Colorado's Wine Country
Photo: (WT-en) WineCountryInn at English Wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
While many Colorado visitors enjoy the state's Alpine skiing and other mountain activities, only a lucky few have discovered the area's Wine tourism. And yet Colorado is home to over 80 wineries and the highest altitude vineyards in the U.S. Trips to this wine region are usually one or two day jaunts, and combine easily with any Colorado itinerary. It can be a welcome respite from skiing or mountain biking, a slower paced end to any frenetic trip. Most of the wineries are family friendly, so don't be afraid to bring the kids. Like the rest of Colorado, wine country is fairly laid-back and unstuffy.
UnderstandA visit to wine country is an indulgence of the senses. Savor complex flavors at a spring barrel tasting. Smell the bouquet and aroma of a Colorado Pinot Noir.
Get inTo visit the wine country, wine lovers are going to have fly and/or drive.
Get aroundThe Grand Valley's roads were originally designated by how many miles they were from the Utah border to the West.
See
DoTour the wineries and sample the vintages in a casual atmosphere complemented by mountain or desert scenery. The free tours and tastings are laid back, informative and family friendly.
BuyIt is not necessary to have visited a Colorado winery prior to ordering wine to be shipped.
EatColorado's Wine Country is home to many succulent local foods: Sweet corn from Olathe, peaches from Palisade, as well as cherries, apples, apricots, plums, pears and honey.
DrinkDon't just drink wine; look, smell, taste, savor, learn and enjoy. Tasting wines is an adventure that will grow your appreciation for both wines and winemakers.
SleepYour visit can include a stay at any number of comfortable hotels, inns or area bed & breakfasts. Other than Montrose and Grand Junction, hotels are few and far between in the more sparsely populated parts of the region.
ConnectMost hotels and coffee shops throughout the region offer wireless Wi-Fi access. But if you don't have a computer, try the public libraries.
Cope
Stay safeThe rural communities in Colorado's Wine Country are relatively safe compared to the Front Range.
Go nextWine tasting easily combines with any Colorado itinerary. After seeing the wine country, drive to Telluride, Aspen or Vail.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Colorado's Wine Country" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: (WT-en) WineCountryInn at English Wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons