Colorado's Wine Country

Vineyards in Colorado are by far the highest in elevation in the U.S., and some of the highest vineyards in the world. In the Grand Valley area in Northwestern Colorado, most grape vines grow around 4,500 ft (1,400 m), and some vineyards in Delta County are located at almost 7,000 ft (2,100 m). By comparison, average plantings in Argentina are in the 2,000 ft (610 m) to 3,000 ft (910 m) range.

Colorado's wine community is geographically disparate. Award-winning wineries and vineyards are found throughout the state. There are Front Range tasting rooms in Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. But the majority of Colorado's vineyards are on the Western Slope.

There are two federally designated appellations in Colorado: the Grand Valley and West Elks American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). In the U.S, AVAs are approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), and are essential for conveying quality. A vineyard or winery must be located in, and acquire all its grapes from, an AVA, or it cannot label itself "Estate Bottled."

All the towns and AVAs mentioned above are included in various Wine Trails organized by the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board, a promotional entity funded by the state. The various Wine Trails can be driven or biked.

Vineyards in Colorado are mostly nestled in the temperate, high elevation river valleys and mesas of Mesa and Delta counties, with some acreage in Montezuma County.

Undoubtedly, the epicenter of Colorado's wine industry are Palisade and Grand Junction, which produce 85 to 95 percent of the state's grapes. The Rocky Mountains desert region around Palisade is irrigated by a series of canals connected to the Colorado River. The growing season is short compared to vineyards in California. But given Palisade's aridity, the grapes do not suffer the same mildew and blight problems of lower, wetter wine regions. This limits the use of pesticide spray applications.

The desert soil is a mixture of sand and clay, which drains easily so the vines do not sit in water. The temperature extremes are ideally suited to white wine grapes. Cool desert nights and hot, sunny days (augmented by high altitude ultra violet rays), bring out the natural acids and sugars in the wine grapes. This means that Palisade's wine makers have little difficulty producing the brix levels they want, with many Colorado wines at 15 percent alcohol or more. Warm air whistling through Debeque Canyon to the east of Palisade protect the grape vines in the spring months, while heat radiates off the neighboring Bookcliffs in the summertime. Winter temperatures in Colorado can be very cold, but in Palisade and Grand Junction it has never been less than −23 °F (−31 °C).

Located in Southwestern Colorado, the terroir of the West Elks AVA is fed by the North Fork of the Gunnison River. It encompasses an area between Delta, Montrose, Paonia and Hotchkiss. These are the nation's highest elevation vineyards, at 6,417 ft (1,956 m) above sea level, growing Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir. West Elks can by reached by driving south from Glenwood Springs, Hwy 133 over the beautiful McClure Pass; from Grand Junction, south on Hwy 50 to Delta, and east on Hwy 92; or from Montrose, north on Hwy 50 to Delta, then east on Hwy 92.

Low precipitation and canals allow West Elks growers to precisely control the water that feeds their grapes. However, cold winters lower the yields West Elks vineyards produce, growing less than one ton per acre, compared to about 3.5 tons in the Grand Valley AVA.

At least 95 percent of the state's vineyard acreage is planted in premium vitis vinifera varietals. The popularity of planted grape varietals in Colorado is, from greatest to least: Merlot, a tie between Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling, Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot noir, Cabernet Franc, Gewürztraminer, Viognier.

Many of the vines in Colorado are "own-rooted," or grown with their original root stock and not grafted onto different roots, a common practice in viticulture. This helps the grapes develop the original flavors and characteristics that these varieties have long been noted for.

Late March is usually when the fruit orchards blossom, with the days averaging about 60 °F (16 °C), the nights about 35 °F (2 °C). Spring tastings happen at many of the vineyards in April and May, and are accompanied by food and wine pairings. High season occurs during the summer months of June, July and August. Late summer can range around 90–100 °F (32–38 °C) in this desert biome, but is well worth the visit because the peaches and other fruit crops fill the fruit stands throughout the region. The West Elks AVA is best visited June–September, before the mountain passes become snowy. Autumn weather is mild and sunny during September, and the perfect time to visit. September is harvest time for the grapes, and home to Colorado Mountain Wine Fest, the official wine festival of the Colorado Association of Viticulture and Enology (CAVE). This increasingly popular four day festival is the Oktoberfest of Colorado's wine industry, so book your rooms early. It is the biggest event of the year in the Grand Valley, and hotel rooms fill quickly. The Wine Fest is accompanied by Tour de Vineyards, a bike-a-thon and chance to cycle to Palisade and Orchard Mesa wineries and sample the fare. The third week in September is also the height of the fall color season in Colorado, when the aspen and cottonwood trees change many brilliant colors of yellow, red and orange. October is a shoulder season where the weather is usually decent, but minus the crowds and high hotel prices. November through February are the slow months, when the Grand Valley shuts down for the winter. Bargain hunters can still book hotel rooms at drastically reduced prices, while a majority of the wineries and tasting rooms remain open. Be sure to call ahead, however. Western Colorado is home to an oil shale and natural gas boom, and many hotels are already full of energy workers needed to work the fields.

