Which Wineries to Visit in Palisade, Colorado
Plan your perfect winery tour in Palisade.
In a valley along Colorado's Western Slope, Palisade is a charming town renowned for its picturesque vineyards, bountiful orchards, and world-class outdoor recreation. This idyllic region, known as Colorado's wine country, has gained recognition for its vibrant winemaking scene and produces 80% of the state’s wine-making grapes. If you're planning to visit Palisade and want to sample local wineries, check out our guide to help you organize your trip:
What are Your Wine Preferences?
The wines produced in Palisade are diverse, and each winery has its own specialty in making wine. Cabernet Franc and Riesling grow particularly well in Palisade, but you will also find Meritage White, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, Viognier, Ports, and more. If you have a particular wine preference, look for wineries specializing in those varieties. But don’t be afraid to use this opportunity to expand your palate by trying something new and exciting! With our flourishing fruit orchards, you’ll also find wine made from honey, peaches, apricots, blackberries, and more!
Take a Vineyard Tour
Many Palisade wineries offer vineyard tours, allowing you to see the grapevines up close, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy the stunning scenery. If this is something that interests you, ask if the winery will provide a guided tour. Most are happy to oblige! It's an educational and delightful experience that adds depth to your wine-tasting adventure.
The Tasting Room Experience
Consider the tasting room experience. The atmosphere and customer service can greatly enhance your overall enjoyment. Many of our wineries are locally owned, and there’s a good chance you’ll run into the owner or winemakers when you stop in for a tasting! Wineries such as Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estates, TWP Winery, Bookcliff Vineyards, Avant Vineyards, and Restoration Vineyards are perfect places to start and chat with your server! They have particularly great tasting rooms and tasting flights available. Some wineries have outdoor seating areas, perfect for taking in the breathtaking views of vineyards and Mt. Garfield while sipping a flight of wine samples.
Colorado Wine Events
Palisade hosts several wine-focused events each year. These can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local wine culture, meet winemakers, and enjoy live music and food pairings. Palisade's wine events often showcase the region's best wine and culinary offerings. Mark your calendar for the annual Colorado Wine Week leading up to the Colorado Mountain Winefest (September 21, 2024).
Wineries also often host their own music and events. Check out the events calendar or with Restoration Vineyards, Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estates, Sauvage Spectrum Winery, Maison La Belle Vie Winery, Colterris Winery, The Blue Beryl Winery, or Talbott’s for live music throughout the summertime or all year long.
Moving into the winter season, there are also opportunities for carriage or limo rides and Christmas in the Country Tours. But be careful - once you start viewing Christmas lights with a glass of wine in a carriage, you’ll never want to go back!
Book a Curated Tour
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the endless wine possibilities, leave it in the hands of an expert! Several local tour companies in Palisade are happy to provide transportation and professional recommendations based on your preferences. From limo to horse-drawn carriage, pedicab to e-bike, there’s a tour option for everyone. Check out Pali-Tours, Palisade Pedicab, Absolute Prestige Limo, JR’s Carriage Service, or West Slope Bespoke.
Taste Responsibly
Remember to plan your winery visits responsibly. Assign a designated driver or consider booking a guided wine tour with one of our many tour companies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Drinking in moderation is key to savoring the wines and creating lasting memories.
Palisade, Colorado, is a hidden gem in wine tourism. With its beautiful vineyards, passionate winemakers, and exceptional wines, we are a destination worth exploring. We invite you to browse our blogs and other things to do to help you create your personalized wine-tasting itinerary. We hope you leave Palisade with a deep appreciation for the region's wine culture. So, sip, savor, and make the most of your Palisade wine adventure. Cheers!
