The Happiness Function

If you’re planning a trip to Western Colorado and you like wine, wine tasting at the Palisade wineries is an adventure you won’t want to miss.

In this article, we share some of the best wineries to visit, where to stay, and places to eat in Palisade. We also include other things to do in the local area.

Western Colorado’s Wine Country

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Colorado wine is known for its unique, delicious flavors, and the wineries in Palisade are no exception.

The Western Slope has built a much-deserved reputation as a top wine region. This gorgeous wine country benefits from diverse terrain and around 300 days of sunshine to produce consistently high-quality wines.

Due to the elevation, moderate climate, and soil rich with clay, Palisade wines present a natural acidity aficionados and casual enjoyers find refreshing.

Where To Go Wine Tasting in Palisade

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No matter if you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun day trip, visiting Colorado wineries is a must-do activity.

With enchanting scenery, award-winning wines, and a laid-back atmosphere, prepare to be dazzled by some of the most exquisite Colorado wine around.

BookCliff Vineyards

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BookCliff Vineyards was founded by two engineers who discovered Palisade during a backpacking trip and soon made it their mission to create top-quality wines through sustainable farming of 100% Colorado grapes.

Here, visitors can soak up staggering vistas while savoring delicious wine in the Palisade tasting room.

Sauvage Spectrum Winery

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Wine tasting is as much about the experience as it is about the flavors — and at Sauvage Spectrum Winery, you get the best of both worlds.

This friend-owned winery in the heart of the Grand Valley AVA has built its reputation on high-quality, sparkling wines. They produce over 26 varieties of hand-harvested wine, all made from locally-grown grapes, that boast the true taste of Colorado wine.

The Ordinary Fellow

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For an experience that’s anything but ordinary, visit The Ordinary Fellow. Nestled in the heart of Palisade, this winery stands out with its beauty and charm — and its adopt-a-barrel opportunity where guests can actually “adopt” their own barrel of wine.

The cozy tasting room has a remarkable history. It was converted from the former United Fruit Growers COOP peach packing shed.

Colterris Winery

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At Colterris Collections Winery, you can expect a fantastic array of wines. This winery is popular thanks to its wine-tasting atmosphere and Plum Creek Heritage. This was previously the Plum Creek Winery, which was known for its award-winning wines. 

Colterris has over 188 acres of vineyards in Colorado.

Red Fox Cellars

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Wine lovers more on the adventurous side will appreciate the unconventional approach to winemaking at Red Fox Cellars. None of the winemakers are classically trained, which helps them bring a fresh perspective to the winemaking process and experiment with unique blends and flavors. 

The tasting room at Red Fox Cellars offers a relaxed and fun atmosphere. You can unwind in the rustic indoor area or, in the late spring, summer, or early fall, take in the peaceful views out on the patio, where you can also sample different food trucks, live music, and outdoor games.

Carboy Winery

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Wine enthusiasts will be thrilled to take their tasting journey to Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate. As one of the largest producers in the state, Carboy Winery is an unforgettable experience.

The breathtaking scenery of the vineyards against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Mt. Garfield provides the perfect setting for sipping on some of the finest wines in Colorado. Make reservations to tour the vineyards or the wine cellar and try their wine.

Carlson Vineyards

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Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Western Slope, Carlson Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery that’s been crafting exceptional wines for over three decades. 

Carlson Vineyards offers a selection of award-winning wines that showcase the region’s unique terroir. Don’t miss a taste of their signature wine — the Laughing Cat Sweet Baby Red. 

The atmosphere is laid-back, so if you’re a wine expert or just starting your journey, you’ll be made to feel welcome if you add this charming stop to your tour of fine wine in Palisade.

Hermosa Vineyards

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Hermosa Vineyards started out as an apple orchard turned vineyard. It’s a cozy little winery tucked away in the heart of Colorado wine country, unmissable for anyone who loves to combine great drinks with beautiful scenery.

Hermosa Vineyards has the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying a glass (or two) of locally-made Colorado wine.

Where To Eat in Palisade

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Palisade is a quaint little town. For a creative and artistic meal, wine lovers may want to try the restaurant Pêche. and its mouthwatering seasonal menu.

The venue is dedicated to ensuring that each visitor has a once-in-a-lifetime experience where thought goes into every dish.

The Tapestry Lounge, Caroline’s, Fidel’s Cocina & Bar, and Haus of Purrl are also local favorites.

Where To Stay

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The Spoke and Vine Motel is the perfect place to power down for the evening after a long day of tastings. It’s within walking distance of downtown Palisade, and you can rent their cruisers (bikes). It’s dog-friendly, too.

Another popular place to stay is the Wine Country Inn.

Other Things To Do in the Area

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Alongside high desert landscapes, dramatic mesas, and gorgeous Colorado wineries, there are many other fun things to do in the area, especially if you love the outdoors.

Just 20 minutes from Palisade, in Grand Junction, you can mountain bike the Kokopelli Trail, visit the Colorado National Monument, hike the Independence Monument Trail, raft along the Colorado River, or climb in Unaweep Canyon.

Grand Junction Adventures is a local guiding outfit that can help you plan some fun activities.

You might also enjoy exploring downtown Grand Junction. It’s super cute and has lots of places to shop and eat. My personal favorite places to eat in downtown Grand Junction are Bin 707 and Trail Life Brewing.

Images courtesy of the Colorado Wine Board and Depositphotos.com.

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