Set along the spine of the Continental Divide, Colorado is a high-altitude playground. From the towering Rocky Mountains to the high deserts, rushing rivers, steep canyons, and expansive plains, the natural beauty of the state is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts who like to hike, bike, paddle, fish, camp, and sightsee. With four national parks and 43 state parks there’s plenty of terrain to explore. And now the high altitude destination offers another reason to visit.
Although winemaking isn’t generally associated with the Rocky Mountain state, a wine scene is emerging amid Colorado’s natural wonders. About 150 wineries dot the landscape, many near some of the most iconic vistas. The diverse terrain is full of scenic superlatives including rolling vineyards growing unique cold-hardy varietals as well as classic favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
Elizabeth Geboy, marketing and events coordinator with the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board says, “No matter which wineries you visit, the diversity of landscapes around them will surprise you. We have urban wineries tucked into bar districts; wineries in quaint, historic mountain mining towns; and wineries whose tasting rooms make you feel like you’re standing on top of the world.”
To that point, Geboy says that Colorado’s vineyards are some of the highest in the world, ranging between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation. For comparison, Napa Valley vineyards range from sea level to 2,600 feet. Colorado’s terroir is akin to the elevated regions of Argentina or parts of Europe. Winemakers are learning to adapt to the climate while experimenting with more Old World varieties that grow well at higher elevations.
