Palisade Tribune — July 2 2009 — 1

2011 WinefestThe Palisade Tribune presents a guide to the

September 16 - 18, 201120th Annual Colorado Mountain Winefest is the most casual, “classy” event of the year

The Colorado Mountain Winefest is not your ordinary summer festival by any means. It is a weekend designed for “Colorado-style” wine lovers.

A “Colorado-style” wine lover is one who drinks the wine they love, not for show or to appear “cultured.” For a wine drinker in Colorado, it is not hard to find a wine you love because we have great selection of extraordinary wines that are affordable.

The Colorado Mountain Winefest is a special event where you can try many of those wonderful wines in a beautiful setting. It is definitely a win-win situation.

Not only that, it is an opportunity to learn more about Colorado wines, wine pairings and the great selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and meats from the Western Slope. Learn from headliner chefs Kevin Kidd and Evan Faber of SALT, a real bistro-style neighborhood restaurant in Boulder. Executive Chef Kidd and Beverage Manager Faber have a mission, according to the Boulder Daily Camera to “strike a tender balance between eliciting the true flavors of organic food grown nearby and applying gourmet techniques that enhance those flavors and urge them into unlikely and surprising combinations that please the palate.”

Attendees at the Friday and Saturday culinary events will learn how to make the best fresh and local pairings from these advocates of Colorado-grown food and wine. There is also the very popular Enstrom’s Chocolate and Wine Tasting event. Make your reservations early.

Seminars on Friday, September 16 and Sunday,

September 18

The seminars at the Winefest feature experts in their fields. In addition to the chef seminars on Friday and Saturday and the Riedel Glass seminar, these seminars are being offered. All seminars require separate admission and registration online or by phone.

Dine, Wine and Vine Experience,

Friday, noon to 2 p.m. A unique experience at the

Wine Country Inn in Palisade with State Enologist, Dr. Steve Menke. Lunch will be paired with Colorado’s best produce from the harvest and paired with superb Colorado wine. Then take a walk through the vineyards with Dr. Menke, while you learn and experience the romance of winemaking.

Vini, Vidi, Hybrid, Friday 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Taste and learn about hybrid grapes like Chambourcin, Marechal Foch, and Cayuga from world renowned instructor, Max Ariza, sommelier and instructor at Johnson Wales University. Compare these new hybrids to the more known grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. DoubleTree Hotel, Grand Junction.

Saturday, September 17 Festival in the Park

The Festival in the Park is a mixture of education and fun. There are art and crafts vendors, more than 50 Colorado wineries, food booths, chef

demos and ice carving, music by Dosero and Matthew Moon, grape stomping and seminars on wine tasting with Riedel Glass and From Farm to Table with Kevin and Evan. Visitors can stroll through the booths and browse the carefully vetted arts and crafts vendors with everything from wine related items like glasses and corks, cookware, jewelry, art and clothing. You will find the best in food vendors to keep you well fueled. There are lovely old trees to sit under in the shade. A limited number of First Class VIP Passes will be sold entitling the holder to special parking, separate entry into the park, special tented seating area, ever changing buffet specially prepared throughout the day. It includes a six bottle wine tote and Riedel crystal wine glass, protected wine storage and concierge service. There is special admission for designated driver/non-drinker tickets. General admission tickets can be purchased with or without a picnic box lunch.

For those staying in Grand Junction hotels special round trip shuttle tickets are available.

For complete information on events, prices and tickets at the Colorado Mountain Winefest, visit their website www.colorado winefest.com.

Additional Winefest events

18th Annual Tour de Vineyards, Saturday, September 17, 7 a.m.

The Tour de Vineyards is a 25-mile bicycle tour through the wine country and orchards of

the Palisade, area. $40 through September 16 - $50 day of event (September 17). To register or for more information about the Tour de Vineyards, contact the Event Marketing Group at www.tourdevineyards.com or 303 635-2815.

2011 Winemaker Dinners

Meet the winemakers and share a lively evening starring Colorado wines expertly chosen to enhance the flavors of each course. Ticket prices vary and reservations are essential – seating is limited. To reserve seats, choose your preferred location and telephone directly.

