PALISADE WINE FESTIVAL August 30, 2012 • THE VILLAGER • PAGE 17

By Betsy McLaughLin

The 21st Annual Colorado Mountain Winefest — also referred to as the Palisade Wine Festival

by locals of the area — is sched-uled to get underway Thursday, Sept. 13 at locations in Palisade and the surrounding Grand Val-ley area.

The population of Palisade may only be 2,698 according to the 2010 Census, but the popu-larity of the peaches, wine and other bounty grown in the area is known world-wide.

A climate that brings hot days and cool nights, a 182-day grow-ing season and plenty of sun-shine makes Palisade the pro-ducer of award-winning wines and famed fruit.

With more than 50 Colorado wineries attending this year’s wine festival and a couple thou-sand attendees sharing bottle af-ter bottle of delicious Colorado wine, the event promises to be memorable.

New this yearThe favorite seminars and

demos of the last few years have been incorporated into one day-long event – at no charge. What a great deal. No need to pay ex-tra to learn about food and wine pairings, or the finer points of wine tasting.

General admission will be to the Winefest at Riverbend Park on Saturday is $43 per person, entitling the ticketholder to par-ticipate in a number of free dem-onstrations and tastings of food and “unlimited sips” of wine, live music and even a grape stomp.

For a real VIP Experience, at $185, you can enjoy a separate entrance to the festival and ac-cess to a shaded VIP Pavilion. VIPs will also receive a com-memorative Riedel crystal wine glass, a gift-filled wine tote, VIP parking, a delicious selection of gourmet foods to taste, and con-cierge wine storage for the day’s purchases.

more than vinoThere are also a number

of other events taking place throughout the weekend, most at an additional cost, such as a golf tournament at the Redlands Mesa Golf Club, Entrom’s Chocolate and Wine Tasting, a demo and dinner with Chef Glenn Smith of Aspen, and various wine-related seminars and tours of the area wineries.

wines of coloradoWinemaking has been hap-

pening all over Colorado, about 1,000 acres of grapes growing in total, much of it on the West-ern Slope. The warm sunny days and cool nights result in grapes that are full of complex sugars. Although the growing season is shorter than most other wine grape growing regions, the rela-tive warmth allows for Bordeaux and Rhone type grapes to be grown. There is also plenty of room for experimentation, with grape varieties like Riesling and Gewurztraminer being tried suc-cessfully. More than 80 percent of Colorado’s grapes are grown in the Grand Valley and Palisade area, with more high altitude grapes like Pinot, Riesling and Gewurztraminer grown in the West Elks area.

The Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology, is an as-sociation of members interested in promoting the interests of Col-orado grape growers and wineries in legislative and political mat-ters, disseminating information on winemaking and agricultural practices related to grape grow-ing, establishing contacts with other associations and providing a forum for the exchange of infor-mation between members of the industry. They produce three ma-jor festivals each year, of which the Colorado Mountain Winefest is one. Begun in September of

1992 as the main fundraiser for the organization, the Winefest has grown to include an Urban Wine-fest and an annual trade show as well as the annual Palisade event.

21st Annual Winefest to be held Sept. 13-16Wine festivalPal sade

festival wineries

DelTa/MoNTrose couNTies:

Cottonwood Cellars / The Olathe Winery

Garrett Estates CellarsMountain View Winery

Stoney Mesa Winery

Four corNers:Guy Drew Vineyards

Fox Fire Farms

FroNT raNge – MouNTaiNs:

Augustina’s WineryAspen Peak CellarsBalistreri Vineyards

Bijou Creek VineyardsBonacquisti Wine Company

BookCliff VineyardsBoulder Creek Winery

Colorado Cider CompanyDesert Moon Vineyards

Dithyramb WineryD’Vine Wine (Denver)

Kahil WineryKingman Estates Winery

Rockyspring WinerySnowy Peaks Winery

Ten Bears WineryVino Salida Wine CellarsTurquoise Mesa Winery

Water 2 Wine (Denver Tech Center)

graND Valley:Canyon Wind Cellars

Carlson VineyardsColorado Cellars Winery

Colterris WinesDeBeque Canyon Winery

Garfield Estates Vineyard & Winery

Grande River VineyardsGraystone Winery

Gubbini WineryHermosa VineyardsMaison La Belle Vie

Meadery of the RockiesMesa Park VineyardsPlum Creek Winery

Reeder Mesa VineyardsSt. Kathryn Cellars

Talon WineryTwo Rivers Winery

Whitewater Hill Vineyards

WesT elks:Alfred Eames Cellars

Leroux Creek VineyardsLiliputian Winery

Stone Cottage Cellars

• The world’s oldest bottle of wine dates back to A.D. 325; found near the town of Speyer, Germany, inside one of two Roman sarcophaguses. • California is the No. 4 wine producer in the world, after France, Italy, and Spain. • Wine grapes rank No. 1 among the world’s fruit crops in terms of acres planted.• European wines are named after their geographic locations (e.g., Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot and Bordeaux) while non-European wines (e.g., Pinot Noir and Merlot) are named after grape varieties.