To sign up for a wine class or learn more about Colorado Wine, please visit this official link:

Western Colorado Research Center, A State-Funded Viticulture Program.

There are major airports in Denver and Grand Junction, and regional airports in Aspen, Vail and Telluride.

Denver International Airport, (DEN IATA). Commonly referred to as DIA. It is located about 20 miles to the east of downtown. Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all maintain hubs at the airport in Concourses A, B, and C respectively. Most other major domestic carriers also have service here.

Grand Junction Regional Airport, (GJT IATA), otherwise known as Walker Field, is served by five airlines with nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Salt Lake City. Some service is seasonal. For private pilots, it is also possible to fly your small plane into the airport and leave it while you tour the area. Taxi service is also available at the airport.

Sunshine Taxi, ☏ +1 970-245-8294.

Rental car agencies at Walker Field include:

Taxi service is also available at the airport.

Advantage Rent-A-Car, 2828 Walker Field Dr Grand Junction, ☏ +1 970-243-4469.

Alamo, ☏ +1 970-243-6626. Daily 7AM-11:15PM.

Avis, ☏ +1 970-244-9170. Su-F 8AM-10:30PM, Sa 8AM-8:30PM.

Hertz, ☏ +1 970-243-0747. Daily 7:30AM-11PM.

Vail/Eagle County Airport (EGE IATA). 20 minutes west of Vail in Eagle.

Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, (ASE IATA)), also known as Sardy Field. Major carriers to Aspen include United, American, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines. ASE is a small airport for small planes only, and traffic tends to stop in any inclement weather.

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX IATA), is just outside of town that offers commercial flights to Phoenix in the winter, and year-round service to Denver.

Montrose - US 50 runs east-west through town, from Grand Junction to the west and east to Gunnison and Pueblo. US 550 comes in from Albuquerque ending at the corner of Townsend Avenue and Main Street, in Montrose.

Grand Junction, Clifton and Palisade - Palisade and Grand Junction are on Interstate 70, about 40 minutes east of the Utah border and 4 hours west of Denver. From the South, (Telluride, Delta and Montrose), drivers can travel US 50 north.

Paonia - Paonia is 70 miles from Glenwood Springs on Highway 133. If you're in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or Curecanti National Recreation Area take Highway 92 north. From Grand Junction take Highway 50 southeast to Highway 92 east for a total of about 70 miles.

Amtrak serves nearby Grand Junction with the California Zephyr, which runs daily between Emeryville (in the San Francisco Bay Area) and Chicago. Amtrak and AAA partner to run several Wine Trains between Denver and Grand Junction each spring.

There is no train service to the communities in the West Elks AVA.

Grand Junction, Clifton and Palisade

Greyhound Bus Lines, 230 S 5th St, Grand Junction, ☏ +1 970-242-6012. But if you're without a car, you'll still need to hail a cab to the vineyards.

Delta

Greyhound Bus Lines, 301 Main Street, Delta, ☏ +1 970-874-9455.

Montrose

Greyhound Bus Lines, 1360 North Townsend, Montrose, ☏ +1 970-249-6673.

Palisade to Grand Junction The wineries are clustered in the town of Palisade and on Orchard Mesa. After your tour, follow Interstate 70 along the Colorado River from Palisade to the foot of the spectacular Colorado National Monument just west of Grand Junction.

Delta, Montrose, Paonia & Hotchkiss Follow US 92 west along the Gunnison River. Turn north on US 65 and stop at the wineries along Surface Creek, on the south slope of Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world. Or, travel along the North Fork of the Gunnison River on US 92 east out of Delta and then US 133. This will take you to Hotchkiss and Paonia, where you will find yourself in the West Elks AVA.

