Rachel WalkerPalisade, CO
Palisade is home to Colorado’s largest wine country and is the state’s best open secret. Despite its proximity to the Front Range, not many Denverites know Palisade for more than its famous peaches. As a result, Palisade isn’t nearly as busy as the state’s mountain towns (yet!). In addition to all of its wonderful produce, Palisade has more than 20 wineries that produce some of the best wines in the United States, without the expense and pretentiousness of Napa and Sonoma. If you find yourself in Western Colorado, this quick guide to wineries in Palisade will help you decide on the top stops in town.
Check out the best one-day itinerary to explore Palisade’s wineries by bike!
Table of Contents
- Best For Relaxation: Bookcliff Vineyards
- Best Views: Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate
- Best For Groups: Colterris Vineyards
- Best Food: Maison La Belle Vie Winery
- Best Non-Traditional Options: Red Fox Cellars
- Best Sparkling Wine: Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery
- Best Location: The Ordinary Fellow
- Best Non-Palisade Wines: Colorado Vintner’s Collective
- Best Overall: Restoration Vineyards
- Tips for Visiting the Wineries in Palisade
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Best For Relaxation: Bookcliff Vineyards
Come for the views, stay for the serenity.
Located somewhat off the main wine trail, this winery is one worth going out of your way for. While the tasting room is simple, Bookcliff’s whites and rosés are a refreshing respite from the heat. The outdoor seating provides one of the best views in all of Palisade. Given that it’s a little off the beaten path, this is one of the most relaxing wineries in the valley.
Best Views: Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate
Come for the outdoor seating, stay for the frosé.
Sitting on one of Palisade’s oldest vineyards, Carboy is a familiar name for those on the Front Range since it has locations in Breckenridge, Denver, and Littleton. Like its other venues, Carboy’s Palisade location has a fun vibe, but what makes it stand out is the breathtaking view of Mt. Garfield from its two-story deck. Enjoy the mountain views with a refreshing frosé, perfect for a hot day at the wineries.
Best For Groups: Colterris Vineyards
Come for the tasting room along the river, leave for the tasting room on the overlook.
Colterris has two distinct locations, each with unbeatable energy and stunning views. Their smaller tasting room is on the river, while their larger winery and tasting room is up on the mesa. If you’re looking for a place to visit with a large group, I highly recommend the Colterris at the Overlook location.
Best Food: Maison La Belle Vie Winery
Come for the large charcuterie board, stay for the extensive wine flights.
Transport yourself to the French countryside at Maison La Belle Vie. With its towering willow trees, the shaded patio offers a green oasis from the surrounding high desert. Maison La Belle Vie offers some of Palisade’s largest charcuterie boards that pair perfectly with its extensive wine list and tasting flights. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, Maison is also one of the few that offers a full food menu, making it a great stop during lunchtime.
Best Non-Traditional Options: Red Fox Cellars
Come for the huge patio, stay for the wine co*cktails.
Red Fox Cellars is situated in the heart of the Fruit & Wine Byway and offers something for everyone. In addition to wine, Red Fox serves cider and its own version of wine “co*cktails” (aka “fox-tails”) using wine, not liquor, as a base. The large patio is dog-friendly and hosts outdoor games and food trucks during the warmer times of the year.
Best Sparkling Wine: Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery
Come for the variety of sparkling wine, stay for the “bomb-tails”.
This winery sets itself apart from others in town by offering the widest variety of sparkling wines. It has become increasingly popular, winning multiple awards and expanding into Ouray with a tasting room. Despite the high-class bubbles, this space is perfect for groups or to simply relax without any pretentiousness. Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery also offers unique wine “co*cktails” made with frozen juice balls topped with bubbly.
Best Location: The Ordinary Fellow
Come for its laid-back energy, stay for its central location.
Located in the center of town, this warehouse winery offers shade from the often-intense sun, a food truck, and lawn games. Its proximity to town also puts you close by to Palisade Brewery and Peach Street Distillery so you can imbibe on local libations that suit any palate.
Best Tasting Experience: Varaison Vineyards & Winery
Come for the free tasting, stay for the wine education.
Don’t be fooled by the Victorian house and old Ford sitting in the driveway. Here you’ll find one of the widest ranges of wines, from Old World wines to Moscato bottled in upcycled beer bottles. Most importantly, it is the only winery in town offering free tastings. The tasting is guided and goes beyond a description of their wine. Your guide will educate you about wine in general and how to drink it, making it a great first stop on any itinerary.
Best Non-Palisade Wines: Colorado Vintner’s Collective
Come for the vibes, stay for the collection of non-Palisade Colorado wines.
Colorado Vintner’s Collective has an intimate setting with amazing views of the Bookcliffs and Mt. Garfield. Unlike other wineries in Palisade, it serves its own wine, but also features other non-Palisade wineries. The tasting provides education on the different wineries, and you’ll come away from the experience with a much broader knowledge of what Colorado’s wine countries have to offer.
Best Overall: Restoration Vineyards
Come for the expansive lawn, stay for the rest of the day.
Whether you want to sit in a plush chair in the shade or bring a blanket and soak up the sun on the expansive grass area, Restoration Vineyards provides fantastic outdoor seating options. While the wine menu is more limited than some other wineries, you can’t go wrong with any of Restoration’s options. I highly recommend their sparkling rosé or unoaked Chardonnay. If there’s only time to visit one winery while in Palisade, Restoration should be at the top of your list.
Tips for Visiting the Wineries in Palisade
Have a designated driver: Whether it’s a friend or a hired vehicle, make sure to be safe while out wine tasting. I think it’s fun to have someone else handle the driving. You can winery hop by limo, shuttle, pedicab, or safari style open air vehicle. If you don’t want to hire someone, you can drive or even rent bikes to get around, but, again, be safe if you’re drinking.
Stay hydrated: Palisade is high elevation and can get hot. Add in wine, and it’s really easy to get dehydrated and ruin your day. Drink plenty of water at the wineries, on the way to the wineries, whenever. Just stay hydrated.
Be mindful of the sun: Don’t forget to pack your SPF and reapply throughout the day. Since Palisade is high elevation and usually sunny, sunburns are likely if you aren’t careful.
Plan your stops based on what you’re looking for: Are you looking to sit outside all day with a view, or try a variety of Colorado wines? Is there someone in your group who only drinks beer, or are you all wine-obsessed? Would you like to bike to the different wineries, or is driving fine? All of these factors matter when planning your itinerary. The “best” winery in Palisade is totally different depending on the person and even the day.
With its deep green rows of orchards and vineyards, springtime pink blossoms, and tan desert mountains, Palisade is a must-see destination. Its abundance of wineries, promises an unforgettable experience – you’re sure to discover a new favorite wine on your next visit!
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