Friday, September 16, 2011 - Dinner

“Feast in the Fields” at: Rancho Duranzo CSA, 970-402-8364; Il Bistro Italiano, 400 Main Street; Grand Junction, 970-243-8622; The Chateau at Two Rivers Winery, 2087 Broadway, Grand Junction, 970-255-1471; Le Rouge, 317 Main Street, Grand Junction, 970-257-1777.

Saturday, September 17, Dinner

Le Rouge, 317 Main Street, Grand Junction, 970-257-1777.

Sunday, September 18, Brunch

The Chateau at Two Rivers Winery, 2087 Broadway, Grand Junction, 970-255-1471

Sunday, September 18, Early Dinner

“Feast in the Fields” at Z’s Orchard - 970-260-9519

Tour of the WineriesSunday, September 18,

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.On the Sunday following the

Festival in the Park, wineries extend a special invitation to spend the day touring the scenic vineyard country. Sample a wide variety of wines, some of which are only available in the tasting rooms. Take a winery tour, see the art of winemaking, and linger for entertainment and appetizers. Bottles and cases of wine are available for purchase (inquire about case discounts). No tickets are necessary.

Ticket InformationTo purchase tickets online,

go to the Colorado Mountain Winefest website www.coloradowinefest.com

Call the office if you have any questions: 970 464-0111 or email info@coloradowinefest.com

Participating WineriesAlfred Eames, Paonia Aspen Peak Cellars, ConiferAugustina’s Winery, BoulderAvanti Winery, LittletonBalistreri Vineyards, DenverBijou Creek Vineyards,

Ft. Morgan Black Bridge Winery, PaoniaBlack Forest Meadery,

Colorado SpringsBonacquisti Wine Co., DenverBookCliff Vineyards, BoulderBoulder Creek Winery, BoulderCanyon Wind Cellars, PalisadeCarlson Vineyards, PalisadeColorado Cellars Winery,

PalisadeColterris, PalisadeCottonwood Cellars, Olathe

Winery, OlatheDeBeque Canyon Winery,

PalisadeDesert Moon Vineyards,

EnglewoodDesert Sun Vineyards, Grand

JunctionDithyramb Winery, CentennialD’Vine Wine, DenverMeriweather, DenverGarfield Estates Winer, PalisadeGarrett Estate Cellars, OlatheGrande River Vineyards,

PalisadeGraystone Winery, CliftonGubbini Winery, PalisadeGuy Drew Vineyards, CortezHermosa Vineyards, PalisadeJack Rabbit Hill, HotchkissKahil Winery, Grand JunctionLeroux Creek Vineyards,

HotchkissLiliputian Winery, HotchkissMaison La Belle Vie, PalisadeMeadery of the Rockies,

PalisadeMesa Park Vineyards, PalisadeMountain View Winery, OlathePlum Creek Cellars, PalisadeRedstone Meadery, BoulderReeder Mesa Vineyards, Rocky Spring Winery, HartselSettembre Cellars, BoulderSnowy Peaks Winery, BellvueSpero Winery, ArvadaSt. Kathryn Cellars Winery,

PalisadeStone Cottage Cellars, PaoniaStoney Mesa Winery,

CedaredgeSummit Cellars, PalisadeTalon Winery, PalisadeTen Bears Winery, LaPorteTurquoise Mesa Winery,

Broomfield,WestminsterTwo Rivers Winery, Grand

JunctionVaraison Vineyards, PalisadeVerso Cellars, DenverVino Salida Wine Cellars,

SalidaWater 2 Wine, Greenwood

VillageWhitewater Hill Vineyards,

Grand JunctionWoody Creek Cellars, Woody

Creek Community Store, Austin

Zephyr Cellars, Loveland

Courtesy of Palisade Tribune

Wine Festival Schedule

Moments from I–70 Exit 44 on U.S. 6(1–1/2 Miles east of Palisade)

PEACHES • PEARS • PLUMSAPPLES • SWEET CHERRIES

JAMS • JELLIES • SALSAS...AND MORE

(970) 434-1636

Visit us at Farmers Markets

PA L I S A D E , C O L O R A D O k S E P T E M B E R 1 5 – 1 8 , 2 0 1 1

The Winefest events are the annual fundraisers for the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology.

