Let’s face it, most 21+ college students love to drink wine. If you are new to the area or just haven’t ventured out to many wineries, you might not know where to go to taste the best wine that the Western Slope has to offer. Palisade has been trying to make a name for itself as the premiere wine destination on the western slope. The city offers 19 wineries to choose from and each one has something different to offer. I have done the leg work and have comprised a list of the top five wineries to visit in Palisade.

1. Colterris Winery: 3548 E 1/2 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526

Colterris is the number one winery because of its atmosphere and selection of fine, mostly red, wines. Colterris is the largest estate-grown winery in the region. Everything from seed planting to bottling is done in Colorado at their facility. They are also one of the only wineries in Palisade that produces a white Cabernet Sauvignon and canned wine called Canterris. The best part about Colterris, besides the wine, is the scenery. If you walk to the end of their property, you can see the Colorado National Monument to the left, the Bookcliffs straight in front of you, the Grand Mesa to the right, and the Colorado River below you. It is a breathtaking view that can be enjoyed, with a can of their Canterris red, white, or rosé blend. Although they have a limited selection and are one of the pricier wineries for tastings and product, the wine and scenery are well worth the added cost.

2. Grande River Vineyards: 787 Elberta Ave, Palisade, CO 81526

Grande River Vineyards is located right off I-70. It is a nice winery with many white, red, and dessert wines to choose from. Grande River is the third oldest winery in Palisade and has won many awards for their wine over the years. Although there is only a view of the Bookcliffs, the tasting room is a nice place to be. Grande River Vineyard’s staff are some of the friendliest people I came across on my wine journey. The first three tasting are free, but you will want to spend the extra few dollars to try the other 15 wines on their menu. A nice thing about Grande River is that they often hold private and public events on their property where you can taste their wine, eat food and socialize. They also work with local nonprofits to help raise money for various causes. Overall, Grade River produces a variety of exceptional wines and has outstanding customer service.

3. Red Fox Cellars: 695 36 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526

Red Fox is a fun winery with a laid-back atmosphere and is ideal to hang out at for a few hours. They offer corn hole and a variety of other games out on the patio, as well as food truck Fridays. They produce wine, fruit wine, and cider. Red Fox is a newer winery to the area, but makes some interesting wines and ciders that everyone can appreciate. Their best selling wine, Bourbon Barrel Merlot, spends anywhere from 30 days to several months, in bourbon barrels from many Colorado distilleries. The aftertaste of bourbon is surprisingly nice, and is sure to delight any whiskey or bourbon lover. Aside from the great wine, they make delicious and interesting ciders. The ciders are made in limited quantities, so chances are you will find something different each time you come back. The Red Fox staff is very friendly and they offer a few free tastings with the option to taste the whole menu for a small fee.  

4. Maison La Belle Vie: 3575 G Rd, Palisade, CO 81526

Maison La Belle Vie, which means “house of beautiful life,” is an upscale, elegant winery that offers a variety of mostly red wines. The atmosphere is high end with a French feel. The Owner, John Barbier, has a saying that “life is too short to drink cheap wine.” This saying is very accurate, as Maison La Belle Vie has some of the priciest wine in Palisade with bottles as high as $38 before tax. Looking to stay a while? Bring at least 10 people, Maison La Belle Vie will cook a gourmet dinner for you and your guests, and pair it with their finest wines. They also offer a charcuterie board that includes a variety of cold meats, cheese, olives, hummus, fruits, chocolate, and bread. Although Maison La Belle Vie is one of the more pricey options in Palisade, the atmosphere and wine selection warrant the cost.

5. St. Kathryn Cellars: 785 Elberta Ave, Palisade, CO 81526

St. Kathryn is an interesting winery because most of their wines are made from anything but grapes. This winery is for you if you enjoy unique, sweet wines with distinct fruit flavors. They offer wines made with pomegranate, cranberry, blueberry, peach, cherry, apple, strawberry rhubarb, and lavender. They also offer a wine called Sweet Scarlet which is 50 percent merlot, 50 percent blackberry wine. One of their most unique and refreshing products is their lavender wine. It is made with 100 percent Colorado Riesling and infused with locally, organically grown lavender. St. Kathryn has an attentive staff and a large tasting room that doubles as a shop for wine related products and accessories. St. Kathryn Cellars is connected to Talon Winery and the Colorado Fudge Factory, so you’ll be sure to find something for everyone.