• One ton of grapes makes about 60 cases of wine, or 720 bottles. One bottle of wine contains about 2.8 pounds of grapes.• Enologists are chemists who analyze samples of wine and advise winemakers. • A crop of newly planted grape vines takes four to five years to grow before it can be harvested. • Bubbles in wine have been observed since ancient Greece and were attributed to the phases of the moon or to evil spirits.• Oenophobia is an intense fear or hatred of wine.

ViNo know-how

For more information visit www.palisadetribune.com or www.winecolorado.org

Palisade’s Hometown newsPaPer since 1903www.palisadetribune.com

comPiled by ...

PAGE 18 • THE VILLAGER • August 30, 2012 PALISADE WINE FESTIVAL August 30, 2012 • THE VILLAGER • PAGE 19

C O L OR

A

DO

R I V E R

1 Alida’s Fruits

22 Colterris Wines

21 The Palisade Livery Saloon

3 Bikki Ranch of Liberty

47 Palisade Chamber

26

2 Valley Fruit Stand

23 Carlson Vineyards Winery

9 Clark Orchards

6

24 Grande River Vineyards

4 Helmer’s Fresh Produce

46 Grand Junction Visitor Center

7 Herman Produce

8 Ball Fruit

44 Blue Pig Gallery

30 Plum Creek Cellars

11 Talbott's Mountain Gold Market

10

10

Z’s Orchard

25

25

34

35

Vistas and Vineyards

33

33

Varaison Vineyards

Maison La Belle Vie

27

Palisade Wine Valley Inn

DeBeque Canyon Winery

40

48

Packing Shed Restaurant

42 Mumzels Crumpets, Cups & Cones

43 Slice-O-Life Bakery

41

Access to Trails

45 Speedy’s Restaurant

22

2

23

9

5

17

17

6

24

4

39

46

830

11

35

12

13

40

TO FRUITA

35 miles on Hwy 50 to DELTA

50

Ho r

izon

Driv

e

Exit 31

C1/2 Road

C Road

F1/4 Road

E1/4 RoadE Rd

F Rd

Patterson Road

7th

Stre

et

32 R

d

38 R

d

35 R

d

Exit 37

Exit 42Exit 44

Exit 46

GRANDJUNCTION CLIFTON

EAST ORCHARD MESA

PALISADE

6

141

1st S

treet

24 R

oad

Redlands

Parkway

Broadway

340

I-70 Business Loop

BUS

70

F Rd

6

645

Elb

erta

Ave

G.7 Rd

G.4 Rd

W. 3rd

W. 1st

36.1

Rd

36.3

Rd

37.1

Rd

35 R

d

34 R

d

Iow

a Av

33 R

d

G Rd

E Rd

34 R

d

33 3

/4 R

d

D Rd

36 R

d

North River Rd

Grand

Rapid Creek Cycles

Main

48

7

34

1

37 Palisade Cafe

38

27

Note: Exit 44Only westbound traffic can exit the interstate.Only eastbound traffic can enter the interstate.

72 miles toGLENWOODSPRINGS

5 Red Barn Farm & Garden

Red Rose Cafe

28

29

Garfield Estates

Graystone Winery

47

14

37

41

29

N

S

W E

28

32

32

20 3/

4 Rd

26 Meadery of the Rockies20 Peachwood Liquors

19 Palisade Brewery St. Kathryn Cellars

39

38

Colorado National Bank

Mai

n S

t

Kokopelli Farm & Produce

3

70

70

Wineries/Brewery

Orchards & Fruit Stands

Lodging

Other Businesses

{MAP NOT TO SCALE}Visitor Destinations

L E G E N D

44

14

36 Wine Country Inn

36

45

12

13

High Country Orchards

C & R Farms

14 Just Peachy

15 Suncrest Orchard Alpacas

16 Nana’s Jam Shack

Aloha Organic Fruit

15

16

3119

2142

43

31 Peach Street Distillery

Points of Interest

18 Pear Blossom Farms Fruit & Wine Real Estate 49

18

20

49

Tammy Craig Owner & Broker 970-216-0213

Meschelle Etzkorn Associate Broker 970-234-3630

John F.K. Sabal Broker Associate 970-389-8100

Moments from I–70 Exit 44 on U.S. 6(1–1/2 Miles east of Palisade)