Riverbend ParkPalisade, Colorado

Saturday, September 17 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Festival in the ParkFestival in the Park

www.coloradowinefest.com k www.facebook.com/cowinefest k www.twitter.com/cowinefest

“Colorado Nectar” by Patricia Carroll

Join in the celebration of food and wine!k Taste dozens of Colorado wines from local wineries and winemakers

k Learn how Colorado’s wine scene has maturedk Enjoy chef demonstrations from the best on the Colorado culinary scene

k Listen to live music while you’re enjoying the festivals

Send Your Family And Friends Fresh Colorado Peaches From Alida’ s

Only once each year, fresh Palisade Peaches in all their famousgoodness are available for your enjoyment. Deliciously, that timehas arrived. To place your order, to be shipped fresh anywhere

in the continental United States, call or click today.

Enjoy a taste of western Colorado.

Palisade Peaches . . .The Time is Ripe!

Also available:• Jams, jellies & syrups • Dried fruit products• Gift boxes • Colorado gift ideas

877-434-8769 • www.alidasfruits.com3402 C 1/2 Road • Palisade, Colorado

500 Main Street • Grand Junction, Colorado

Send Your Family And Friends Fresh Colorado Peaches From Alida’ s

3402 C 1/2 RD Palisade CO, 81526 • 970-434-8769 Toll Free 877-434-8769 www.AlidasFruits.com • www.PalisadePride.com

Kokopelli

Farm & Produce• Tree-ripe Peaches• Fruits and Vegetables• Organic Produce• Jams and Jellies• Colorado Gifts... and much more

970-464-4991www.kokopelliproduce.com

I-70 Exit 46

Just east of Palisade Colorado

Open DailyJune-October

Bus and RV ParkingEasy Interstate Access

Enticing Gift Shop & Fresh Fudge

Open daily 10-5 • Just off I-70 785 Elberta Ave. • Palisade CO 81526 970-464-9288 • stkathryncellars.com

Colorado Country Fruit Wines

Choose from 14 Delicious Meads (Fermented Honey Wines)

Open daily 10-5• Tours by appointment• 3701 G Road (Hwy 6) • Palisade CO 81526 • 970-464-7899 • meaderyoftherockies.com

• Agritours: Monday - Friday• Farm Store: Just picked organic peaches & fruit Locally grown natural vegetables Organic lavender products Local arts & crafts Hawaiian sweets & Kona coffee

Open 10 - 5 • June 1 - Dec. 17 or by appointment3525 G Road • Palisade, CO 81526www.alohaorganicfruit.com970.464.2272

Brochures available in our office 319 Main St.or online at www.palisadecoc.com to download a brochure.

(970) 464-7458 or info@palisadecoc.com

The Palisade Chamber of Commerce

Welcomes You!We hope you love your visit to Palisade!Please enjoy our fruit, wine, produce, friendly residents and lovely views.Take time to enjoy the “fruits of our labors” and take an Agritour.

(970) 464-5200Cell (970) 216-0213144 S. Kluge Avenue

PO BOx 1330 • Palisade, CO 81526www.fruitandwine.net • tlcraig@bresnan.net

Tammy Craig, GRI, CRSBroker/Owner

Welcome to Palisade

2

22

17

Pear Blossom Farms

Aloha FruitsLavender Lady

28

47

47

48

Wine

We honor the festival coin

pickedLocally Grown

Summer, 2007 Explorer — 23

GGRRAAYYSSTTOONNEEVVIINNEEYYAARRDDSS&& WWIINNEERRYY

The winery featuresPORT. Specializing inaward-winning dessertwines.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

MON.-SAT. 10-6SUN. 11-6

970-434-8610From I-70 Exit 37(Clifton), turn left at firstStoplight. Go thru townand stoplights. Winery isat east end of overpass.

3352 F RoadClifton, CO 81520

WELCOMEVISITORS!Summer hours: Sunday 9-2and 4:30-9; Tuesday 4:30-9Wednesday-Sat. 1-10 p.m.

CLOSED MONDAYS

REDROSECAFERESTAURANTAND WINE BAR

IN PALISADE235 MAIN ST..

Live MaineLobster Specials!

Sunday SpecialBrunch Menu 9-2

Full Bar ServiceLocal Wines, Beer

& Produce

970-464-7673

BARBARA BIKKI,AND SONS

Ranch of Liberty in open viewPlanted by loving hands to welcome you.Walk through the silence of each growing treeAnd you’ll hear a voice

‘It’s good to be Free.’Stop for a moment, your feet on the sodAnd eat of fruit . . . a product of God.

CHERRIES • APRICOTS PEACHES • APPLES • PLUMS

FRESH VEGETABLESBy the pound, bushel, or truckload

3848 G-1/4 Road • Palisade

970-464-7524

�W I N E R Y�

3943 Hwy. 6 & 24

Wine Tasting & Retail SalesAward-winning Wines

Great Wines & Friendly Atmosphere!Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

1.5 miles east ofPalisade, Colorado

River Bridge

970-464-0550 www.debequecanyonwinery.com

Summer, 2007 Explorer — 23

GGRRAAYYSSTTOONNEEVVIINNEEYYAARRDDSS&& WWIINNEERRYY

The winery featuresPORT. Specializing inaward-winning dessertwines.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

MON.-SAT. 10-6SUN. 11-6

970-434-8610From I-70 Exit 37(Clifton), turn left at firstStoplight. Go thru townand stoplights. Winery isat east end of overpass.

3352 F RoadClifton, CO 81520

WELCOMEVISITORS!Summer hours: Sunday 9-2and 4:30-9; Tuesday 4:30-9Wednesday-Sat. 1-10 p.m.

CLOSED MONDAYS

REDROSECAFERESTAURANTAND WINE BAR

IN PALISADE235 MAIN ST..

Live MaineLobster Specials!

Sunday SpecialBrunch Menu 9-2

Full Bar ServiceLocal Wines, Beer

& Produce

970-464-7673

BARBARA BIKKI,AND SONS

Ranch of Liberty in open viewPlanted by loving hands to welcome you.Walk through the silence of each growing treeAnd you’ll hear a voice

‘It’s good to be Free.’Stop for a moment, your feet on the sodAnd eat of fruit . . . a product of God.

CHERRIES • APRICOTS PEACHES • APPLES • PLUMS

FRESH VEGETABLESBy the pound, bushel, or truckload

3848 G-1/4 Road • Palisade

970-464-7524

�W I N E R Y�

3943 Hwy. 6 & 24

Wine Tasting & Retail SalesAward-winning Wines

Great Wines & Friendly Atmosphere!Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

1.5 miles east ofPalisade, Colorado

River Bridge

970-464-0550 www.debequecanyonwinery.com

Specializing In PORT With An Award-Winning List Of Desert Wines

•••

Open 7 Days A WeekMonday - Saturday 10-6

Sunday 11-6

970-434-8610From I-70 Exit 37 • 3352 F Road

Clifton, CO 81520

Gubbini Winery

3697 F RdPalisade, CO 81526

Linda Lee Gubbini

(970) 270-7185

& Horse Mountain

Vineyards

2011 Wine Festival Area GuideThursday, Sept. 15

Golf

Friday, Sept. 16Noon – 2 p.m. Dine, Wine and Vine ExperienceEnjoy a relaxed lunch and unique experience at the Wine Country Inn in Palisade with State Enologist, Dr. Steve Menke. $65

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. SEMINAR: Vini, Vidi, HybridTaste and learn about hybrid grapes like Chambourcin, Marechal Foch, and Cayuga from world renowned instructor, Max Ariza in a fun seminar. $454:30 - 5:30 p.m. Farm to Table Wine and Food Demo with Kevin and Evan

Chef Kidd will take the local flavors from Colorado’s Western Slope and create a meal that highlights and complements the flavors of the distinctive local wines will be discussed by Wine Guru Evan Faber. $506 - 7:30 p.m. Dinner with Kevin and EvanLimited Seating $757:30 p.m. Enstrom Chocolate and Wine Tastingat the DoubleTree - Limited Seating. $55* Culinary and Chocolate Delight Package - Package

for all three Friday evening events - Farm to Table Demo, Dinner with Kevin and Evan and Enstrom Tastes. Limited availability. $175

Saturday, Sept. 177 a.m. 18th Annual Tour de Vineyards $4010 a.m. – 5 p.m. Festival in the Park10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Music: Matthew Moon2 – 5 p.m. Music: Dotsero

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. American Chef Federation Chef Demos and Ice Carving Demo $1011:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tasting with Riedel Glass $952 – 4 p.m. Farm to Table with Kevin and Evan $30

Sunday, Sept. 189 a.m. – NoonSeminar: Introduction to Grape Growing $451 – 3 p.m.Amateur Winemaking Awards Ceremony and Reception, Free

IN TASTE WE TRUST • WINNER OF THE WORLD RIESLING CUP

Parker Carlson

Open daily 10 am-6 pm • Tastings end 5:45 pmOn East Orchard Mesa - south of the Colorado River 461 35 Road, Palisade 81526 • 970.464.5554 carlsonvineyards.com

While we take the art of winemaking seriously, we like to have fun too. Stop by for special tastings during Winefest and live jazz on Sunday.

