Fifty-5 Degrees was cultivated from decades of living the wine trade, the nuances of the business and wine lore. We believe that the perfect cellar is a form of personal expression that is unique to the individual. Located in Colorado, we're living where the sophistication of wine is appreciated in restaurants and gatherings at high altitudes. Our business priority is high end service for our clients of the Yampa Valley. We will focus our interests on the desires of wine aficionado’s that are our neighbors.
Our Sommeliers
Michael Lang
Investor/Sommelier
- Joined the "Guild of Sommelier" in 1999 and have been a member in good standing ever since.
- Immersed in the wine industry as the sommelier and wine buyer at Harwigs/L'Apogee for over 22 years.
- Earned the Wine Spectators "Award of Excellence" for 38 years in a row.
- Fifty5 Degrees began in 2006 as a "storage" facility for friends.
- The concept expanded as a dream of concierge service and a private wine club which developed over time.
- The goal was to study wine all over the world with frequent trips to Europe, Africa and the wine country on the West Coast.
- Through this education, the opportunity has been allowed to judge wine competitions, teach seminars at various festivals and also teach classes for future sommeliers.
AJ Fossum
Investor/Sommelier
- Started in the Hospitality/Restaurant Industry in 2001
- Passed Court of Master Sommeliers Level 1(Intro) in 2011
- Passed Court of Master Sommeliers Level 2(Certified) in 2015
- Has traveled to over thirty countries to experience firsthand the differences in culture, terrior and winemaking techniques.
- Owner of Ski Town Wine and Spirits since 2014
- Has helped/worked in several restaurants in town including Cottonwood Grill, Bistro C.V., Low Country Kitchen, Yama and Cloverdale.
- Invited to pair wines for the Bistro C.V. James Beard Foundation Dinner in 2016.
- Has worked as a private contractor for Colorado distributors to better understand that part of the industry since 2016.
- In 2012, local wine classes began for aspiring industry professionals to help further their education and study for the Court of Master Sommelier Exams.
Our Travels
The team at Fifty-5 Degrees is always eager to travel the world to find places and people embedded in the wine industry. From the Alps to Africa and California to Cape Town, we make contacts, understand growing cycles and learn what makes the best and most unique wines in the world. We love to share our stories of adventure with our members, while also participate in planning trips for our friends. If you can dream it, we can make it a reality.
