Southern Utah is world-renowned for its sweeping red rock landscapes and iconic National Parks, but entrepreneur Doug McCombs saw potential for a different kind of attraction: reviving a forgotten local legacy. Though the region once hosted a thriving wine industry, it hadn’t seen an active winery since the 1860s. Recognizing that the climate offered excellent agricultural potential — and that millions of annual tourists represented a massive economic opportunity — McCombs spent the last decade building what has become Utah’s oldest and largest winery.

McCombs, who spent his career in the Las Vegas hotel casinos business, officially launched I/G Winery in 2012 inside a converted cottage in downtown Cedar City and began to create Utah’s early wine scene. By 2017, demand had grown to the point that the winery relocated to its current 3,600-square-foot facility on Center Street.

Because of his reputation as a winery expert, McCombs was hired by a friend to revitalize a neglected vineyard, where he introduced new grape varietals to Utah. The risks paid off immediately, and in 2018 began yielding award-winning wines produced from that vineyard in its first year of production.

Strategic financial products have been crucial to I/G Winery’s trajectory. An initial U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan in 2011 provided the vital capital McCombs needed to get off the ground. Years later, in 2025, an SBA-backed loan through Zions Bank allowed him to secure full ownership of the business.

Today, I/G Winery sources its grapes from a contracted vineyard in Rockville, Utah, as well as from premium growers in Washington, California and Oregon. While wine makes up about 70% of the product mix, the business now offers a diverse selection of craft cocktails and premium beverages.

I/G Winery features a tasting room and retail spac featuring wine flights, cocktails, and curated pairings. It serves as a vibrant hub for both tourists and locals drawing in travelers from nearby national parks while engaging the local community through regular events and a dedicated wine club.

Utah’s first winery has been a transformative force in rebuilding Utah’s broader wine industry. When I/G Winery first launched, Southern Utah had no productive vineyards. Today, thanks to the groundwork McCombs laid, the region boasts five additional wineries and over 30 acres of actively cultivated vineyards.

“Utah is finally starting to recognize the wine business for its potential to contribute to tourism,” McCombs notes.

Recognizing that a thriving, robust wine industry benefits the entire region, he founded the Utah Wine Festival and the Utah Wine Trail to boost regional tourism and support neighboring businesses. He also serves as an original member of the Utah Viticultural Association, which promotes vineyard planting and fosters educational partnerships with Utah State University.

With plans already underway to open a second location in St. George, McCombs and his team continue to prove that you can honor a region's historical roots while investing heavily in its economic future.

Looking for a bank that’s invested in your future and can help you reach your financial goals? Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can provide small business success strategies as well as funding options, including U.S. Small Business Administration loans. Visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more.