Colorado is synonymous with rugged, outdoor beauty, which attracts visitors wishing to dive headfirst into its natural wonder. People flock to the state to soak up the grandeur of the Rockies, hit the iconic ski slopes, and get down with other active pursuits such as hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking. It’s one of the country’s great natural playgrounds, and is also an ideal place to take a road trip.
Despite the countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Centennial State is also home to a terrific — and still relatively undiscovered — wine region. Situated in the middle of the Grand Valley in the shadow of the world’s largest mesa, the town of Palisade boasts scores of vineyards and winemakers, along with acres of fruit orchards. The town sees over 240 days of sunshine a year, making it the perfect spot to cultivate grapes, peaches, cherries, apricots, and other fruits.
This sunny, mild climate also makes it ideal for visitors, who, aside from sampling the goods at the town’s wineries, can also marvel at the epic views and enjoy the eateries and charms of Palisade’s quaint downtown. If you’re keen for some further exploration, jump on a bike and start peddling, because the area also offers some top-notch opportunities for two-wheeled exploration.
Cruise through vineyards and orchards on the back of bike
More than just wine
The world-famous Colorado River flows right through Palisade, so other activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, or rafting trips, all of which can be arranged in town. The river is also a great place to wet a line, which attracts avid fly fishers for its healthy population of brown and rainbow trout. For fans of horses and natural scenery, head to the nearby Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range. This 36,110-acre preserve is home to over 200 feral horses that trace their lineage back to Spanish conquistadors and is ideal for hiking and photography.
When hunger hits, head to one of the downtown restaurants such as Pêche, which features locally sourced fare, Fidel’s Cocina & Bar for top-notch tacos and cocktails, or the Palisade Brewing Company for excellent craft beer, barbecue, and more. When it comes to accommodations, sleep among the grape vines at the Wine Country Inn, Cherokee Vineyard Bed and Breakfast, or the highly-rated Spoke & Vine Motel.
The nearest international airport is in Denver, which is under four hours away by car. Another option is to take the Amtrak train to the neighboring town of Grand Junction. While not really any faster than driving, this offers the most relaxing method of travel. For more great wine tasting in the U.S., check out these cities.
