This article was published in the Dec. 17, 2025 edition of The Aspen Times.
In honor of its 20th anniversary, Tempranillo Restaurant is celebrating with a month-long series of specials, seasonal experiences, and expanded holiday hours.
According to a press release, Tempranillo, located in downtown Basalt, was founded by Madrid native and executive chef Javier Gonzalez-Bringas and business manager and wife, Laura Maine. It is a family-owned and operated restaurant — Gonzalez-Bringas and Maine reside at their ranch in Missouri Heights, and their two children are grown and living in Spain.
“We are honored that the cuisine and culture we love so dearly has blended with a community that supported us from day one and is now family,” Gonzalez-Bringas and Maine said in a joint statement in the release. “For 20 years, this community has filled our dining room with conversation, friendship, and joy and watched our kids grow up here. Every meal we serve is a thank-you to the people who’ve made Tempranillo part of their lives. We’re honored to celebrate this anniversary with the guests who have truly become our extended family.”
Gonzalez-Bringas moved to the U.S. in 1979 and worked at Manhattan’s Mezzaluna Restaurant before coming to the Roaring Fork Valley to lead the expansion of a new Mezzaluna and España restaurants in Aspen and Mambo Italiano in Carbondale. Maine brought extensive experience as the owner of her own restaurant, River Valley Ranch Golf Course.
“When the two joined forces to create Tempranillo, they created the best Mediterranean Spanish food in the valley,” the release reads. “Tempranillo Restaurant has welcomed patrons into the storied historic space for two decades, making it not only a dining destination but a living part of Basalt’s heritage.”
The historic 1896 Tempranillo building was once a hotel next to the old train station, and the original bar from the 1800s of carved wood, green marble, and mirrored back wall remains intact. Now, over a century later, “The staff is friendly and familiar, Laura and Javier often greeting guests, and Lance, former bar manager of the now-closed L’Hosteria, is serving the ‘locals’ bar.”
Tapas-style small plates and handcrafted pastas are offered alongside paella, Branzino a la Plancha, and a grilled ribeye with the namesake wine derived from the Tempranillo grape. There are also seasonal specials like lobster ravioli and cioppino.
“In keeping with Spanish tradition, the menu is designed for exploration and connection, with guests sharing tapas to try many flavors from the menu that feature gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options,” the release reads. “At the end of the meal, guests often luxuriate in sobremesa, lingering to enjoy conversation, holiday cheer, and a glass from the new bar menu beside the fireplaces.”
This December, guests are invited to celebrate the return of Tempranillo’s signature cioppino, a newly introduced bar menu, and special holiday hours with lunch service from Dec. 18 to Dec. 31.
“With crackling dual fireplaces, beautiful Christmas decorations and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting to raise a glass and celebrate,” the release reads.
Tempranillo Restaurant is located at 165 Midland Ave. in Basalt and can be found at http://www.TempranilloRestaurant.com, info@tempranillorestaurant.com, and 970-927-3342. OpenTable reservation are available at https://www.opentable.com/r/tempranillo-basalt
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