Courtesy of Palisade Tribune

2 — July 2, 2009 — Palisade Tribune

~ Fruit Stands ~Alida’s Fruits

Western Colorado’s Premier Gift and Souvenir Shops, Alida’s Fruits specializes in gifts, produce and products grown and/or made on the magnificent Western Slope of the beautiful Colorado Rockies. Enjoy a taste of Western Colorado! Find us at 3402 C 1/2 Road on East Orchard Mesa, Palisade Colorado or 500 Main Street, Grand Junction Colorado. Call 970 464-8769 or visit us at www.alidasfruits.com.

Aloha Organic FruitsAs long-time residents of

Hawaii, Aloha Fruits brings the Spirit of Aloha to their farm and fruit. “Aloha” is sending and receiving a positive energy, Aloha is living in harmony with oneself and the land; living with respect. All of this is embodied in the 100 percent Certified Organic farmland, fruit trees and sweet juicy peaches. You are invited to take a free tour of our organic orchard, which illustrates how organic farming is different from conventional farming. See how they enrich the land, manage water, and control pests to produce such healthy fruit that is so perfectly ripe. The 11 varieties of peaches allow them to harvest and ship truly tree-ripened peaches continuously from July to October.

The farm store is a Hawaiian experience. Along with healthy fruits, vegetables and organic juices they carry some of their favorite Hawaiian sweet things. Kona coffee, Hawaiian teas, macadamia nuts and Hawaiian juices to name a few. Did we mention the views? On G Road in Palisade one can sit on the store front porch and enjoy Mt. Garfield up close. From the orchard the eastern view of Grand Mesa is overwhelming. Come, enjoy… Aloha! www.alohaorganic fruit.com.

Clark Family OrchardsJames A. Clark, one of the

first fruit growers in the valley, purchased 20 acres of wild land where he plowed and planted peaches in the late 1800s. Every generation since has grown fruit in the Palisade area. Now, six generations and more than 100 years later, the Clark family is still actively farming fruit at the East end of the Palisade area. The Farm now consists of 100 acres of owned and leased ground, which raises cherries, apricots, peaches, pears and plums along with a vegetable garden. We sell our produce across the state and the mid west, including Oklahoma and Texas. We offer our fruit and veggies for direct pick up at our local fruit stand at 3929 Hwy 6, along with jams, jellies, salsas and more. We also offer tours of our orchards on our shady, horse-drawn, handicapped accessible trolley wagon.

Helmers ProduceLocated at 384 34 1/2 Rd. 434-

1636, the Helmers have been selling fresh fruits, vegetables and canned goods at their roadside stand and at local Farmer’s Markets since 1994.

High Country OrchardsHigh Country Orchards invites

you to take a walking tour or ride

the tram through our orchards, vineyards and rose gardens. Visit our state-of-the-art packing facility and shop at our Country Store. Bring your camera to photograph panoramic views of the Colorado River and Grand Valley below. Remember the days on the family farm, the smells of the fresh ripening peaches and the sounds of summer. Experience 100-year-old traditions of growing Palisade peaches blended with today’s technology. Walk down memory lane at our nostalgic Country Store and taste our fresh world famous Palisade peaches, sweet cherries, apricots, plums and fresh garden vegetables. Our hand crafted preserves, salsas and other delights can also be purchased at the store. We are located at 3548 E. 1/2 Road, Palisade, Colorado 81526. Appointment suggested for large group tours. 970 464-1150 www.highcountryorchards.com

KokopelliKokopelli Farm and Produce

is a fruit and vegetable market featuring local organic peaches. They also offer vine-ripened tomatoes, squash, beans, cherries, organic produce, honey, jams and jellies, dried fruit and more. Colorado gifts and souvenirs, and more. Kids are invited to play in the corn bin and ride the pedal tractors. Ask us about the “Million Dollar Breeze” during your tour of the organic peach orchards - in a historic setting above the Colorado River. Ride the orchard hoopie, explore the packing shed, and visit the farm market. They are located right off of I-70 Exit 46, just east of Palisade, Colorado. 464-4991 www.kokopelliproduce.com

