Colorado Wine Tasting
It’s difficult to have a conversation about the Centennial State and not mention its obvious breathtaking landscape. Colorado is well known for its mountain escapes, fresh air, and outdoor activity. Perhaps it’s the setting that makes this state one of the most enticing for winery up-and-comers. From the Front Range into the Western Slope, vineyards and wine-tasting rooms are cropping up in awe-inspiring regions throughout Colorado. If you’re looking for a Colorado wine-tasting adventure, this state certainly has plenty to offer.
Today, over 150 licensed wineries, including 20 cideries and 12 meaderies call the state of Colorado home.
While wine production is not as expansive as states like California, Washington, and New York, Colorado is growing steadily. In fact, it houses more than just a few award winning wineries and vineyards. To experience the full thrill of wine life, here’s a list of wine tasting places you should visit on your next trip to Colorado.
Colorado Wine Country
Colorado wine country isn’t generally the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of this state, but it’s time to change that. With “charming farm stands, vineyards, and stellar dining,” many wine enthusiasts are pleased to discover new flavors and product offers from a state most well-known for its outdoor adventures.
Winery Colorado Trip Planning
With so many options spread across a massive state, deciding where to go can be half the battle. Here are just a few stops you should put on your Colorado winery map:
Maison La Belle Vie Winery
The perks of visiting the western slope and the small towns that encompass it is the ease of access to all things wine-related. Maison La Belle Vie Winery, located in beautiful Palisade, boasts a number of top bottle picks including:
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
- Rosé
- Muscat
This western region winery also comes complete with its own tasting room, offering an experience that is both rustic and elegant. This tasting room also houses a bistro serving delicious food on an expansive outdoor patio. For more information on upcoming events and reservations, visit their website here.
The Winery At Holy Cross Abbey
Home of the highest suspension bridge in America the Royal Gorge in Cañon City, Colorado is definitely worth a visit. It’s also home to The Winery At Holy Cross Abbey is a winery that toasts over 100 awards and medals in prestigious international wine competitions. In fact, this specific winery was awarded 2019 “Winery of the Year” by the Colorado Association of Viticulture and Enology. From Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay to Riesling and Syrah, this winery really has it all.
Colorado wine tasting is not made complete without a visit to this central Colorado winery. Open daily, the tasting room provides an unforgettable experience. Picnicking is allowed, and dogs are welcome. For more information on making reservations and upcoming events, visit their website here.
Purgatory Cellars
Now heading to Parker, you’ll find an unforgettable Colorado wine tasting experience at Purgatory Cellars. Founded in 2014 by winemakers from Croatia, this winery has crafted bottles for White, Red, Dessert, Amphora, Sparkling, and Rosé style wines. Not only do they offer a plethora of options, they also won 6 medals at the prestigious 2018 Governor’s Cup. Its Castle Rock tasting room is now open, too.
Purgatory Cellars Winery has a cozy and enjoyable atmosphere that’s family-friendly. Check their website to plan your visit.
Hermosa Vineyards
Heading back to Colorado’s most western region, Palisade, you’ll find another beautiful local winery aptly named Palisade Winery and Vineyards. They focus on crafting the finest wine from grapes grown in the high mountain deserts. You can enjoy:
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Malbec
- Gewurztraminer
- Sauvignon Blanc
If you enjoy sun-filled days, cool nights, and mountain scenery of the upper Colorado River Basin, Hermosa Vineyards is worth a visit.
Varaison Vineyards and Winery
Venturing up the street is another fantastic local spot: Varaison Vineyards and Winery. This one got its start back in 2004 after transforming an old Victorian-style residential home originally built in 1904. The vineyard is noted to focus on wines of a particular style, while introducing new flavors, sensations, and knowledge to its guests.
Not only do patrons enjoy a full wine tasting experience, but the venue also offers wood-fired pizza on Friday nights ins the summer. This winery features a heritage rose garden, an event pavilion, a fire pit, a hearth, and a patio area. Additionally, reservations are made for both wine and dinner events serving up to 12 guests. Or try out the unique event of the offered Sip & Cycle Getaway Experience. For more information on upcoming events and reservations, visit the website here.
Claremont Inn & Winery
If you’re driving East outside of Denver, you may find yourself nearing this beautiful escape. Claremont Inn & Winery is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. This country estate offers the comforts of home away from home, and offers a customized experience that fits your next Colorado wine tasting adventure. There are also other offers for a truly unique escape including cooking classes, escape rooms, murder mystery parties, golfing, painting classes, and more.
Wine selections for the wine tasting room include selections from:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Red Blends
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Grigio
- Sangiovese
- Zinfandels
Visit the website to plan your trip.
Bookcliff Vineyards
Next on our list is capturing both the heart of Colorado as well as its western borders. Bookcliff Vineyards began with a ten acre peach orchard purchased in 1995. In time, it transformed into a vineyard that is now grown to bottle unique selections of Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, there are 37 acres of sprawling vines that house 14 different varieties including Graciano, Souzaoand regions of France and Germany.
Bookcliff Vineyards has two Colorado wine tasting rooms, one in Boulder and the other in Palisade. Take a guided tour and get behind the scenes of this vineyard and winery. For more information on upcoming tasting events and reservations, visit the website here.
The Infinite Monkey Theorem
An urban winery that is self professed “out of the back alleys of Denver,” Infinite Monkey Theorem one is sure to leave you awe-inspired. Named after a mathematical theorem, this winery is anything but traditional and one of the reasons that it is among our favorites. Its roots started growing back in 2008, the original grapes were harvested and made into a wine in the warehouse in an alley of one of Colorado’s most urban destinations. With a distinctive flare, each bottle is crafted with the end drinker in mind. Try out Cabernet Franc, Small Batch Malbec, Riesling, Syrah and many others including cider.
Taste the delicious notes that this Denver winery has to offer in favorite bottles, kegs, and canned wines.
Meadery Of The Rockies
As a brand created under its parent company Talon Wines, Meadery Of The Rockies is a special unique line of wines, focused on the highlight ingredient. Blends include Apricot Honey, Blackberry Honey, Chocolate Cherry, Honey Sheré, Peach Honey, and Sweet Honey. It’s no secret that this brand capitalizes on its use of locally produced and sourced ingredients surrounding the Palisade region. Described as crisp, refreshing, and “buzzing” with flavor, they use 100% pure, raw orange blossom honey in all wines. Each bottle ranges in sweetness and alcohol levels.
Stone Cottage Cellars
Stone Cottage Cellars is a family-owned operation in Palisade that brings the mountains to the table. Built from the ground up, this winery was built to savor every flavor.
Wine blends include:
- Gewurztraminer
- Petite Syrah
- Petit Verdot
- Merlot
- Pinot Gris
- Dessert wines
Visiting Stone Cottage Cellars on your Colorado wine tasting tour is sure to give your taste buds a thrill. It’s the ideal complement to an afternoon or evening meal.
Enjoy local cuisine at this wine tasting room. Perfect pairings include salmon, mountain-forage chanterelles, Colorado elk, Rocky Mountain trout, and locally sourced peaches.
Best Wine Tasting in Colorado
The best wine tasting in Colorado is enjoyed with family and friends. As a growing industry in the Centennial state, wine is certainly transforming how local purveyors approach vine to table offerings. This list is just your first taste.
Interested In Other Colorado Alcohol?
It doesn’t end at wine tasting. Check out our guides for:
