Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:3907 North River Road
Palisade, Colorado
Tel:
(970) 464-0888
Our Wine Tasting Expert Says:
Voted the best winery in Colorado three times, it is understandable that that USA Today and Wine Spectator Magazine would feature Palisade's Canyon Wind Cellars. The primary explanations for the awards, and accolades: terroir, terroir, terroir. Located on the banks of the Colorado River, the ancient glacial soil bed, loose and mineral-rich, whisks moisture away to keep vine roots dry. This, coupled with a high altitude of 4,700 feet and a crisp, cooling, canyon breeze, creates perfect conditions for a fruit intense with flavor. But perhaps there is more to this boutique winery's story of success - Colorado's only underground oak barrel cellar is located at Canyon Wind, and their Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet grapes are harvested and fermented with state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. Their 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, which won a silver medal at the 2003 San Francisco International Wine Competition, is a dark, concentrated wine with black cherry and plum overtones and hints of coffee and tobacco. The 2004 Petit Verdot is a complex wine with abundant, balanced tannins, and a touch of leather spice. These, as well as other savory and award-winning wines, can be sampled year-round at the Palisade tasting room. Free winery tours are available on summer weekends.