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Bigsby’s Folly began as a long-held dream. Chad had a career spanning aerospace engineering, senior business consulting, and leadership roles in homebuilding and oil & gas, For over 30 years, work was just work—and passion was just something to be dreamed about on the back porch, as below A slow learner, it took getting abruptly shown the door from his last executive position for him to realize that Corporate America was something he was ill-equiped for. And thus…. the Folly of starting an Urban Winery was born……
The venture “Bigsby’s Folly” is named in honor of a very special dog, Bigsby, who’s namesake originates from Bigsby & Kruthers, a Chicago store that famously sponsored Michael Jordan at the height of his excellence in the 90’s. It also spoke to the boldness of pursuing a passion others might consider a “folly”—a leap of faith that’s close to their Chicago roots and the spirit of adventure.
The high barrier to entry kept the vision in the realm of “someday” until the concept of the urban winery sparked a new path. When the opportunity presented itself in 2016, Chad seized the opportunity to build a winery that broke the mold—bringing the best grapes from world-renowned vineyards directly to the heart of the city.
Bigsby’s Folly is about making the wine experience accessible, inclusive, and unpretentious. Instead of people traveling to wine country, we bring the soul of wine country to Denver, blending artisan winemaking with a casual, welcoming vibe. Our wines, crafted from premium grapes from celebrated regions, are made with the highest standards but without the fuss. Bigsby’s Folly stands as a testament to following one’s heart—even if it means taking a risk. After all, life’s too short to always play it safe.
Brian Graham brings a wealth of experience and passion to Bigsby’s Folly. Originally from Texas, Brian’s journey into the wine world began when he managed a wine shop in college. This exposure ignited a love for wine that led him to explore the craft beyond just the bottle. After college, he spent five years working in wine retail and distribution, gaining insight into the intricacies of wine from renowned French producers.
Driven to deepen his knowledge, Brian moved to France in 1995 to immerse himself in the traditional art of winemaking. He studied at the University of Bordeaux, working hands-on at small chateaux in Bordeaux and Burgundy, where he developed a respect for Old World techniques and terroir-driven wines. Brian furthered his education with the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust in London, flying back and forth for classes while still living in France.
In 1997, Brian relocated to Napa Valley, where he continued his studies and worked with esteemed wineries such as Canard Vineyard, Outcast, and Locanda Estate. Over time, he honed his focus on crafting wines for small, family-owned projects with distinctive terroirs. His dedication to quality, precision, and unique character in every bottle now guides the winemaking at Bigsby’s Folly, bringing the best of both Old World traditions and New World innovation.
Chad’s passion for wine has finally come full circle as he steps into the role of vintner. With over 20 years of experience as Chief Operating Officer for two multi-billion-dollar organizations, Chad’s career spans business strategy, operational improvement, and leadership. Previously a Senior Implementation Manager and Consultant with McKinsey & Company, he has worked globally, crafting strategies and driving change. Chad holds an MBA in Strategy and Finance from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and an M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Holder of three patents, he’s also currently pursuing a Certificate in Winemaking through UC Davis.
A key player at Bigsby’s, Logan wears many hats—from helping with winemaking to running the host stand and enhancing guest experiences. With a technical aptitude, he played a crucial role during the Covid-19 lockdowns by implementing online systems that transformed the winery’s business model. When he’s not supporting the winery, Logan is immersed in his studies or building rockets..
Cassie is the heart of Bigsby’s Folly’s event operations, known for her remarkable relationships with guests and clients and her exceptional talent for creating unforgettable, personalized events. Her career began in marketing and special events for top law firms, eventually leading her into the hospitality industry, where she served as the Director of Marketing & Events for TAG Restaurant Group. There, she managed events and promotions for several of Denver’s top dining spots. Since joining Bigsby’s Folly in 2017, Cassie’s expertise, creativity, and warmth have shaped some of our most memorable gatherings. Bigsby’s Folly simply wouldn’t be the same without her dedication to making each event as special as the people who attend.
With over 20 years of culinary experience, Brian Smith brings the vibrant flavors and creativity of his Las Vegas roots to Bigsby’s Folly. He began his Colorado journey as Pastry Chef for Chef Troy Guard’s TAG Restaurant Group, where he quickly made a name for himself, and later took on the role of Chef at FNG in Denver’s Highlands. Since joining Bigsby’s Folly, Brian has risen to Executive Chef, where he now oversees both tasting room and event menus, creating dishes that are as beautifully plated as they are flavorful. Known for his hands-on approach and versatility in the kitchen, Brian combines a passion for innovation with a dedication to high-quality ingredients, making each dining experience at Bigsby’s memorable.