Canyon Wind Cellars, 3907 North River Rd Palisade (From I-70 East or West, take exit 44 US 6. Make a slight right at Rapid Creek Rd/North River Rd. Continue to follow North River Rd. Destination will be on the left.), ☏ +1 970-464-0888. Grapes: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot. One of the best wineries in the area, founded by a geologist who traveled five continents to find the right terroir for his vineyard.

Carlson Vineyards, 461 35 Rd · Palisade (From I-70 East or West, Take Exit 44/US 6. Left on 38 Rd at East Orchard Mesa sign. Winery is on the right.), toll-free: +1-888-464-5554. Grapes: Lemberger, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer. Fruit Wine: Cherry, Peach, Plum. Dessert Wines: Muscat, Cherry & Chocolate. Laid back, funky atmosphere with playful wine names: T-Red (a Lemberger named after the Grand Valley's dinosaur heritage) and Prairie Dog Blush. "No wine snobs" is their motto.

Colorado Cellars Winery, 3553 E Rd Palisade (From I-70 East or West, take Exit 44/ US 6. Follow the Wine Trail signs through town to Orchard Mesa and E Rd. Winery will be on the left.), ☏ +1 970-464-7921, toll-free: +1-800-848-2812. Grapes: White Zinfandel, Riesling, Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit wines: Cherry, Plum, Blackberry, Chokecherry, Peach, Raspberry, Elderberry, Pomegranate. Other: Champagne, Mead, Port. Founded in 1978 as Colorado Mountain Vineyards, this is Colorado's oldest and largest winery. Manicured grounds and a pleasant tasting room.

DeBeque Canyon Winery, 144 Kluge St Bldg 3 Palisade (From I-70, East or West, take Exit 42 toward Palisade. Turn left at 37 3/10 Rd (signs for Palisade). Turn left at W 1st St/G 4/10 Rd Turn right at Kluge Ave Destination will be on the right.), ☏ +1 970-464-0550. Grapes: Chardonnay, Gerwürztraminer, Merlot, Viognier, Tempranillo, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon. Dessert wines: Claret, Port. Situated in a rustic, log-faced store front in the mouth of DeBeque Canyon, this winery offers a down home, personable tasting experience.

Desert Moon Vineyards (take the Arrapahoe Exit from I-25, go left (if going south) or right if going north, and make a right hand turn on Peoria St. (you'll see Centennial Airport sign), then you'll pass the airport and soon come a sign at a stoplight- Adam Aircraft Rd., make a right here then a left onto Jamison Court, Unit 12), ☏ +1 303-884-5044. Tasting room: W-Sa noon-6PM, Su noon-5PM. Desert Moon Vineyards tasting room & winery is open to the public in Englewood, CO (the Front Range). The vineyards are still in Palisade, but tours are not offered there. Grapes: Merlot, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Altitude red blend, Shiver ice wine, and Cab Sav/Merlot blend Fireside Ruby Port.

Garfield Estates Vineyard & Winery, 3572 G Rd Palisade (from I-70 East or West, take Palisade Exit 42; turn south onto Elberta/CR-37.30 and travel one mile to G Rd/US 6; turn right and go west for 1/2 mile, turn right onto G Rd and cross over the railroad tracks; vineyard is on the right.), ☏ +1 970-464-0941. Grapes: Semillon, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah. A gravel yard, green roofed barn and neatly-stacked wine barrels at this winery. Tours include a walk through the winery and crush pad, where they will tell you about their vineyard, harvest and winemaking processes.

Grande River Vineyards, 787 Elberta Ave Palisade (From I-70 East or West, take Palisade Exit 42. The winery will be on the immediate right.), ☏ +1 970-464-5867. Grapes: Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon. Awesome summer concert series of folk, rock and jazz on the back lawn makes this winery well worth the trip. Convenient location just off I-70 for travelers who don't have time to fully explore Colorado's Wine Country.

Graystone Winery, 3352 F Rd Clifton (from I-70 East or West, take Exit 37 and turn left at the first intersection, the tasting room and gift shop are one mile on US 6 East), ☏ +1 970-434-8610. Other: Port. A good stop for horse lovers and port, since this winery celebrates both.

Hermosa Vineyards, 3269 3/4 C Rd Palisade, ☏ +1 970-434-8766. Wholesale only, no tasting room at this time. Grapes: Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvingnon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Riesling.

