Grand Valley Wine

In the heart of Colorado lies the Grand Valley Wine Country. The lush soils of Palisade and Grand Junction, stretch across the Western Slope’s Grand Valley in an idyllic vacation destination.

About Grand Valley Wine Country

This Colorado mountain desert region rests at 4,700 feet, with the sun shining nearly 300 days a year and cool nights creating the model microclimate for growing balanced and flavorful wine grapes. As more Colorado vintners polish the fickle art of wine production, the rest of the country is starting to take notice. In fact, TripAdvisor named Palisade, Colorado (Grand Valley Wine) in their “Top 10 Best Wine Destinations in the U.S.,” marking the only noncoastal wine region on the list. Air Charter Service also recently featured Colorado in their take on the Top US Wine Tours to experience — the region is clearly a favorite.

The Grand Valley Wine Region and its dozens of wineries, in-depth wine tours, and welcoming tasting rooms are a wonderful respite for those seeking a luxury weekend getaway. Travel around Colorado’s oldest and largest AVA (American Viticulture Area) and learn about histories, traditions, and innovations from experienced and dedicated wine lovers.

Area vineyards produce impressive Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, cabernet francs, merlots, cabernet sauvignon, Shiraz, and additional German-inspired wines. Bountiful local orchards lend to an abundance of mead and amazing fruit wines.

Hop from traditional vineyards to boutique wineries by car, limo, or bicycle to taste various varietals. Some wineries rent cruiser bikes so you can pedal and tour at your own cadence. You may discover your new favorite wine was grown in Colorado.

Wine Events

Grand Valley wineries also host spectacular year-round events, including:

• Hear it Through the Grapevine Concert Series
• Colorado Mountain Winefest
• Barrel Into Spring Wine Tasting weekends and special wine dinners.
• Live in the Grapevines Summer Concert Series at Grande River Vineyards, Palisade.

Successful vineyards come with elevated culinary experiences. Dine at sophisticated bistros and savor modern American dishes designed around seasonal, locally grown produce from Palisade and Grand Junction family farms.

When you’re not busy wining and dining, tour downtown Grand Junction’s art galleries and shops, stop into Palisade’s locally-owned coffee shops and bakeries, and visit pick-your-own fruit stands and markets. Set out on an adventure to hike and bike the gorgeous Colorado landscape or raft the scenic Colorado River.

For more luxury wine-focused U.S. travel ideas, visit some of the Top U.S. Wine Tours as seen here.

by Kathleen Fitzsimmons