Best 11 Wineries in Grand Junction CO: A Guide to the Top Vineyards in the Area
Grand Junction, CO is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. However, it is also home to some of Colorado’s best wineries. With over 30 wineries and tasting rooms in the area, visitors can experience a variety of wines from different vineyards.
Two Rivers Winery is one of the most popular wineries in Grand Junction. Located between the Colorado National Monument, the winery offers a unique experience for visitors. The winery has a beautiful chateau and a vineyard that produces some of the best wines in the area. Visitors can take a tour of the winery, taste some of their award-winning wines, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding area.
Carlson Vineyards is another popular winery in Grand Junction. The winery has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff that make visitors feel at home. Carlson Vineyards produces a variety of wines, including fruit wines, that are affordable and delicious. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their wines and learn about the winemaking process. With so many great wineries in the area, visitors are sure to find one that suits their taste and budget.
The Top Wineries in Grand Junction
Two Rivers Winery
Two Rivers Winery is a beautiful winery located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It is known for its award-winning wines such as the 2018 Cabernet Franc and the 2019 Chardonnay. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyard and winemaking facilities, and even stay overnight in the luxurious Chateau.
Website: http://www.tworiverswinery.com/
Address: 2087 Broadway, Grand Junction, CO 81507, United States
Carlson Vineyards
Carlson Vineyards is a casual and laid-back winery that offers a wonderful wine-tasting experience. It is known for its friendly staff and award-winning wines such as the 2018 Laughing Cat Riesling and the 2019 Tyrannosaurus Red. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyard and winemaking facilities, and even bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
Website: http://www.carlsonvineyards.com/
Address: 545 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501, United States
Maison La Belle Vie Winery
Maison La Belle Vie Winery is a charming and elegant winery located in Palisade, Colorado. It is known for its French-style wines such as the 2019 Viognier and the 2018 Cabernet Franc. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyard and winemaking facilities, and even stay overnight in the luxurious Chateau.
Website: http://maisonlabellevie.com/
Address: 3575 G Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, United States
Colterris Winery
Colterris Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in Palisade, Colorado. It is known for its estate-grown wines such as the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2018 Merlot. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyard and winemaking facilities, and even bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
Website: http://colterris.com/
Address: 3907 N River Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, United States
Bookcliff Vineyards
Bookcliff Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in Boulder, Colorado. It is known for its award-winning wines such as the 2019 Viognier and the 2018 Cabernet Franc. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the winemaking facilities.
Website: https://bookcliffvineyards.com/
Address: 1501 Lee Hill Drive, Number 17 Boulder, CO 80304
Whitewater Hill Vineyards
Whitewater Hill Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It is known for its estate-grown wines such as the 2019 Riesling and the 2018 Cabernet Franc. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the vineyard and winemaking facilities.
Website: http://www.whitewaterhill.com/
Address: 220 32 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81503, United States
Sutcliffe Vineyards
Sutcliffe Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Cortez, Colorado. It is known for its award-winning wines such as the 2018 Cabernet Franc and the 2019 Chardonnay. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the vineyard and winemaking facilities.
Website: https://www.sutcliffewines.com/
Address: 12174 Road G Cortez, CO 81321 United States
Ptarmigan Vineyards
Ptarmigan Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It is known for its estate-grown wines such as the 2019 Riesling and the 2018 Cabernet Franc. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the vineyard and winemaking facilities.
Website: N/A
Address: 221 31 3/10 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81503
Hermosa Vineyards
Hermosa Vineyards is a boutique winery that offers a limited selection of wines that are made from grapes grown on the estate. The winery is known for its commitment to sustainability and uses only organic practices in its vineyard. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of the winery’s wines, as well as take a tour of the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process.
Website: http://hermosavineyards.com/
Address: 3269 3/4 C Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, United States
TWP Winery and Farm House
TWP Winery and Farm House is a unique winery that is run by students from Colorado Mesa University’s Viticulture and Enology program. The winery offers a selection of wines that are made from grapes grown in the university’s vineyard. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of the wines, as well as take a tour of the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process from the students themselves.
Website: http://twpwinery.com/
Address: 3334 F Rd, Clifton, CO 81520, United States
Restoration Vineyards
Restoration Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery that is known for its commitment to preserving the history of the area. The winery is housed in a restored 1916 farmhouse and offers a selection of wines that are made from grapes grown on the estate. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of the wines, as well as take a tour of the vineyard and learn about the history of the area.
Website: http://www.restorationvineyards.com/
Address: 3594 E 1/2 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, United States
These top wineries in Grand Junction offer visitors a unique and memorable wine-tasting experience. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just looking for a relaxing getaway, these wineries have something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy award-winning wines, tours of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, and even stay overnight in luxurious accommodations. With so many great wineries to choose from, it’s no wonder Grand Junction is quickly becoming a top wine destination.
Wine Tasting Experience
Grand Junction is home to some of the best wineries in Colorado, and wine tasting is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can expect a wide variety of wines to sample, ranging from crisp whites to bold reds.
Most wineries in Grand Junction offer tastings in their tasting rooms, where guests can sample several wines for a fee. Some tasting rooms also offer tours of the winery and vineyards, providing a more immersive wine-tasting experience.
Wine tastings typically involve sampling small amounts of wine, allowing guests to get a sense of the wine’s flavor profile and aroma. Some wineries also offer food pairings to complement the wines, such as cheese and fruit.
It is important to note that many wineries in Grand Junction require reservations for tastings, so it is recommended to plan ahead and make reservations in advance.
