Visit Colorado Wine Country this Fall
I know it’s still hot outside, but it’s time to book that fall wine getaway. How about a bike ride through vineyards heavy-laden with grapes or a horse-drawn carriage wine tour? What about a vineyard tour with the winemaker? All of this and more is available in Western Colorado—you just have to know where to go.
Photo by Lisa Levy Kral
PALISADE, COLORADO
Palisade is widely known for its peaches, but it’s a major hotspot for Colorado wine. It's also home to the state’s most prestigious wine event, Colorado Mountain Winefest.
We’ve toured many of Mesa County’s wineries, mostly by car and on foot, but there are more unique ways to be transported between wineries. One of the most delightful ways is by horse and carriage through JR’s Carriage Services.
“From start to finish, this was one of the best experiences we’ve had visiting some of the most amazing wineries located in Palisade,” says Lisa Levy Kral, a new Palisade resident and an aspiring photog. “We will definitely be doing this again, as they also offer pub crawls in Grand Junction, sunset tours in Palisade, customized fruit and orchard tours which can include art galleries, and downtown Grand Junction tours.”
Photo by Lisa Levy Kral
JR’s tours are customized to fit each group’s needs and can include a stop for lunch or, as in the case of Levy’s outing, a stop at Sprig & Sprouts, a lavender farm.
The 25th annual Colorado Mountain Winefest takes place in Palisade on September 15-18, 2016, and represents an opportunity to taste, learn, and be entertained.
For more information on Palisade go to VisitPalisade.com.
Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
NORTH FORK VALLEY, DELTA COUNTY, COLORADO
Delta County is a bountiful area that is still a bit of a secret, although the word has slowly been getting out. The word has also been getting out about the delicious wine in this area, partly because I keep writing about it.
I adore this part of Colorado because it is home to orchards, small farms, ranches, and vineyards. Visitors can stay at places like Leroux Creek Inn & Vineyards in Hotchkiss, where proprietor Yvon Gros delights guests with his wine, food, and flock of ducks.
Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
In Paonia, visitors can hop on an electric bike from Cirque Cyclery and take a tour of area wineries and farms.
Mountain Harvest Festival, September 22-25, 2016, is a wonderful way to experience the agricultural and artistic offerings in the region. Don’t miss the Grape Stomp from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday during the event.
For more information on the North Fork Valley visit DeltaCountyColorado.com.
