Guest post by Nathan Boschult
Get ready to embark on a wine journey like no other! Colorado’s Grand Valley and West Elks AVAs are the hidden gems of the wine world, offering an experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Like a symphony playing on your palate, these high-altitude vineyards create wines that are as unique as they are captivating.
Situated at elevations higher than most in North America, Colorado’s vineyards bask in the glory of their breathtaking surroundings, and they contribute to the area’s ascendence as one of the top underrated wine regions on the continent. So get ready to grab a glass and join in on this guide to the can’t-miss vineyards and wine events of the Grand Valley and West Elks AVAs. Get ready for high wine like never before!
What Makes Colorado Wine So Special?
If you’ve ever wondered what makes Colorado wine so special, it’s all about the unique combination of high-altitude vineyards, alkaline soils, and microclimates. These factors combine to create truly distinct flavors and characteristics in every sip. Colorado’s vineyards are primarily found in elevations of 4,000–7,000 feet above sea level, making them some of the highest in the world. This elevation and plentiful year-round sunshine provide ideal growing conditions for several grape varieties.
The alkaline soils in Colorado are more similar to those found in Europe than the acidic soils commonly found in California. As a result, wines produced here have a taste more reminiscent of their European counterparts. Amazingly, the Colorado merlot is more similar to the merlots you’ll find in Bordeaux than those in California.
Additionally, the relative lack of humidity in Colorado’s climate minimizes problems like pests and diseases. This means that vineyard management practices use pesticides and other chemicals less frequently.
Colorado has two designated American Viticulture Areas (AVAs)—the Grand Valley AVA and the West Elks AVA—which produce over 90% of the state’s wine grapes. These areas have their own unique climates and conditions that contribute to the exceptional quality and character of Colorado wines.
Colorado’s American Viticultural Areas
If you’re interested in discovering the unique flavors of Colorado wines, you’ll want to explore the Grand Valley AVA and the West Elks AVA. These two American Viticultural Areas showcase the distinct terroir of Colorado’s vineyards, with their high elevation, low humidity, and alkaline soils. From the plateau to the valley, each microclimate offers a different experience for wine enthusiasts looking to taste something exceptional. They can also help guide wine-loving homebuyers deciding what to look for in a vacation home: proximity to Colorado’s AVAs could fit the bill!
The Grand Valley AVA
Located in Mesa County, Colorado, the Grand Valley AVA is a high-desert wine region characterized by its unique microclimates and alkaline soils. Spanning over 75,000 acres along the Colorado River, this AVA boasts an average elevation of 4,000–5,000 feet above sea level. The Grand Valley AVA stretches from Palisade to the foot of the Colorado National Monument west of Grand Junction.
With constant breezes from DeBeque Canyon and the Colorado River, this area experiences cool summers and relatively mild winters. The south-facing Bookcliff Mountains contribute to excellent growing conditions for Rhone varietals like Syrah and Viognier and Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Franc on Orchard Mesa. Similar in climate to the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain, Tempranillo also thrives here. Boasting similarities in degree days with renowned wine regions like Napa Valley and Bordeaux but within a shorter period, the Grand Valley AVA showcases its own distinctive terroir.
The West Elks AVA
Nestled among the breathtaking peaks and picturesque valleys of western Colorado, a hidden gem awaits wine enthusiasts: an enchanting region where vineyards thrive at dizzying altitudes, producing exquisite wines that capture the essence of this rugged terrain. Welcome to the West Elks AVA, located in Delta County, Colorado. This American Viticultural Area boasts some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the northern hemisphere, ranging from 5,400–6,400 feet above sea level.
The surrounding mountains provide seclusion and limit access to this area, creating a unique and secluded wine industry. With around a dozen wineries/vineyards scattered throughout the AVA’s 48,000-plus acres, you can explore the rich diversity of grape varieties that flourish here due to its mild growing season and unique microclimate. From Riesling to Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, these high-altitude wines will surely delight any wine lover seeking something special.
Can’t-Miss Colorado Vineyards & Wine Events
Don’t miss out on the incredible vineyards and wine events that Colorado has to offer! Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend activity, Colorado’s vineyards are sure to impress. The state is home to some of North America’s most unique and high-altitude vineyards, creating wines with distinctive flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Some notable vineyards in the Grand Valley AVA include the award-winning Colorado Cellars in Palisade—the oldest and biggest vineyard in the state—and Whitewater Hill Vineyards in Grand Junction. In the West Elks AVA, be sure to check out the Black Bridge Winery, Stone Cottage Cellars, and some of the smaller specialized vineyards.
In addition to exploring these stunning vineyards, be sure to check out Colorado Winefest. This highly acclaimed event showcases dozens of local wineries and features live music, grape stomping, chef demonstrations, seminars, and more. Voted the Best Wine Festival in the US, it’s an experience not to be missed.
The Colorado Winefest is part of Colorado Wine Week, which runs from September 11–17; various wine-focused events occur throughout the state, and there’s no place in the country better to be for a wine lover. Many of these events are free to attend and allow you to discover new wines while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Colorado’s Growing Viticultural Scene
So, next time you’re looking for a unique wine experience, don’t overlook Colorado’s Grand Valley and West Elks AVAs. With their high-altitude vineyards, diverse microclimates, and distinctive terroir, these regions produce truly one-of-a-kind wines. So grab a glass of Colorado wine and savor the flavors of this hidden gem in the world of winemaking. Cheers!
