Wines, Meads, and Ports, Oh My

We’ve been on a mission to sample every winery in the area, and as you can imagine, some of the details are a little fuzzy (especially those that come later in the evening). We recommend self-guided bike tours, which are a snap using the handy color-coded wine and orchard map. Thirsty cyclists can follow bright blue “Colorado Wine Trails” signs marking the way.

Bookcliff Vineyards

Established in 1996, Bookcliff Vineyards story began with two engineers who shared a passion for wine and Palisade. This duo view the production of wine part art and part science. Bookclff works frequently with local chefs to create red and white blends to pair well with food - making their wines even more delectable! Be sure to check out their "Sunset Saturdays" from June- October. View website

Carboy Winery

Carboy Winery has multiple tasting rooms around Colorado and lucky for us just recently opened their location here in Palisade. Pop in and choose from 13 wines to try. Not in the mood for wine? They have local hard cider, rotating beer, and wine sangrias at your disposal. You'll be tempted to spend your entire day here sipping on drinks and enjoying the beautiful views from their second-floor balcony. View website

Carlson Vineyards

From Sunset Magazine, “We love Carlson Vineyards, where the tasting room is a shaded shed overlooking the vineyards, and owner Parker Carlson could be the one filling your glass. Try the tropical-tinged Laughing Cat Gewürztraminer.” View website.

Colorado Vintners Collective

One of the few wineries in Palisade open after 5pm! Vintners Collective offers a wide selection of wines from across Colorado and from their own wines produced on site. They have a beautiful tasting room and a spacious outdoor area where you can kick back, relax and snack on one of their graze boxes amidst good friends and good wine. View website

Colterris

Colterris has two locations: one by the river and one on the E 1/2 Road. Both offer a great venue for wine tasting. The team is knowledgeable, and the wine is some of the best in the Valley. For expansive views, visit the Mesa location; and for a more intimate experience with the grapes, visit the river location (it’s where the magic happens during crush time). View website.

Maison la Belle Vie Winery

Maison la Belle Vie is French for “House of Beautiful Life.” The grounds and tasting room will not disappoint. After tasting their wines, treat yourself to a charcuterie board to pair with your favorite bottle.  View website.

Ordinary Fellow

This fun and relaxing winery located downtown is named after an old English pub the owners fell in love with. (Our next vacation is going to be spent finding this pub!) Historically, this property was home to United Fruit Growers COOP peach packing shed and offers a great space for relaxation and wine sipping. Thy often have food trucks on site and host several local markets. Be sure to ask for the story behind their wine labels! View website

Red Fox Cellars

This place is pure fun. We always have a good time when we visit. Along with delicious wine, they also serve wine cocktails. Who knew this was a thing?! Well it is, and the drinks are TASTY. View website.

Restoration Vineyards

This is one of the newer vineyards in Palisade, but don’t let that dissuade you. The friendly owners are meticulous in their craft, and the quality of the wine shows their passion. The tasting room is small but well done. The property is stunning with a newly remodeled barn and vintage Mercedes Benzes parked around the property. Very cool place that we highly recommend. View website.

Sauvage Spectrum

Here is where you'll find the sparkling wines that change the game of wine tasting. Sauvage brings a wonderful range of red and white blends, but are famous for their "Sparklet" wine series that we carry at our Motel Bar. They often host live music and food trucks, check out their calendar for days and details!  View website.

TWP Winery

This beautifully redesigned estate is the perfect option for those looking for a hidden gem with personal and customized service. TWP is located west of Palisade and is available for tastings by reservation only. They offer selections from other wineries, with a few of their own wines to offer.

Brews and Spirits

Palisade Brewing Company

Micro-style beers brewed with local ingredients. After a long day in the saddle, down a Dirty Hippie, Hula Hoppie, or one of their seasonal beers. Palisade peaches give a fine finish to an IPA. You’ll find typical bar bites here. Note that if it can be smoked, they smoke it! (We’re talking meats, of course.) View website.

Peach Street Distillers

From fruit to glass, every spirit this distillery makes is handcrafted right here in Palisade with local fruits and grains, often upcycling local fruits that some foolishly deem “too ripe” for market. They're the oldest locally-owned distillery in Colorado serving up vodka, gin, whiskey, brandy, grappa, and many more fine spirits. Sit and sip inside or grab a table on the patio alongside the fire pit and let the day slip away over a few cocktails. If Bloody Mary’s are your thing, you MUST try theirs. You can choose a classic vodka or pick from one of the many house-infused vodkas. So good. View website.

Talbotts Hard Cider Tap Room

This family-run business serves delicious ciders. Jeff is not even a fan of ciders, but he really enjoys their selection, which is not extra-sweet like many other ciders. Their new outdoor music venue makes this the perfect spot to take in good views, good drinks, and good music. Be sure to checkout their delicious new wine offerings from Centennial Cellars! View website

For more hot sips, we mean tips, about local wineries, check out this guide.