Meadery of the Rockies, 3701 G Rd, Palisade (From I-70 East or West, take Palisade Exit 42. Turn south onto Elberta/CR-37.30 until it intersects with US 6/G Rd. The meadery will be in front of you.), ☏ +1 970-464-7899. Other: Dry, medium sweet and semi-sweet meads. Fruit meads: Blackberry, strawberry, cherry, peach, raspberry. A snowy white gazebo and covered front porch complement this Medieval tasting experience.

Mesa Park Vineyards, 3321 C Road, Palisade (Turn left at C Rd. Destination will be on the right. Grapes: Cabernet Franc.), ☏ +1 970-434-4191. Grapes: Cabernet Franc. The winery's owners, the Neals, are 4th and 5th generation Western Colorado farmers. A latticed front porch, plus polished wood counters and wine racks in the tasting room.

Plum Creek Cellars, 3708 G Rd Palisade (From I-70 East or West, take Palisade Exit 42. Turn SOUTH onto Elberta/CR-37.30 until it intersects with US 6/G Rd. Turn right. Winery will be on the right.), ☏ +1 970 464-7586. Grapes: Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvingnon, Syrah, Sangiovese, Riesling. In front of the winery, local artist Lyle Nichols has built a giant rooster out of rusty tractor parts and other farm implements. Enjoy a high ceilinged, Tuscan-style tasting room with granite counters.

Ptarmigan Vineyards, 221 31 3/10 Rd Grand Junction (From CO Hwy 141 turn west on B Rd. Drive one mile then turn north on 31 3/10 Rd.), ☏ +1 970-434-2015. Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Port, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, Riesling. Owners are big believers in minimal pesticides, hand picking the fruit as well as sustainable viticulture.

Reeder Mesa Vineyards, 7799 Reeder Mesa Road Whitewater (Take Hwy. 50 South to town of Whitewater and go just past fruit stand. Turn left on Reeder Mesa Rd (at the wine bottle sign) and go 8 miles. Turn right at the sign onto a gravel road. The winery/tasting room is in the first building.), ☏ +1 970-242-7468. Grapes: Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Merlot. Wine bottle shaped signs mark the way into this vineyard. Back porch with patio tables for relaxing and taking in views of the surrounding mesas.

St. Kathryn Cellars Winery & Gift Shop, 785 Elberta Ave Palisade (From I-70 East or West, take Palisade Exit 42. The winery will be on the immediate right.), ☏ +1 970-464-9288. Grapes: Chardonnay, Merlot. Fruit wine: Apple, pear, strawberry-rhubarb, blueberry, cranberry. This place takes the whole "My mother was a saint" thing seriously. The winery is named after the original owner's mother, Kathryn. Large yellow Victorian building within walking distance of Grande River's tasting room. Both are easy stops off I-70 for those pressed for time who still want to sample Colorado wines. St Kathryn offers one of the largest wine gift shops in the region.

Varaision Vineyards and Winery, 405 W. 1st St Palisade (From I-70 East or West, take Palisade Exit 42. Turn left on First Street. Winery will be on the right.), ☏ +1 970-464-4928. Grapes: Chardonnay, Merlot. Dessert wines: Muscat. Other: Champagne. Historic Victorian gingerbread house on a street lined with fine old homes. Visitors are greeted by a veranda and an heirloom rose garden. Inside, the floors are all polished pine wood. An old-timey cash register sits on the tasting bar.

Whitewater Hill Vineyards, 220 32 Rd Grand Junction (32 Rd (Hwy 141) 3.5 miles south from I-70 Business loop in Clifton OR 32 Rd (US 141) 1.5 miles north from US 50), ☏ +1 970-434-6868. Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot, Riesling. Other: Port. Large windows with views of the mesas frame the tasting bar. There are benches, tables and chairs surrounded by a low brick wall on the back patio.

Alfred Eames Cellars at Puesta del Sol Vineyards, 11931 4050 Rd, Paonia (From I-70 East or West, take exit 116 for US 82 East toward Aspen. Turn right at CO-82/Laurel St. Turn right at CO-133. Turn left at CO-187. Continue on Grand Ave. Turn left at 1st St. Turn right at Lamborn Mesa Rd. Continue on 4100 Rd. Slight right at N25 Rd. Slight left at 4050 Rd.), ☏ +1 970-527-3269. Visitors welcome by appointment. Grapes: Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangre del Sol, Syrah. The winery boasts a cozy vaulted aging room worthy of California or France.

