Colorful Colorado is known for its majestic mountains, world-class ski resorts and tons of breweries. But for all the wine connoisseurs out there, Colorado is also home to two designated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs, wine growing regions) and more than 80 wineries, many of which produce award-winning wines.

This Colorado wine travel guide is designed to help you explore Colorado’s wine scene. Be it downtown Denver’s urban wineries, to the wine country in the Grand Valley, which Trip Advisor’s listed as of the Best Wine Destinations, alongside Napa, Sonoma and Willamette Valley. And, to everywhere in-between.

Colorado has some of the highest elevations of vineyards – not just in the United States, but the entire world! Argentina is the only wine region that has a higher elevation than Colorado. Most of the vineyards in the State lie somewhere between 4,000 and 7,000 feet above sea level.There are only two American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Colorado – the West Elks AVA and Grand Valley AVA. These two areas are home to 100+ commercial wineries that produce 90 percent of Colorado’s wine. Grand Valley, is the larger of the two and home to the town of Palisade, which is considered the heart of the Colorado wine region. There are a few non-AVA wine regions in Colorado too, including Manitou Springs, Canon City, Pikes Peak, Durango, and the Four Corners region. A third AVA might be in the works…

Colorado has some of the highest elevations of vineyards – not just in the United States, but the entire world! Argentina is the only wine region that has a higher elevation than Colorado. Most of the vineyards in the State lie somewhere between 4,000 and 7,000 feet above sea level.

There are only two American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Colorado – the West Elks AVA and  Grand Valley AVA. These two areas which neighbor one another are also home to the famous Colorado peaches and fruit orchards. When it comes to wine, the two AVA’s makeup 100+ commercial wineries that produce 90 percent of Colorado’s wine.
Grand Valley, is the larger of the two and home to the town of Palisade, is considered the heart of the Colorado wine region.
There are also a few non-AVA wine regions in Colorado, including Manitou Springs, Canon City, Pikes Peak, Durango, and the Four Corners region. In other words, a third AVA might be in the works…

Colorado has seen a 15 percent growth rate in its wine industry every year since 1992. There are a few reasons why this expansion has taken place, but a lot of it comes down to the incredible weather. The State enjoys 300 days of sunshine during the year, with low humidity, nice warm temperatures, and cooler evenings. This is an optimal environment for many species of grapes to grow, and it has produced results that wine lovers from all over the world have recognized.

In 1881 George A. Crawford, who later became the Colorado Governor founded Grand Junction. He was the first one to see the Grand Valley’s potential for grape production and planted 60 acres of vines on Rapid Creek above Palisade, along the Colorado River. In 1890, wine production in Colorado was born. Like all states within the U.S. production came to a screeching halt in 1920 when Prohibition took effect. It wasn’t until 1977 the Colorado General Assembly enacted the Colorado Limited Winery Act to permit small “farm wineries.” Wine production in Colorado had been reborn.

Today Colorado is home to two designated AVA’s that produce 90 percent of the state’s wine grapes.

• The Grand Valley along the Colorado River between Palisade and Grand Junction.
• The West Elks along the North Fork of the Gunnison River between Paonia and Hotchkiss.

In the last five years, wine production in Colorado has increased by 70 percent, and for good reason. The growing conditions are excellent! Colorado grapes grow in regions that range from 4,000-7,000 feet, making these vineyards some of the highest in the world – only below Argentina. With 300 days of sunshine blended with Colorado’s high altitude, the climate consists of warm days and cool nights, perfect conditions for growing grapes.

Colorado is blessed with warm days, cool nights and low humidity. This combined with some vineyards at high elevation – some of the worlds highest (4,000-7,000) – pairs perfectly for viticulture. The state is home to two AVA’s which are fairly close to one another and also home to Colorado’s famous peaches and fruit orchards.

Read on to find Carpe Travel’s first-hand travel tips and recommendations to help make your stay in the Colorado Wine Country a memorable one.

Grand Junction is the closest airport to Palisade. However, you can also fly in to Denver and rent a car. The drive up to the Grand Valley is stunning!

You may consider taking the train into Grand Junction too. Amtrak goes right through the area and the ride is amazingly beautiful. If you’re short on time though, flying directly into Grand Junction will be the most efficient.

Be sure to check out these Colorado Wine Festivals and Events

Full List of Colorado Wineries

There are two official organizations that support the Colorado wine industry, but many other “unofficial” groups. For historical information, updated wineries and other industry updates visit the following.

The Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology (CAVE) is a member-based, trade non-profit that exists to encourage and support enology and viticulture in Colorado. The group hosts two of Colorado largest wine events, Colorado Mountain Winefest and Colorado Urban Winefest.

Colorado Wine Industry Development Board  is a state entity that works within the Colorado Department of Agriculture to support the growth, promotion and awareness of the Colorado wine industry.