Z’s OrchardNestled in a lush valley at

the foot of Mt. Garfield is Z’s Orchards and Produce. This family owned orchard produces a wide variety of produce through out the 182-day growing season. Dazzling zinnia and sunflower fields embellish the orchards and gardens. Photographers and artists capture the country charm and traces of history. From the first crops of sweet cherries, apricots and raspberries in early June to succulent peaches mid-to-late summer to the delicious fall apples, Z’s Orchards and Produce is dedicated to growing the highest quality fruit crops in the world. We hope you enjoy the “Fruits of our labor!” —The Z’s Orchards and Produce Family 315 33-3/4 Road, Palisade, Colorado 970 434-6267. Visit us at area Farmer’s Markets or our online market as well www.zsorchard.com.

~Wineries~Canyon Wind Cellars

Founded in 1996 by Norman and Ellen Christianson, Canyon Wind Cellars is a family-owned, estate winery named for the mountain breezes that keep the fruit on our vineyard cool under the hot Colorado sun. With the assistance of renowned Napa Winemaker, Robert Pepi, the second generation of Canyon Wind Cellars, Jay and Jennifer Christianson, along with Finley, the Winery Dog, produce award-winning, signature wines utilizing low-intervention winemaking

and sustainable practices.Cradled between the Book Cliffs

and the towering Grand Mesa and nourished by the Colorado River at 4,710 feet above sea level, Canyon Wind Cellars has the premier location in the Grand Valley AVA for growing Bordeaux grape varietals. With nearly 35 acres of grapes planted, Canyon Wind Cellars has the ability to support their entire production, meaning they never source grapes from anywhere else, making them one of the few (or perhaps) only estate wineries in Colorado. Two vineyards closely separated in distance, yet vastly different in grapes produced make up the property. The tremendous versatility in these vineyards gives Canyon Wind Cellars the ability to create wine with depth and focus while never having to leave home. www.canyonwindcellars.com.

Carlson VineyardsCarlson Vineyards is the “fun

and friendly” winery in the Grand Valley.

Parker and Mary Carlson started their wine making as a hobby that grew into a business when they couldn’t hold all their winemaking equipment in their kitchen anymore. They planted their first grapes in 1988 at a spot on East Orchard Mesa and started their winery in a 1930s packing shed.

They took the wine business very seriously with a commitment to using the best grapes and other fruit and making great wine. Never ones to take themselves too seriously, they sometimes give their wines amusing names and labels to make you smile. They smile as they win awards for their wines. As the fourth winery to be licensed by the state, they are recognized among the pioneers of Colorado’s wine industry.

On their website they say, “Our idea was to craft fine wines that people enjoyed drinking, that were affordable, friendly and unpretentious. We encouraged people to ‘trust your own taste.’ Our belief was that wine is a great accompaniment to life, best with food and friends.”

If you can only visit and taste a few of the wines in the Palisade area, the trip to Carlson Vineyards is a must! www.carlsonvineyards.com.

DeBeque Canyon WineryDeBeque Canyon was started

in 1997, but the road to a winery traveled by Bennett Price and his wife, Davy, started in 1982 when they purchased a vineyard in the Palisade area.

From the mid-80s through mid-90s he installed, or was instrumental in planning, many vineyards in Western Colorado. He attended viticulture classes at UC Davis in California, and cultivated enjoyable friendships with many winemakers in California as well as Oregon.

In 1996 they started making wine and by 2000 were earning national awards. From white wine to red wine, DeBeque Canyon does it wonderfully.