Black Bridge Winery, 15836 Black Bridge Rd, Paonia (just northeast of Paonia on US 133), ☏ +1 970-527-6838. Grapes: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon. Named for a historic bridge over the Gunnison River outside the winery's front door. The structural steel framework in their wine cave was salvaged from a local mining operation.

Black Canyon Vineyards, 1102 3000 Rd Hotchkiss (From I-70 East or West, take Exit 37. Merge onto CO-141. Turn left at 32 Rd/CO-141. Turn left at CO-141/CO-50. Continue to follow CO-50 for 32 miles. Continue on N Main St/US-50. Turn left at CO-92. Turn left at Payne Siding Rd. Turn left to stay on Payne Siding Rd. Turn right at North Rd/Sage Rd. Turn left at North Rd. Turn right at 3000 Rd. Winery is on the left.), ☏ +1 970-872-4250. Grapes: Riesling. The vineyards are within sight of the Gunnison Gorge, which lies just below the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Blossomwood Cidery, 794 North East Indian Camp Ave.Cedaredge (From the intersection of US 65 and Main St in Cedaredge, go north and take a right onto Indian Camp Ave. The cidery is on the left.), ☏ +1 970-856-3220. Other: Hard cider and Perry. Located in an old farm house in the Surface Creek Valley of Western Colorado, minutes from the Grand Mesa. An unusual chance to drink fermented pear juice.

Cottonwood Cellars (Tasting Room), 443 East Main St Montrose (From Grand Junction, head South on US 50. Turns into North Main St. Continue on North Townsend Ave. Turn left at CO-90. Continue to follow East Main St/US 50. Make a U-turn at South Uncompahgre Ave. Winery is on the right.), ☏ +1 970-275-6602. Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Lemberger, Pinot Noir. Other: Claret. On Main Street in historic downtown Montrose, the winery is in the middle of an art gallery. Exposed brick walls and original artwork make this a memorable visit.

Cottonwood Cellars/The Olathe Winery, 5482 Hwy 348, Olathe (US 50 to Olathe, west on US 348), ☏ +1 970-323-6224. (Cottonwood Cellars produces the label for the Olathe Winery). Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Lemberger, Pinot Noir. Other: Claret. A prefab building with beveled glass front doors, the simple setting belies the great wine to be tasted inside.

Delicious Orchards Organic Tasting Room & Market, 39126 Hwy 133 Paonia (From Grand Junction, head South on US 50. Turns into North Main Street. Continue on North Townsend Ave. Turn left at CO-92. Slight left at CO-133. Turn left at Bowie Rd.), ☏ +1 970-527-1110. (Remote tasting room for Jack Rabbit Hill). Grapes: Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc. Natural foods store and cider house smells more like apples than wine. Try the fresh produce while tasting.

Jack Rabbit Hill, 26567 North Rd Hotchkiss (From I-70 East or West, take Exit 37. Merge onto CO-141. Turn left at 32 Rd/CO-141. Turn left at CO-141/CO-50. Continue to follow CO-50. Continue on N Main St/US-50. Turn left at CO-92. Turn left at Payne Siding Rd. Keep left to stay on Payne Siding Rd. Turn right at North Rd/Sage Rd. Turn left at North Rd. Winery is on the left.), ☏ +1 970-835-3677. Grapes: Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc. The owners are true believers about creating organic wines, using biodynamic methods of composting. An idyllic mountain vineyard with the West Elks Range as a backdrop.

Leroux Creek Vineyards, 12388 3100 Rd, Hotchkiss (from I-70 East or West, take Exit 37; merge onto CO-141; turn left at 32 Rd/CO-141; turn left at CO-141/CO-50; continue to follow CO-50; continue on N Main St/US-50; turn left at CO-92; look for the blue sign), ☏ +1 970-872-4746. Grapes: Chambourcin, Cayuga, Chardonnay. Other: Port, Cherry, Rose. Luxurious bed and breakfast and restaurant make this a complete wine experience.

