Colorado Wine Region

Colorado is a unique wine-growing state. Numerous grape types are produced in various areas of the region because of the favorable environment. Despite Colorado being a great place for mountain activities like Alpine skiing, it's also home to many wineries and vineyards located at the highest altitudes in the U.S. This wine region is truly a gem waiting to be discovered. It offers over 80 wineries that provide an unforgettable experience to explore. Take a trip to the vineyards and treat your senses! Enjoy the complexity of flavors in barrel-tastings during the spring season. Experience the beautiful bouquet and aroma of Colorado red and white wines. Enjoy Colorado rack of lamb at a delectable food and wine pairing. Visit charming Victorian towns during the gorgeous cherry blossom season. Experience cozy boutique hotels with majestic surrounding landscapes - from stunning red sandstone mesas to snow-capped mountains. Browse our site to discover what Wineries in Colorado have to offer and take full advantage of this lovely region.

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Where is the Colorado  Wine Region?

Colorado wine area runs between the West Coast and the Mississippi River, across valleys and plateaus nourished by mountain runoff, and is home to some of the greatest vineyards.

Unique terroir of Colorado  appellation

Colorado has some of the highest vineyards in the world and by far the highest vineyards in the United States. Most grape vines grow to a height of 1219 meters in the Grand Valley region of Northwestern Colorado. 

During the months of August and September, when the grapes mature, the continental climate in these areas causes temperature fluctuations from day to night that could range from 25 to 30 degrees. The extended warm daytime hours of strong high-altitude sunshine totally develop the fruit and create the natural sugars. Because of the cold evenings, the grapes keep the acids that are so important for creating fine wine. However, because the typical frost-free growing season lasts between 150 and 182 days, the high altitude can sometimes be difficult for grape farmers.

The winemaking culture is spread out regionally throughout Colorado. The state is home to several vineyards and wineries that have won awards. There are Front Range tasting rooms in Colorado Springs, Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins. However, the Western Slope is where the bulk of Colorado's vineyards are found. 

The Grand Valley and West Elks American Viticultural Areas are the two appellations in Colorado that have received federal designation (AVAs). Each subregion is defined by its own terroir and microclimate.

History of Colorado wine region

In the nineteenth century, miners from southern Colorado brought vines to Colorado for the first time. George A. Crawford was the first one to recognize the possibilities of grape cultivation in the Grand Valley. He planted 24 hectares of vineyards near Palisade and along Rapid Creek by the Colorado River in 1881, later going on to form Grand Junction and becoming governor of Colorado. In 1920, Colorado's wine production was suddenly halted when the Federal Prohibition law took effect. This was a nationwide policy that affected every state in the union. Wine production in Colorado didn't start up again until 1977. The number of wineries in Palisade increased from a small amount in the late 1980s. However, there was some disagreement around growth. Some winemakers combined grapes from Colorado and California in various vintages. The General Assembly changed the restricted winery act in 2005 to safeguard the quality of Colorado wine. In its place, a more detailed labeling rule for Colorado wine took the place of the need to utilize 75% Colorado fruit. All Colorado grapes must now be used in the production of wines bearing the "Colorado Grown" mark. The Colorado Wine Industry Development Council was established by the Colorado General Assembly in 1990, when there were five active wineries. The Grand Valley region in Palisade, Colorado, was designated as an American Wine Zone by the federal government in 1991. (AVA). West Elks AVA was included as a second AVA in 2001. 

Colorado is dedicated to helping build the wine industry by investing in viticultural, and enological research programs at Colorado State University. This support enables them to pursue and explore new ideas while advancing the industry. Annually, the Colorado Wine Industry Development Council celebrates local winemaking talent by hosting the Governor's Cup competition for exclusively Colorado-based wineries. The Governor's Cup Collection, created for the purpose of exposing the public wine business to top-tier wines, consists of award-winning wines from the competition.

What is Colorado Wine?

At least 95 percent of the state's vineyard acreage is planted in premium vitis vinifera varietals. The popularity of planted grape varietals in Colorado is, from greatest to least: Merlot, a tie between Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling, Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot noir, Cabernet Franc, Gewürztraminer, Viognier. .

Many of the vines in Colorado are "own-rooted," or grown with their original root stock and not grafted onto different roots, a common practice in viticulture. This helps the grapes develop the original flavors and characteristics that these varieties have long been noted for.

WHITE WINE GRAPES

• Chardonnay
• Riesling
• Viognier

RED WINE GRAPES

• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Syrah

The European variety Vitis vinifera is the most widely planted grape variety in Colorado. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc are the most widely consumed types of red wine. The three most popular white grape varieties are Viognier, Riesling, and Chardonnay.

Food to Pair with Colorado wine

1. Fajitas 

Popular Tex-Mex delicacy known as "fajitas" is made of marinated, grilled skirt steak and served in a wheat flour tortilla. 

The name "fajita" comes from the Spanish "faja," which means "girdle" or "strip," and refers to a cheap cut of beef that covers the diaphragm and was quite unappealing to many people. 

Fajitas can now be cooked with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables because skirt steak was less frequently used as the dish gained popularity. Ingredients like lettuce, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, or guacamole are examples of common condiments. It can make a great pair with aromatic Colorado Pinot Gris.

2. Pot Pie 

Popular cuisine pot pies have a rich and colorful history that dates back to the Roman Empire, when they were frequently offered at feasts. The savory pies are always stuffed with vegetables like peas, potatoes, and carrots as well as meat like chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey. 

The top crust of a pot pie, which is generally composed of flaky pastry, defines the dish. 

The National Great American Pot Pie Day, observed yearly on September 23rd, honors the various pot pie versions made with chicken and other meats as an American institution and comfort meal of the highest caliber. Colorado Riesling wine goes nicely with chicken pot pie.

3. The Shepherd's Pie 

Shepherd's pie, a hot and savory meal resembling a casserole and made with minced lamb or mutton, onions, carrots, Worcestershire sauce, thick gravy, and herbs including marjoram, parsley, and black pepper, is one of the most well-liked comfort foods in the UK. 

When the pie is prepared for consumption, the entire assembly is cooked in an oven beneath a cover of buttery, creamy mashed potatoes. 

Although using fresh meat would improve the flavor and texture of the pie, shepherd's pie is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked meat. Colorado red wines go nicely with this hearty pie.

Frequently Asked Questions