We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Gayer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Courtney with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Work ethic is something I learned by watching the people closest to me. My mom balanced being a caretaker for disabled kids with running her own small business, and my grandfather is a cattle farmer in rural Arkansas. Neither of them ever complained or cut corners—they simply did what needed to be done, day in and day out. Seeing their dedication first hand made a huge impact on how I approach my own work.
When I went to college at the University of Arkansas, I worked in restaurants to support myself while studying Soil and Water Science. Balancing late nights on my feet with a full course load wasn’t easy, but it taught me how to stay focused and keep moving forward. Working in restaurants also gave me my first real introduction to wine and the culture around it, which ended up sparking a passion that shaped my career down the road.
Those experiences gave me a strong appreciation for hard work and the importance of following through—whether it’s in a vineyard, a creative project, or just day-to-day life.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Aquila Cellars is a natural wine project rooted in intention and exploration. It all started with Brandt Thibodeaux, who brought the vision and expertise in farming and land management to create something truly unique in Colorado’s high desert. Our first vintage was in 2019, and in 2023, we purchased a vineyard in Eckert, CO called Crane Mesa Estate. Since then, we’ve been focused on farming the land biodynamically and continuing to push what’s possible in this harsh region.
For us, it’s all about allowing the wine to tell the story of where it’s grown. We avoid manipulation or intervention in the winemaking process, letting the grapes truly reflect the land, climate, and care behind them. Every bottle is a pure expression of place, and that’s something we’re incredibly passionate about.
In addition to wine, we also grow peaches that we distill into brandy. We’re always working to make the farm function more holistically, whether that’s planting trees, introducing cover crops, or incorporating animal elements. Every decision we make is about fostering a healthier, more interconnected system that benefits both the farm and the fruit it produces.
Our goal isn’t just to produce wine—it’s to better understand the potential of this region. We’re working toward planting a test site at the vineyard to explore which grape varieties thrive in Colorado’s unique climate and soil. It’s an exciting challenge and one that keeps us constantly learning and experimenting.
Right now, our focus is on nurturing the land and allowing it to guide us. Winemaking is a long process, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. Each step—from farming to fermentation—tells a story about the place it comes from. We’re committed to letting Colorado shine through in every bottle we make, and we’re excited to see how Aquila Cellars evolves as we continue to grow.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1 – Adaptability. Journeys are rarely linear, and the ability to adapt is key. Whether it’s pivoting into a new career, responding to unexpected challenges, or learning a new skill, adaptability allows you to keep moving forward. In our case, we had to shift from selling to restaurants to launching wines online during the pandemic, which required a whole new approach to the business. It also meant taking on roles we hadn’t anticipated, like designing labels or rethinking distribution. Being adaptable isn’t just about accepting change—it’s about embracing it and finding new opportunities within it.
2 – Knowing your limits and staying true to your values. For us at Aquila Cellars, this means never compromising the integrity of our wines. We don’t take shortcuts with the wines because it’s important to maintain a genuine connection to the land. If we wanted to make something that looks like every other product on the shelf, we could. But we’re committed to doing things differently, even if it’s harder. In an industry often filled with greenwashing, staying true to our principles is non-negotiable, and it’s what makes Aquila special.
3 – Optimism. Agriculture is tough, especially in the face of climate change, and it’s easy to slip into a nihilistic mindset. But optimism—combined with innovation—has carried us through difficult years. We’ve faced challenges like major freezes and hail, yet we’ve still managed to make wines that shine through the sludge. Staying optimistic doesn’t mean ignoring the realities of what’s happening; it means finding ways to work with what you’re given and produce something meaningful, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be to embrace change, set clear boundaries for what you’re willing to compromise on, and work to cultivate optimism.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We’re always excited to collaborate with people who share our values and passion for thoughtful, intentional work. At Aquila Cellars, we’re particularly interested in connecting with farmers, producers, and creatives who are exploring innovative ways to engage with the land or tell compelling stories about agriculture and wine.
Whether it’s partnerships around sustainable farming practices, creative projects, or ideas for community-focused events, we’re open to exploring how we can work together to bring something meaningful to life.
If this resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach out to us through our website at www.aquilacellars.com or connect with us on social media. Let’s start the conversation and see where it leads.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aquilacellars.com
- Instagram: aquilacellars
- Other: Creative work can be found at www.courtneycgayer.com
Image Credits
Karen Lane
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
