Colorado’s Wine Scene: Grand Valley AVA is worth the Visit.
By Charalotte Hardy, CTA
Hello wine & travel friends!
Colorado has been known for it’s craft beer scene for many years. Well, now my friends, I’m here to tell you that Colorado has an up and coming wine scene. New wineries are popping up all along the Front Range and western slope. Colorado has two official AVA’s (American Viticulture Area): West Elks and Grand Valley. There’s a lot of delightful wines being produced right here in our own backyard. No need to go to Napa and Sonoma. (Just kidding…If you love wine, visiting the wineries of Napa and Sonoma are still a bucket list experience.) 
Having been to Napa and Sonoma, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Colorado wines. My friends, I was blown away. Palisade and Grand Junction not only have note worthy wineries, but a thriving foodie scene with magnificent views of the Bookcliffs. The Grand Valley is situated at an altitude 4000 ft, runs along the Colorado river which provides breezes to help regulate temperatures and the Bookcliffs reflect solar energy to the vines. They’ve been growing fabulous fruit and grapes since the late 1800’s. You’ll find wine made from traditional French and German grape varieties, cold hardy hybrids and some wineries are experimenting with Spanish and Portuguese varieties.
Here’s a few of my favorites.
Colorado Vintners & Cliff Dweller Wine Co. https://coloradovintners.com/:
Located near downtown Palisade. They have a fabulous patio looking out to the Bookcliffs. The winemaker, Richard, has impressive wine making experience that started in Australia, includes France and Napa before settling in Colorado. Wines to try: Escalante Red Blend, War Cry Cab. Franc and their frozen Ghostdance Rose is perfect for a hot day.
The Peachfork https://www.peachfork.com/ :
Located on the Palisade Plateau, surrounded by orchards. They have a great outdoor area for enjoying their wine and a picnic. They offer ‘off the beaten path’ wines, including fruit wines. Wines to try: Chambourcin, Blaufränkisch, Syrah port style wine.
Maison La Belle Vie https://maisonlabellevie.com/ :
Located in the Palisade area. They have a lovely tasting room, patio with fabulous views and many tasty treats.
Wines to try: Marechal Foch, the Reserve Cab, sweet wines Vin de Peche and Vin de Noir
Their foodie scene is fantastic as well. My suggestions for where to eat. 
13 Brix Cider Bistro https://www.13brixciderbistro.com/
Located in downtown Palisade. They offer cider flights and delightful comfort food. I enjoyed their Blueberry Lavender hard cider with my Ruben. So yummy!
626 on Rood https://www.626onrood.com/
Located in Grand Junction. I love their quirky décor, especially the wine glass chandeliers. They serve a fabulous selection of wines by the glass, bottle or as a flight. I was excited to experience their quirky twist on typical fine dining dishes like their Blue Cheese Garlic Escargots (so amazing!) and their Cheese & Charcuterie board included elk sausage and a fantastic chicken liver mousse pate. I hear their Wagyu Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger is phenomenal. It’s next on my list to try next time I’m in Grand Junction.
Feel inspired? I recommend attending one of their many wine events.
Barrel into Spring, a fabulous wine event in Palisade and Grand Junction. (https://www.winecolorado.org/barrel-into-spring/ Limited tickets are still available!) You can choose to attend either a weekend in April or May. Two days, eight wineries, fabulous nibbles and wine tastings straight from the barrel. It’s a great wine experience in the heart of our very own wine appellation. It’s a must do event for wine lovers.
Colorado Mountain Wine Festival (https://coloradowinefest.com/ ) Palisade. A one day event in September that completes their Wine Week events. This festival features 40+ Colorado wineries, breweries and distilleries, food and live music. I sadly have not attended this event yet, but it is certainly on my Bucket List.
Meandering along the county roads in the Grand Valley AVA, there are many small wineries nestled among the orchards that I have yet to experience. I could spend a week there and still not experience all of their wonderful wineries and foodie hangouts. Sounds like a fabulous challenge, doesn’t it? Who’s in?
Cheers!
Charalotte Hardy, CTA
Wine, Travel, Food Adventures
Europe Travel Specialist, Ocean and River Cruise Specialist,
Global Enotourism Specialist, WSET Level 2 Wine Specialist