Colorado's Wine Country saw its first grapes planted in the 1890s by George Crawford, the City of Grand Junction’s founder. The industry has grown rapidly since the 1980s, and a visit to the Grand Valley is a must for wine lovers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts alike.
The Grand Valley, home to Grand Junction, is the perfect base for a trip to the region. Accessible by the Grand Junction Regional Airport, I-70 and Amtrak, this often-overlooked destination is a must for any Colorado itinerary. Nestled between the world's largest flattop mountain (the Grand Mesa), the Bookcliff Mountains and the Colorado National Monument, the Grand Valley is a feast for the eyes, taste buds and your travel diary.
Home to over thirty-five wineries, many located on the Palisade Fruit and Wine Byway, the region produces more than 75% of the grapes for Colorado wine producers. The most common red varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz/Syrah and Cabernet Franc, while the top white varieties include Chardonnay and Riesling.
Transportation options while planning your wine tastings are plentiful and include memorable options like horse-drawn carriages from JR's Carriage Service, The Palisade Trolly or “wine cruisers” and e-bike rentals from Palisade Cycle & Shuttle. Whether you visit via carriage or bike, you’re sure to have a memorable day experiencing the wonderful wines and hospitality that keep visitors coming back year after year.
The region comes alive in the summer months, especially June – October when the Palisade Sunday Market is in operation. Nationally recognized in USA Today, the market combines the abundant produce with artisans and live music. The nearby Peach Street Distillers and their famous Bloody Marys are a perfect way to rub elbows with the locals enjoying their Sunday afternoons.
Whether you visit in the summer or another season, you are sure to find plenty of options to keep yourself entertained. Powderhorn Mountain Resort is a short 45-minute drive from the Grand Valley and offers terrain for all levels. Downtown Grand Junction outdoes itself over the holidays where Main Street comes alive under a beautiful display of holiday lights. Main Street was also recognized by USA Today as one of the best Main Streets in the United States, featuring dozens of shops, music venues, restaurants and art galleries.
Spring activities here, which start earlier than much of Colorado due to its high desert terrain and warmer temperatures, include mountain biking and the annual Junior College World Series (May/June). Some favorite Fall pastimes include Colorado WineFest (Sept), a visit to Studt’s Pumpkin Patch (Sept/Oct) and Fruita’s Fall Festival (Sept).
When picking a place to stay, options abound. Upscale options include Wine Country Inn and its Palisade location close to all of the wineries while Hotel Maverick, located on the campus of Colorado Mesa University, is a chic, modern hotel home to the 4th-floor restaurant Devil’s Kitchen and stunning views of the Grand Valley, especially at sunset. Devils Kitchen gets its name from a popular hiking trail of the same name located in the Colorado National Monument and honors local cuisine like elk and bison. Newly renovated Hotel Melrose located in downtown Grand Junction has a trendy vibe where guests of the boutique hotel can easily enjoy walkability to all that downtown Grand Junction has to offer.
More Budget-friendly options include the Grand Vista Hotel, known for Bailey’s Restaurant and Lounge, where locals hang out for Karaoke Thursdays through Sundays, and Springhill Suites by Marriott, located directly on Main Street in Grand Junction. Back out in Palisade, Spoke and Vine Motel gets excellent reviews for its thoughtfully designed and sustainable features right in the thick of downtown Palisade.
Favorite Dining Options include Bin 707, The Winery and 626 on Rood, all located in Grand Junction, and Peche in Palisade. For breakfast, the Pufferbelly adjacent to the Amtrak station in Grand Junction is famous for its cinnamon rolls.
Whether you come for a weekend or an extended stay, the Grand Valley is sure to remain a favorite Colorado destination, away from the hustle and bustle of the Front Range and a great launching point to nearby Moab, Telluride, Aspen and Vail.
Cole Sjoholm is a Grand Junction resident and a Colorado resident for 20+ years.
Cole Sjoholm
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