Set on a picturesque hillside overlooking the Bookcliff Mountains with the sinewy Colorado River snaking below, Colorado Cellars in Palisade is the oldest and largest vineyard in the state. Since 1978, this family-owned winery has benefited from a unique terroir. Slopes sheltered from western winds by the Bookcliff and Umcompahgre mountain ranges result in cool, dry nights and hot, dry days ideal for grape growing. Deep clay-loam soils seamed with sand and littered with rocks, allow for heat retention and optimal drainage. It is no wonder that Colorado Cellars has won a long list of national and international awards. Their Raspberry Wine took home a gold medal at the 2005 Colorado Mountain Winefest and the 2003 Orange Muscat claimed a silver at the same contest's 2004 Best of the Fest. Colorado Cellars offers over 20 varieties including fruit wines, a Reserve White Zinfandel, two different meads, and a whimsical Roadkill Red. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is dry with soft oak tannins, and the Merlot has a rich, oak flavor enriched with black cherry complexities. Colorado Cellars is open for tastings Monday-Saturday year-round; appointments are recommended.
Colorado Cellars Winery is Colorado's oldest and largest winery. Founded in 1978 as Colorado Mountain Vineyards, today's brands also include Rocky Mountain Vineyards® and the Orchard Mesa Wine Company.Since the winery's beginning, wine grape acreage has increased steadily to a total of about 450 acres today. The original winery has also grown and expanded to what is known today as Colorado Cellars Winery - the state's oldest and largest family operated winery.
Owners Richard and Padte Turley have each been associated with the wine business for nearly three decades.