PEACHES • PEARS • PLUMSAPPLES • SWEET CHERRIES

JAMS • JELLIES • SALSAS...AND MORE

Send Your Family And Friends Fresh Colorado Peaches From Alida’ s

Only once each year, fresh Palisade Peaches in all their famousgoodness are available for your enjoyment. Deliciously, that timehas arrived. To place your order, to be shipped fresh anywhere

in the continental United States, call or click today.

Enjoy a taste of western Colorado.

Palisade Peaches . . .The Time is Ripe!

Also available:• Jams, jellies & syrups • Dried fruit products• Gift boxes • Colorado gift ideas

877-434-8769 • www.alidasfruits.com3402 C 1/2 Road • Palisade, Colorado

500 Main Street • Grand Junction, Colorado

Send Your Family And Friends Fresh Colorado Peaches From Alida’ s

3402 C 1/2 RD Palisade CO, 81526 • 970-434-8769 Toll Free 877-434-8769 www.AlidasFruits.com • www.PalisadePride.com

Summer, 2007 Explorer — 23

GGRRAAYYSSTTOONNEEVVIINNEEYYAARRDDSS&& WWIINNEERRYY

The winery featuresPORT. Specializing inaward-winning dessertwines.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

MON.-SAT. 10-6SUN. 11-6

970-434-8610From I-70 Exit 37(Clifton), turn left at firstStoplight. Go thru townand stoplights. Winery isat east end of overpass.

3352 F RoadClifton, CO 81520

WELCOMEVISITORS!Summer hours: Sunday 9-2and 4:30-9; Tuesday 4:30-9Wednesday-Sat. 1-10 p.m.

CLOSED MONDAYS

REDROSECAFERESTAURANTAND WINE BAR

IN PALISADE235 MAIN ST..

Live MaineLobster Specials!

Sunday SpecialBrunch Menu 9-2

Full Bar ServiceLocal Wines, Beer

& Produce

970-464-7673

BARBARA BIKKI,AND SONS

Ranch of Liberty in open viewPlanted by loving hands to welcome you.Walk through the silence of each growing treeAnd you’ll hear a voice

‘It’s good to be Free.’Stop for a moment, your feet on the sodAnd eat of fruit . . . a product of God.

CHERRIES • APRICOTS PEACHES • APPLES • PLUMS

FRESH VEGETABLESBy the pound, bushel, or truckload

3848 G-1/4 Road • Palisade

970-464-7524

�W I N E R Y�

3943 Hwy. 6 & 24

Wine Tasting & Retail SalesAward-winning Wines

Great Wines & Friendly Atmosphere!Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

1.5 miles east ofPalisade, Colorado

River Bridge

970-464-0550 www.debequecanyonwinery.com

Summer, 2007 Explorer — 23

GGRRAAYYSSTTOONNEEVVIINNEEYYAARRDDSS&& WWIINNEERRYY

The winery featuresPORT. Specializing inaward-winning dessertwines.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

MON.-SAT. 10-6SUN. 11-6

970-434-8610From I-70 Exit 37(Clifton), turn left at firstStoplight. Go thru townand stoplights. Winery isat east end of overpass.

3352 F RoadClifton, CO 81520

WELCOMEVISITORS!Summer hours: Sunday 9-2and 4:30-9; Tuesday 4:30-9Wednesday-Sat. 1-10 p.m.

CLOSED MONDAYS

REDROSECAFERESTAURANTAND WINE BAR

IN PALISADE235 MAIN ST..

Live MaineLobster Specials!

Sunday SpecialBrunch Menu 9-2

Full Bar ServiceLocal Wines, Beer

& Produce

970-464-7673

BARBARA BIKKI,AND SONS

Ranch of Liberty in open viewPlanted by loving hands to welcome you.Walk through the silence of each growing treeAnd you’ll hear a voice

‘It’s good to be Free.’Stop for a moment, your feet on the sodAnd eat of fruit . . . a product of God.