Mountain View Winery, 5859 58.25 Rd, Olathe (from I-70 East or West, take Exit 37; merge onto CO-141; turn left at 32 Rd/CO-141; turn left at CO-141/CO-50; continue on N Main St/US-50; turn right at West 5th St/CO-348; continue to follow CO-348; turn right at 58 Rd/5800 Rd.; winery is on the left), ☏ +1 970-323-6816. Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay. Fruit wines: Wild plum, cherry, apple raspberry, sweet apple. Dessert wines: Cherry Port. Winery sits on 4th generation orchard and vineyard. In the fall, let the kids run amok in a corn maze.

Red Mountain Ranches, 19458 Hwy 65 Cedaredge (from I-70 East or West, take Exit 49 for CO-65 South toward CO-330 East/Collbran; turn left at CO-65 (signs for CO-65 South); winery is on the right), ☏ +1 970-856-3803. (Remote tasting room for Stoney Mesa Winery). Grapes: Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat. A fruit market with exposed wood beams and well tended flower beds out front. Offers regional fresh fruits and vegetables, and hundreds of Colorado-made specialty foods.

Stone Cottage Cellars, 41716 reds Rd, Paonia (From Grand Junction, head south on US 50 37.5 miles, which turns into North Main St.; continue on North Townsend Ave.; turn left at CO-92; slight left at CO-133; turn left at Garvin Mesa Rd.; turn left at R Rd.), ☏ +1 970-527-3444. Grapes: Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Gewurztraminer. The winery and outbuildings are constructed of local field stone, giving the place an established European ambiance.

Stoney Mesa Winery, 16199 Happy Hollow Rd Cedaredge (from I-70 East or West, take Exit 37; merge onto 70/CO-141; turn left at 32 Rd/CO-141; turn left at CO-141/CO-50; continue to follow CO-50; continue on N Main St/US-50; turn left at CO-92; turn left at CO-65; turn left at SW 11th Ave.; turn left at Happy Hollow Rd.; winery is on the right), ☏ +1 970-856-WINE (9463). Grapes: Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat. You are greeted by rounded, solid oak doors and a relaxed tasting room. Tours available.

Surface Creek Winery, 12983 Hwy 65, Eckert (from I-70 East or West, take Exit 37; merge onto 70/CO-141; turn left at 32 Rd/CO-141; turn left at CO-141/CO-50; continue to follow CO-50. Continue on N Main St/US-50. Turn left at 1550 Rd.; turn right at I Rd.; continue on 1825 Dr.; turn right at North Rd.; turn left at 2025 Dr.; turn right at 2030 Ln.), ☏ +1 970-835-WINE (9463). Grapes: Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer. Fruit wines: Cherry. Located in an old stone building, the tasting room is also home to the Surface Creek Gallery, which features the original works of watercolorist, Dale Russell Smith.

Terror Creek Winery, 17445 Garvin Mesa Rd Paonia (from Grand Junction, head south on US 50; turns into North Main St.; continue on North Townsend Ave.; turn left at CO-92; slight left at CO-133; turn left at Garvin Mesa Rd.; winery is on the right), ☏ +1 970-527-3484. Grapes: Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Noir. This small family-owned winery overlooks the North Fork Valley from Garvin Mesa. Terror Creek offers visitors a chance to savor Alsatian-style wines.

This is strictly a list of wine events; there are many great food festivals in Colorado, as well:

April Taste of Vail, Palisade “Barrel Into Spring” Barrel Tasting (first weekend)

May Palisade “Barrel Into Spring” Barrel Tasting (second weekend)

June Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival, Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Telluride Wine Festival, Boulder Food and Wine Festival

July Castle Rock WineFest

August Taste of Grand County Wine, Mesa Verde Country Wine & Art Festival, Corks & Forks in Westminster

September Snowmass Wine Festival, Vino & Notes - A Wine, Food & Jazz Festival in Woodland Park, Colorado Mountain Winefest in Palisade

November Denver International Wine Festival

In addition to art galleries throughout the region, Colorado's Wine Country is also home to several unique art centers, museums, theater troupes, orchestras and concert halls.

Leroux Creek Inn & Vineyards, 12388 3100 Rd ~ Hotchkiss, ☏ +1 970-872-4746. Adobe-style inn offers peace and seclusion in the middle of 47 acres of private land. Views of the surrounding vineyard, West Elk mountains, canyons and mesas. Continental breakfast prepared with fresh fruit from the organic farms of Delta County. Restaurant serves classic French cuisine made with local ingredients. Southwestern-style rooms.

