That's right, Colorado wine country, not California. The first recorded wine production in Colorado was in 1899, but the industry did not really explode until the early 1990's. The 1970's and 80's saw a number of winemakers try and fail at their vineyards, and many gave up. A handful remained in Palisade during the late 1980's, sticking it out while all the others moved on to something else.
Over the next three years the number of wineries in Colorado increased steadily. In 1977, before the expansion, the General Assembly created the Colorado Limited Winery Act with the purpose of regulating the methodologies of the wineries. However, after wineries began to pop up all over Colorado it became necessary to amend the Act. It seemed that many new winemakers were using a mixture of Colorado and California grapes in their concoctions, which compromised the legitimacy of Colorado wine. Therefore in 2005, the Act was altered to state that 100% of the fruit used must be Colorado grown for the label to state "Colorado Grown".
The Grand Valley and Delta County in Northwestern Colorado is home to vineyards located at the highest elevation in the US, at approximately 4500 feet and 7000 feet. As a comparison, most international vineyards like those in Argentina are planted at 2000-3000 feet. Therefore the cool nights and warm sunny days bring out the natural acids and sugars in the grapes. The high altitude and ultra violet rays also play a role in the production of sugar.
These conditions are the key reasons for the typically high levels of alcohol content in Colorado wines. Meanwhile, the desert soil mix of sand and clay means the ground drains easily and the vines do not sit in water. Apparently all the conditions of Colorado vineyards combine to make an ideal setting for the production of fine white wine in particular.
Going on a wine tasting tour in Colorado is wonderful experience, especially since most of the traveling public has not yet discovered the wonders of Colorado's vineyards. April and May are the best time for tastings of the Spring barrels. The absolute best time to experience the Colorado wine culture is in September, during the Colorado Mountain Wine Fest.
The festival is officially run by the Colorado Association of Viticulture and Oenology (CAVE), and considered the Oktoberfest of the Colorado wine industry. The festival is always accompanied by popular events that will appeal to many: Tour of the Vineyards, a bike-a-thon, tastings and food pairings, classes on wine-making and many more.
A trip to Colorado can include so many activities! Skiing is just one experience, hiking, cycling, camping and now wine tours and tastings! Plan your next summer vacation for Colorado and enjoy all the seasons in one place!
Over the next three years the number of wineries in Colorado increased steadily. In 1977, before the expansion, the General Assembly created the Colorado Limited Winery Act with the purpose of regulating the methodologies of the wineries. However, after wineries began to pop up all over Colorado it became necessary to amend the Act. It seemed that many new winemakers were using a mixture of Colorado and California grapes in their concoctions, which compromised the legitimacy of Colorado wine. Therefore in 2005, the Act was altered to state that 100% of the fruit used must be Colorado grown for the label to state "Colorado Grown".
The Grand Valley and Delta County in Northwestern Colorado is home to vineyards located at the highest elevation in the US, at approximately 4500 feet and 7000 feet. As a comparison, most international vineyards like those in Argentina are planted at 2000-3000 feet. Therefore the cool nights and warm sunny days bring out the natural acids and sugars in the grapes. The high altitude and ultra violet rays also play a role in the production of sugar.
These conditions are the key reasons for the typically high levels of alcohol content in Colorado wines. Meanwhile, the desert soil mix of sand and clay means the ground drains easily and the vines do not sit in water. Apparently all the conditions of Colorado vineyards combine to make an ideal setting for the production of fine white wine in particular.
Going on a wine tasting tour in Colorado is wonderful experience, especially since most of the traveling public has not yet discovered the wonders of Colorado's vineyards. April and May are the best time for tastings of the Spring barrels. The absolute best time to experience the Colorado wine culture is in September, during the Colorado Mountain Wine Fest.
The festival is officially run by the Colorado Association of Viticulture and Oenology (CAVE), and considered the Oktoberfest of the Colorado wine industry. The festival is always accompanied by popular events that will appeal to many: Tour of the Vineyards, a bike-a-thon, tastings and food pairings, classes on wine-making and many more.
A trip to Colorado can include so many activities! Skiing is just one experience, hiking, cycling, camping and now wine tours and tastings! Plan your next summer vacation for Colorado and enjoy all the seasons in one place!
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