Western Colorado Wines: 15 Wineries Worth the Pour

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From the towering mesas of Grand Junction to the fertile valleys around Paonia and Cortez, this area offers one of the most exciting emerging wine regions in the country. Here's a look at 15 wineries worth a visit—each with its own story, setting, and signature flavors.

Sutcliffe Vineyards – Cortez

Set in the remote and striking McElmo Canyon, Sutcliffe is an oasis of refined winemaking in a high-desert setting. The views alone—red rock cliffs, cottonwoods, and desert silence—are worth the visit. But it's the wine that truly astonishes. With a European sensibility and a devotion to biodynamic practices, Sutcliffe crafts elegant reds (especially their Cabernet Franc and Merlot) and floral, aromatic whites like Viognier. The remote location makes it feel like a secret shared only among the truly curious.

Talon Winery – Palisade

Part of Talon Wine Brands, this winery offers a broad and welcoming tasting experience that appeals to both new wine drinkers and seasoned sippers. The lineup includes traditional reds and whites—Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon—as well as fun, fruit-forward offerings made with local Palisade peaches, cherries, and apples. It's a great introduction to Colorado wine and a perfect stop for relaxed tastings with friends.

The Ordinary Fellow – Palisade

Founded by Ben Parsons, the creative mind behind The Infinite Monkey Theorem, The Ordinary Fellow brings an edgy, urban aesthetic to the quiet town of Palisade. Housed in a renovated cannery building, the tasting room blends industrial cool with laid-back hospitality. The wines—dry rosé, zippy Sauvignon Blanc, and polished red blends—are made with precision and bold style. It's a winery that proves you don’t have to choose between tradition and innovation.

Two Rivers Winery & Chateau – Grand Junction

Elegant and serene, Two Rivers offers a slice of old-world charm with Colorado flair. Located at the base of the Colorado National Monument, the winery produces classic varietals like Syrah, Merlot, and Chardonnay in a traditional style. The on-site château offers luxurious lodging and a peaceful setting perfect for a romantic weekend or a quiet retreat with wine and mountain views.

Sauvage Spectrum – Palisade

This winery is one of the most inventive in the region, known especially for its pét-nat (pétillant naturel) sparkling wines and emphasis on estate-grown fruit. Sauvage Spectrum wines are wild, expressive, and often surprising: think bright, cloudy sparkling whites, vibrant orange wines, and juicy reds bursting with freshness. The vineyard patio is a dreamy place to sip in the sun, and seasonal events like their pét-nat parties keep the vibe exciting year-round.

Carlson Vineyards – Palisade & Grand Junction

One of the oldest and most beloved wineries in the region, Carlson has built its reputation on easy-drinking, fruit-driven wines that reflect the spirit of Palisade. Signature bottles include the Laughing Cat Riesling and Tyrannosaurus Red, as well as seasonal peach and cherry wines that pay homage to the valley’s orchard roots. It’s a relaxed, dog-friendly spot with a playful vibe and loyal following.

Stone Cottage Cellars – Paonia

This mountain vineyard is known for its high-elevation wines and the hand-built stone cottage that houses its tasting room. Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir are highlights, grown in one of the state’s most beautiful and challenging growing regions. The winery reopens for the summer season on May 24, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Red Fox Cellars – Palisade

Red Fox is a place for experimentation and play. Known for their bourbon-barrel aged reds, fruit-forward sangrias, and even wine-based cocktails, this winery caters to adventurous palates. It’s also one of the few places offering both wine and cider tastings, which makes it a great stop for groups with diverse tastes.

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BookCliff Vineyards – Palisade

This husband-and-wife team produces some of the most terroir-driven wines in the region, with a focus on sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking. Their wines lean toward European structure, with earthy reds like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon alongside floral Viognier and Muscat Blanc. The tasting room is simple, but the wines are serious—this is a must-stop for wine lovers looking for complexity and depth.

Mesa Park Vineyards – Palisade

Mesa Park is a warm, family-run winery known for crafting big, bold reds in small batches. Standouts include their Cabernet Franc and Merlot, both of which offer great structure without being overly tannic. The barn-style tasting room is cozy and intimate, and the owners are often on-site to pour and share stories of the vineyard. It's a quintessential Colorado wine country experience.

Carboy Winery – Palisade

Carboy has quickly made a name for itself as one of Colorado's premier wine brands, and the Palisade location showcases the full spectrum of what they can do. The winery focuses on both estate-grown and sourced Colorado grapes to produce clean, complex wines ranging from crisp Albariño to structured Cabernet Franc. With a modern tasting room, full restaurant, and views of Mt. Garfield, Carboy is both a culinary and wine destination.

Whitewater Hill Vineyards – Grand Junction

Conveniently located off I-70, Whitewater Hill makes a wide variety of wines that range from dry whites and reds to sweet dessert wines. Their Shiraz is a local favorite, and their Late Harvest Riesling offers honeyed richness with a clean finish. The vineyard is especially beautiful in the spring and early summer when the vines are in bloom and the Grand Valley is lush and green.

Colterris Winery – Palisade

Colterris stands out for its commitment to being 100% Colorado—growing and bottling exclusively with grapes from its estate vineyards. The wines are robust and well-balanced, with special attention paid to Bordeaux-style reds like Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The Colterris Overlook site features panoramic views of the Colorado River and is a stunning spot for tastings, picnics, and golden hour sunsets.

Shiras Winery – Grand Junction

Tucked into downtown Grand Junction, Shiras is a boutique operation producing tiny lots of high-quality wines. Every bottle is a labor of love, and you’ll likely meet the winemaker during your visit. Their Pinot Noir and Syrah are elegant and restrained, with a cool-climate sensibility rare in the region.

Graystone Winery – Clifton

If you’re a fan of port-style wines, Graystone is the place to go. It’s the only Colorado winery dedicated to these rich, fortified wines. Both the Ruby and Tawny-style ports are excellent for after-dinner sipping or pairing with cheese and chocolate. The tasting room is old-school and cozy, perfect for slow-paced indulgence.

Western Colorado’s wine country is full of surprises—stunning landscapes, passionate winemakers, and a wide range of styles and stories. Whether you’re after bold reds, crisp whites, or natural sparklers, there’s a winery here waiting to welcome you.

This newsletter was proudly sponsored by …

WKRP Montrose