Smith Fork Ranch, 45362 Needle Rock Rd Crawford, ☏ +1 970-921-3454. High end, secluded mountain retreat straddling the Smith Fork River valley, midway between Aspen and Telluride. Rustic rooms with alpine views. Cuisine using local organically grown vegetables, fruits, poultry and regional game. Fly fishing, stable, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Two Rivers Winery, 2087 Bdwy Grand Junction, ☏ +1 970-255-1471. French chateau-style stone mansion in its own vineyards with views of the Bookcliffs, Grand Mesa and Colorado National Monument. Tasting room, small bed and breakfast of eight rooms.

Colorado Wine Country Inn, 777 Grande River Dr Palisade (just off Interstate 70 Exit 42; take a short drive just west of Grande River Vineyards), toll-free: +1-888-855-8330. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Colorado’s first wine-themed hotel in Palisade. Stroll through the working vineyards that surround the inn, an 80-room Victorian style hotel, which sits in the middle of two wineries with 21 acres of vines.

Mt. Garfield Bed and Breakfast, 3355 F. Road, Clifton (2 miles off the I-70 at Clifton Exit), ☏ +1 970-314-7744. Check-in: 4-6PM, check-out: 11AM. Nestled amongst a 7-acre Peach Orchard, this B & B provides 4 large private rooms all with private bathrooms, queen size memory foam beds, full breakfasts every morning. Very private. Come visit with "Kookie" the 23 yr old cockatoo bird and many other animals on the place. Or, have your picture taken with "Miss T" the 1914 Ford model T, and take a ride if she is running the day of your stay! Views of Mt. Garfield, The Grand Mesa and Orchard Mesa all around this property. Peaceful and serene is what you will find here. Wineries are walking distance or a very short drive down the road from this B & B. 139.00-179.00.

Palisade Wine Valley Inn, 588 W. 1st St Palisade, ☏ +1 970-464-1498. Victorian gingerbread house within walking distance of fruit stands, wineries and downtown Palisade. An interesting chance to learn more about the town, since this bed and breakfast is run by the current mayor and his wife. Large spa set in a garden, bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Grapevines grow along a fence in the cloistered backyard.

Canyon Creek Bed & Breakfast, 820 Main St, Montrose, ☏ +1 970-249-2886. Convenient Main Street location in an old farmhouse. Social setting since this bed and breakfast also has a cocktail lounge. Massages available with reservations. Sunny, coffee-colored rooms with ensuite bathrooms and flat panel TVs.

1 Bross Hotel, 312 Onarga St Paonia, ☏ +1 970-527-6776, innkeeper@brosshotel.com. An authentic 100-year-old lodging, the Bross was opened in 1906 by Deputy Sheriff W. T. Bross. At the time it was considered "the only really first-class hotel in the county". Homemade quilts on the beds. Ask about the Ghost Room, haunted by the friendly ghost of Mother Bross. Breakfast is served at 8:30 or 9:30AM. (updated Mar 2026)

2 Willow Pond Bed & Breakfast, 662 26 Rd, Grand Junction, Co 81506, ☏ +1 970-243-4958. Check-in: 4-6PM, check-out: 11AM. Located on the Western Slope in Grand Junction, Colorado, Willow Pond B&B is a beautiful 1916 farmhouse offering eco-friendly lodging with pastoral views, an old willow tree and a little pond. Willow Pond B&B is a venue for Grand Valley artists and musicians to offer their talents. Locally made paintings, ceramics, photography, handmade crafts, soaps and music CDs are available at the inn. Willow Pond Bed and Breakfast features monthly musical house concerts, gourmet cooking classes, and special vacation packages. 115-165.

Most hotels and coffee shops throughout the region offer wireless Wi-Fi access. But if you don't have a computer, try the public libraries.

Mesa County Public Library, 530 Grand Ave Grand Junction, ☏ +1 970-243-4783.

Montrose Public Library, 320 South 2nd St Montrose, ☏ +1 970-249-9656.

Delta County Public Library, 211 W 6th St Delta, ☏ +1 970-874-9630.

Cedaredge Public Library, 180 SW 6th St Cedaredge, ☏ +1 970-856-3518.

Hotchkiss Public Library, 1st and Main St Hotchkiss, ☏ +1 970-872-4153.

Paonia Public Library, 140 Grand Ave 81428, ☏ +1 970-527-3470.

Crawford Public Library, 545 Hwy 92 Crawford, ☏ +1 970-921-3500.