Palisade, Colorado – Fruit Basket & Wine Region
Vacationing in Wine Country – Palisade, CO
Aug 30, 2009
Located on the Western Slope region of Colorado, Palisade is sometimes referred to as the “fruit basket” region. During the summer look for fresh pears, peaches and plums. Numerous wineries offer wines produced from locally grown wine grapes. Those looking for a low-keyed but fun-filled vacation will enjoy visiting Palisade, Colorado.
Fruit, Wine and Colorado Scenery
During the summer travelers will find acres and acres of pears, peaches and plums. In addition the area is renowned for its quality wine grapes. The backdrop of the Bookcliff Mountain Range, Grand Mesa and the Colorado National Monument enhances views of vineyards and orchards.
Grand Valley Wineries
Wineries in the Palisade area are in the Grand Valley AVA and this AVA is home to seventy-five percent of Colorado’s wineries. Some red grapes growing in this area include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir. A few white grape varietals grown in this region include Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. Several wineries are located close together and make it easy to visit without a lot of travel time. Some of the numerous wineries include Canyon Wind Cellars, where visitors can view the Colorado River flowing past the vineyards and Carlson Vineyards where tastings include a chocolate dipped wine glass. A bit farther away Colorado Cellars offers several tastings that visitors pour for themselves. Confre Cellars and St. Kathryn Cellars share a side-by-side tasting facility but each winery produces different wines. Garfield Estates offers views of Mount Garfield and the Bookcliffs. Not far from Palisade is Graystone Vineyards, which specializes in creating award-winning Ports. In Grand Junction, about 30 minutes from Palisade, Two Rivers Winery & Chateau offers a delightful wine tasting room.
Lodging at Wine Country Inn in Palisade, Colorado
Lodging is available at the Wine Country Inn, close by Interstate 70. The Inn offers close proximity to wineries. Stunning views of orchards, vineyards and mountains are available from the Inn. One can rent bikes at the Inn and bike to several nearby wineries.
Two Rivers Chateau & Winery in Grand Junction, Colorado
About a half hour away from Palisade, lodging is available at Two Rivers Chateau & Winery. In addition to one-of-a-kind guest rooms, this location is also a winery with a delightful tasting room.
Both the Wine Country Inn and Two Rivers Winery & Chateau offer private event facilities for large or small events. There are also several bed and breakfast facilities available in the area.
When planning a trip, it is possible to fly into the Grand Junction Airport. Other travelers fly into the Denver International Airport, rent a car and drive through the mountains on Interstate 70, about a four-hour drive. A visit to Palisade, Colorado is a delightful experience. The wineries are friendly and offer an array of different wines to taste and enjoy. Travelers and wine enthusiasts will enjoy discovering wines that reflect the terroir of Colorado’s Western Slope.
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