In addition to tastings, some wineries offer wine tours, which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process. These tours can be a great way to learn about the history and production of wine in Grand Junction.
Wine Varieties and Pairing
Grand Junction is known for producing a variety of wine types, including white, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, Gewurztraminer, riesling, and fruit wines. Each wine type has its unique flavor profile and aroma, making them suitable for different occasions and food pairings.
White wines are light-bodied and refreshing, making them perfect for summer days. They pair well with seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes. Two Rivers Winery & Chateau offers a variety of white wines, including Chardonnay, Viognier, and Riesling.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine with a rich flavor profile. It pairs well with red meats, such as beef and lamb, as well as hearty pasta dishes. Carlson Vineyards produces an award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon that is sure to impress any wine lover.
Merlot is a medium-bodied wine with a smooth finish. It pairs well with roasted meats, such as pork and chicken, as well as tomato-based pasta dishes. Grande River Vineyards produces a Merlot that is both flavorful and affordable.
Syrah is a bold and spicy wine that pairs well with grilled meats and hearty stews. Whitewater Hill Vineyards & Winery produces a Syrah that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Gewurztraminer is a sweet and aromatic wine that pairs well with spicy foods and Asian cuisine. Maison La Belle Vie Winery produces a Gewurztraminer that is both sweet and spicy, making it the perfect pairing for your next spicy meal.
Fruit wines are a popular choice in Grand Junction, with many wineries producing their unique blends. They pair well with desserts and make a perfect addition to any cheese board. Plum Creek Winery produces a variety of fruit wines, including peach, apricot, and cherry.
When it comes to wine pairing, it’s essential to consider the flavors and aromas of both the wine and the food. Light-bodied wines pair well with light dishes, while full-bodied wines pair well with hearty meals. It’s also important to consider the acidity and sweetness of the wine and how it will affect the flavors of the food.
In conclusion, Grand Junction offers a variety of wine types that are sure to please any palate. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing white wine or a bold and spicy Syrah, there is a wine for every occasion and food pairing in Grand Junction.
Seasonal Highlights
Grand Junction, CO, and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer year-round, but there are some seasonal highlights that wine lovers shouldn’t miss. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your visit to Colorado’s wine country:
Spring
Spring is an excellent time to visit Grand Junction’s wineries, as the weather is mild, and the vineyards are starting to come back to life. Many wineries offer special events and tastings during this time, so be sure to check out their websites or social media pages for updates. Some wineries also offer tours of their vineyards, which is a great way to learn more about the winemaking process.
Summer
Summer is peak season in Western Colorado, and the wineries are no exception. The warm weather and long days make it the perfect time to enjoy a glass of wine on a patio or take a picnic to a vineyard. Many wineries also host live music events and food trucks during the summer months, so be sure to check their schedules for upcoming events.
Fall
Fall is harvest season in Colorado’s wine country, and it’s a magical time to visit. The vineyards are bursting with ripe grapes, and the wineries are abuzz with activity. Many wineries offer grape stomping events, where visitors can participate in the winemaking process by crushing grapes with their feet. It’s a fun and unique experience that’s not to be missed.
Winter
Winter is a slower time in Colorado’s wine country, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. Many wineries offer cozy tasting rooms, where visitors can warm up with a glass of wine by the fire. Some wineries also offer special holiday events, such as wine and cheese pairings or wreath-making workshops.
Amenities and Services
When visiting the wineries in Grand Junction, CO, visitors can expect a range of amenities and services to enhance their experience. Here are some of the most common offerings:
- Sitting Areas: Many of the wineries in Grand Junction offer comfortable seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy their wine. Some wineries have indoor seating areas, while others offer outdoor seating with scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Discounts: Some wineries offer discounts to members of the military, first responders, and other groups. Visitors are encouraged to ask about any available discounts when visiting a winery.
- Tasting Rooms: All of the wineries in Grand Junction offer tasting rooms where visitors can sample a variety of wines. Some wineries charge a fee for tastings, while others offer complimentary tastings.
- Wine Clubs: Several wineries in Grand Junction offer wine clubs where members receive regular shipments of wine and other exclusive benefits. Visitors can inquire about joining a wine club when visiting a winery.
- Scenic Views: Many of the wineries in Grand Junction offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors are encouraged to take a stroll around the winery grounds to take in the scenery.
The Surrounding Area
Grand Junction is located in the Western Slope region of Colorado, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. The Colorado River runs through the area, providing opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. The Colorado National Monument is also nearby, offering breathtaking views of red rock formations and canyons.
While Grand Junction is a great destination for wine lovers, visitors can also explore nearby towns and attractions. Denver and Boulder are both within a few hours’ drive, offering urban amenities and cultural attractions. Cortez, located to the southwest, is known for its ancient Native American ruins and archaeological sites.
Conclusion
Grand Junction, CO boasts some of the best wineries in the state, with a variety of options to suit every taste. Whether you are a connoisseur looking for the highest quality wines or an amateur seeking a fun and adventurous experience, there is a winery in Grand Junction for you.
For those who must visit the best wineries in Grand Junction, Two Rivers Winery is a must-see. With its stunning views and award-winning wines, it is a must-visit destination for any wine lover.
Adventure seekers will love Carlson Vineyards, which offers a laid-back and casual wine-tasting experience. The friendly staff and affordable prices make it a great choice for those looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Quality is a top priority for all of the wineries in Grand Junction, but Shiras Winery stands out for its hand-crafted wines and craft brewery-style winery. Visitors can enjoy a unique tasting experience and sample some of the best wines in the state.