Located in the “town center” of Palisade, they are easy to find and “worth the trip”! www.debequecanyonwinery.com

Grande River Thirty years ago, the idea

of growing grapes and making wine in Western Colorado began with a clue from the area’s past. Around the turn of the century, almost 50 farms produced nearly 1,800 gallons of wine - however, Colorado “went dry” in 1916, four years before National Prohibition after which the vineyards were destroyed. But Western Colorado’s moderate winters and arid climate make for near-perfect grape-growing conditions and a group of visionaries decided to return the vineyards to the area. After making wine at home from Colorado grapes in 1986 with two Denver friends, Stephen Smith began planting grapes commercially in the Palisade area in 1987. He opened Grande River Vineyards winery in 1990 with one-third of his first crop. Grande River Vineyards has established one of the best-quality vineyards in the state - in fact, it has the largest grape crop in Colorado. They grow all of the grapes for their wine. Visit the tasting room, open 9-5 daily. www.grandriverwines.com

Gubbini WineryIt all started in 1990, with the

purchase of a stone fruit orchard and homestead that was re-cultivated in 1999 into what is now Horse Mountain Vineyards. After extensive research of grape varietals and consulting with Washington State University, Syrah and Riesling were selected as the most compatible for the Palisade region and climate. They were also regaining popularity in the wine industry.

Being full-blooded Italian, Linda Lee Gubbini had the passion to begin producing wines under her own unique label.

On Valentine’s Day this year, Gubbini Winery opened its doors. Gubbini Winery is able to offer a wide range of wines, from dry to fruit infused sweet wines. Among the most popular are the Italian Amorone and Barolo, Chardonnay, Pomegranate Passion and Golden Delicious.

Future plans for Gubbini Winery includes producing it’s own estate wines from Horse Mountain Vineyard grapes.

The Meadery of the RockiesMead is an ancient form of

wine dating back 7,000 BC, but the Meadery of the Rockies has not only brought “honey wine” into the new millennium but has made it a work of art. They feature a series of “Camelot” themed meads that go from dry to sweet, and a mouth watering line of fruit and honey wines like peach, apricot, strawberries, cherry, raspberry and blackberry. The Meadry has added Raspberry Chocolate Satin, Chocolate Cherry and the new Honey Sher’e – rich with honey and like a sweet sherry, but not exactly. www.meaderyoftherockies.com.

Talon WinesThis Colorado wine producer is

a conglomeration of four separate Colorado labels brought under one roof by Glenn Foster. It’s a mega brand, by local standards.

St. Kathryn Cellars and Talon Winery, both operated by Glenn and Natalie Foster, won medals

this year at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in Sonoma, Calif. St. Kathryn Cellars won silver medals in the fruit wine category for its Apple Blossom, Strawberry Rhubarb and Cranberry Kiss wines. Talon Winery won bronze medals for its 2009 Wingspan Red and 2008 Wingspan White.

“This is a great way to show the world we’re able to make world-class wines here in the Grand Valley,” said Glenn Foster, who also serves as winemaker. “I believe people want to buy local wines, but want to ensure they are buying quality. These awards make it clear that there are world-class wines right here in our own backyard.”

Graystone WineryNamed for the gray, majestic

shale bluffs surrounding the Grand Valley and Colorado River, Graystone is also close to wild horse country. These bluffs and mesas are still home to a large band of wild horses. Truly the wild, wild West and awesome Wine Country. Visit our tasting room and enjoy our award-winning Ruby and White Port while taking in the incredible scenery surrounding the Grand Valley. Located on Highway 6 East, on the Palisade side of the overpass to Clifton. If coming from I-70, take Exit 37 and turn left at the first intersection. The Tasting room and gift shop are just one mile down Highway 6 East, open daily, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Phone: 970-434-8610. www.graystonewine.com

~Boutique~The Lavender Lady and FriendsThe Lavender Lady and

Friends located on Main St. in downtown Palisade is more than lavender, although you will find everything you can find that can have lavender in it including lavender wine, cookies, margarita mix, lotion, sachets, candles, bath salts, soaps, scents and “art” and more are found in the store.

You will also find lovely handcrafted jewelry, salt lamps, gift items, cards, spices, beautiful hand painted glassware, aprons, decorative items, handmade stuffed animals and Wild Women Wines.

No trip to Palisade is complete without a visit to the Lavender Lady and Friends. Palisade is becoming known for its lavender as well as fruit and wine. Come back next July for the Lavender Festival!

~Palisade Real Estate~Fruit and Wine Real Estate

Nobody knows Palisade area real estate better than Tammy Craig and her staff. Located in downtown Palisade, Craig is active in the Palisade business community and is one of our neighbors. If you are longing to be a part of Palisade, Tammy Craig is just the person to find you the right farm, home or business and to help you become one of the community. That’s why their motto is, “The only thing better than a visit to Palisade is living here.” www.fruitandwine.net.

Courtesy of Palisade Tribune