Colorado is best known for its skiing, mountain climbing and adventure sports.  However, few visitors have experienced the sheer beauty and uniqueness of Colorado’s Wine Country. 

 With over 80 wineries throughout the Western Slop, with a delicious selection of wines and food, boutique inns, historic Victorian towns, and beautiful scenery ranging from snow-capped mountains to red rocky hills, Colorado’s Wine Country is the perfect place to relax and indulge your senses.
A day trip or weekend adventure in wine country is a great way to take a break from your hectic vacation schedule and relax if you plan to visit Colorado.  Visitors that are traveling with kids will be happy to learn that most of the Colorado wineries are family friendly and the atmosphere in wine country is laid back and a bit less formal than some other wineries around the country.
Colorado’s vineyards are the highest elevation vineyards in the United States, at up to 7,200 feet.  The vineyards are located in two federally designated areas - the Grand Valley and West Elks American Viticultural Areas.  Some of the Grand Valley wineries include Amber Ridge Vineyards, Canyon Wind Cellars, Carlson Vineyards, Colorado Cellars Winery, Desert Moon Vineyards and Graystone Winery.  In West Elks, you’ll find Black Bridge Winery, Blossomwood Cidery, Cottonwood Cellars, Jack Rabbit Hill, Leroux Creek Vineyards and more.  As there are over 80 wineries scattered throughout wine country, it is important to do some research before you go to find out which wineries offer the best of your favorite wine varieties, whether they be Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz or another type of wine.
Wine country is a great Colorado destination all year round.  In late March, the fruit orchards begin blossoming and in the summer months the area is full of tourists.  In the autumn, the leaves change for beautiful scenery.  In the late fall and winter there are less visitors, but great hotel deals can be found and many wineries are still open for tasting.
There are also a variety of festivals and events scheduled throughout the year including “Barrel into Spring” events in April and May; the Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival, Telluride Wine Festival, Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and Boulder Food and Wine Festival in June; the Castle Rock WineFest in July; and a number of other festivals in August, September and November.