Pool and Spa at Wine Country Inn, Palisades. Photo (C) 2009 Wine Country Inn
Most people residing outside of Colorado have preset opinions that Colorado is only good for snow, skiing, beautiful mountains and of course Coors beer.
They will be surprised to note that Colorado now has more than 80 licensed wineries.
Favorable weather and growing conditions make Colorado’s western slope ideal for growing popular grape varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Syrah. The majority of planted vines are found in Palisades and Grand Junction. This area is just a few hours away from picture perfect Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, giving trekkers a perfect combination of sips and sights.
Arches National Park: http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm
Canyonlands National Park: http://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm
For those looking for accommodations near the lush vineyards in Palisades, the new Wine Country Inn has you covered. This 80 room, Victorian-style hotel sits amidst 20 acres of grape vines and is conveniently located right off of Interstate 70. Their “Stay and Play” room & golf package includes an overnight stay, golf for two, breakfast and wine tasting, $277. http://www.coloradowinecountryinn.com
There are several wineries close by Wine Country Inn.
Top local producers include:
•Garfield Estate, Palisades, Tel. (970) 464-0941
Website: http://www.garfieldestates.com
•Plum Creek Winery, Palisades, Tel (970) 464-7586
Website: http://www.plumcreekwinery.com
•Canyon Wind Cellars, Palisades, Tel (970) 464-0888
Website: http://www.canyonwindcellars.com/
•Two Rivers Winery, Grand Junction, Tel. (970) 255-1471
Website: http://www.tworiverswinery.com
For information about all area wineries and attractions visit the official tourism website for Grand Junction, Colorado. They have embraced Colorado Wine Country as their theme for promoting tourism to the area.
http://www.visitgrandjunction.com/
Colorado Wine Country Tours produces expert guided tours of both the western slope and Front Range. Tel. (303) 777-WINE (9463). http://coloradowinecountrytours.com
Colorado Mountain Wine Fest!
The big annual event on the Western Slope is the Colorado Mountain Wine Fest, September 17 to 20, 2009. It is held in Grand Junction, which is a major metropolitan city with numerous hotels, restaurants, art galleries and a beautiful downtown shopping area.
This year’s Colorado Wine Fest boasts 50 wineries, food pairings, wine dinners and old fashioned grape stomps! http://www.coloradowinefest.com/
For more info: Email Christopher Davies at cdavies@winecountrynetwork.com
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