Sweet Heart Wine & Cider Is Taking Over the Former Ted's Backyard Patio in Windsor

Sweet Heart Wine & Cider is coming to RainDance in Windsor, taking over the former Ted's Backyard Patio at 2191 Covered Bridge Parkway. Ted's closed in August after operating as a neighborhood restaurant near the entrance to RainDance, and the Loveland-based winery is preparing to reopen the space with a cider taproom, restaurant, and event venue.

The company announced its plans in September, with a phased opening targeted for this fall. The taproom was originally expected to open in mid-October, followed by the full restaurant in early December. As of October 8, the Windsor location was still listed as under construction, with no confirmed opening date.

From Loveland to RainDance

Sweet Heart has been operating in Northern Colorado since 2010, when winemaker David Burks started the business in a Loveland garage. The winery opened its tasting room along Highway 34 in 2017 and was purchased by Charles and Farah Oster in 2024. Its Loveland location has continued to grow, prompting the owners to look for additional space rather than expanding everything at the original property.

The Windsor location is being developed in partnership with The Water Valley Co., which is behind RainDance and Water Valley. Sweet Heart will continue operating its Loveland winery and event center, while wine and cider production remains in Loveland. The RainDance property will become the flagship taproom for its cider brands, including Climb Hard, Patriot Press, Sweetheart, and Black Bear.

The roughly 6,000-square-foot building already has a commercial kitchen and outdoor patio space from its previous restaurant use. Sweet Heart plans to offer wine and cider, a full restaurant menu, weekend brunch, live music, and private events. Wine club members will also be able to pick up their orders at the Windsor location.

A Familiar Location for RainDance Residents

Anyone familiar with RainDance knows the building. It sits along Covered Bridge Parkway near the community's entrance and apple orchard, surrounded by neighborhoods where golf carts and low-speed vehicles are a common way to get around.

Sweet Heart is leaning into that setting rather than treating Windsor as another conventional winery location. Its website describes the property as the "living room of RainDance," with indoor and outdoor seating intended for residents and visitors alike.

Ted's Backyard Patio previously filled that role as a nearby restaurant, so the building isn't an entirely new addition to the neighborhood. What's changing is the concept. Sweet Heart is bringing its existing wine and cider business into the space, along with plans for dining and entertainment.

The opening will happen in stages. The original plan called for the taproom to begin serving drinks around the middle of October, with the kitchen following in December. Those are projected dates, and Sweet Heart has not announced a confirmed grand opening.

Find Sweet Heart Wine & Cider in Windsor on Google

Dining and Recreation Around RainDance

Sweet Heart won't be the only place to eat or spend an evening in the area. The Grainhouse at RainDance National Golf Course is open to the public and serves as the community's restaurant and sports bar. RainDance National also offers public golf, while Hoedown Hill operates seasonal recreation and events.

A short drive away, Water Valley has additional restaurants and recreational amenities, including the Sand Bar at Pelican Lakes. Downtown Windsor is another option for restaurants, breweries, and community events.

For residents of RainDance, though, the appeal of Sweet Heart is its location. Having another restaurant and taproom within the neighborhood means one less reason to drive elsewhere, particularly for people who already use golf carts to travel between nearby amenities.

What's Next for Sweet Heart in Windsor?

The next announcement to watch for is the taproom's official opening date. Once that portion is operating, the company plans to finish preparing the kitchen and expand into full restaurant service, including weekend brunch.

The Loveland winery will remain open, so existing customers won't need to change locations. Windsor will simply give Sweet Heart another place to serve its growing Northern Colorado customer base.

For people considering a move to RainDance or Water Valley, restaurants and recreation are only part of the picture. The communities also differ in their housing options, neighborhood layouts, and access to the rest of Windsor and Northern Colorado.

Premium Apartment Locators helps renters compare Windsor neighborhoods, available properties, and current leasing opportunities. The service is free to renters.