CHERRIES • APRICOTS PEACHES • APPLES • PLUMS

FRESH VEGETABLESBy the pound, bushel, or truckload

3848 G-1/4 Road • Palisade

970-464-7524

�W I N E R Y�

3943 Hwy. 6 & 24

Wine Tasting & Retail SalesAward-winning Wines

Great Wines & Friendly Atmosphere!Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

1.5 miles east ofPalisade, Colorado

River Bridge

970-464-0550 www.debequecanyonwinery.com

Specializing In PORT With An Award-Winning List Of Desert Wines

•••

Open 7 Days A WeekMonday - Saturday 10-6

Sunday 11-6

970-434-8610From I-70 Exit 37 • 3352 F Road

Clifton, CO 81520

Choose from 14 Delicious Meads (Fermented Honey Wines)

Open daily 10-5• Tours by appointment• 3701 G Road (Hwy 6) • Palisade CO 81526 • 970-464-7899 • meaderyoftherockies.com

okopellik• Tree-Ripe Peaches • Fruits and Vegetables • Organic Produce

970-464-4991Open Daily: June - October

I-70 Exit 46 Just East of Palisade

Farm Market• Jams and Jellies • Colorado Gifts ...and Much More

(800)554-1570•(970)683-1649Carol Mueller, Owner • thelavenderlady@yahoo.com

The Lavender Lady & Friends BoutiqueThe Lavender Lady & Friends Boutique

213 Main Street • Palisade, CO 81526Wine Cellar, Tasting Room &

Gourmet Shop• Colorado Made Gifts

(970) 434-1636

Visit us at Farmers Markets

See You at Wine Fest!

315 33¾ RoadPalisade CO970-261-5809www.zsorchard.com

We Honor the Festival Coin

Ripe Peaches & Fresh ProducePrize Preserves & Local HoneyFlowers & Handmade Aprons

Visit us at Farm Markets, our Orchard Store, or Online!We Ship peacheS • Family Farm Since 1974

144 KLUGE at Second StreetCome taste this year's award-winners!

Visit Our “Original” Palisade BuildingBarrel Aged Reds • Fruity, Light Dry Whites

Award-Winning Colorado WinesOPEN DAILY AT 10 A.M.

Palisade's only downtown winery

787 N. Elberta Ave, Palisade970-464-5867

www.granderiverwines.com

Enticing Gift Shop & Fresh Fudge

Open daily 10-5 • Just off I-70 785 Elberta Ave. • Palisade CO 81526 970-464-9288 • stkathryncellars.com

Colorado Country Fruit Wines

Thursday, Sept. 13Food and Wine Pairings – TBA –

local eateries in Palisade and Grand Junction

Friday, Sept. 148 a.m. — Colorado Mountain

Winefest Golf Tournament at The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa, backing up to the Colorado National Monument, one of the most beautiful and unique courses in Colorado. $150.

11:30 a.m. — Dine, Wine & Vine Experience wine lunch with Colorado state enologist Dr. Steve Menke at the Wine Coun-try Inn in Palisade. $65

1 p.m. — ‘The Life of Wine’ with Sommelier Max Ariza, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Grand Junction; experience and savor Colorado wine throughout a decade and beyond. $45

4 p.m. — Demo & Dinner with Chef Glenn Smith; at the DoubleTree Hotel, join renowned Aspen Chef Glenn Smith as he leads a flavorful demonstration of local food and wine pairings. Evening includes a reception, tasting demo and multi-course dinner. Tickets are $120.

7:30 p.m. — Enstrom’s Chocolate and Wine Tasting at the Double-Tree Hotel, pairing two of the world’s greatest tastes, wine and chocolate, it doesn’t get any better than this! $55 for the session, or combine with Demo and Dinner for $170.

Saturday, Sept. 158 a.m. — 19th Annual Bicycle

Tour de Vineyards; ride at your own pace along with newly inaugurated Fruit and Wine Byway and wind through scenic East Orchard Mesa and

Palisade’s wine and orchard country.

10:30 a.m. — 21st Annual Colo-rado Mountain Winefest opens in Riverbend Park. Taste to your heart’s content at the multi-tude of wine and food vendor booths, watch and participate in demonstrations from cooking to stomping grapes. Live music and free seminars on wine related topics throughout the day.

Sunday, Sept. 169 a.m. — Introduction to Grape

Growing; with Dr. Horst Caspari, Colorado state viticulturist ex-plaining how grapes are grown along the Western Slope.

10 a.m. — Vineyard Tours. Area vineyards and wineries are ready and waiting for guests to tour their operations, learn about the art of winemaking, and enjoy wine tasting, ap-

petizers and live entertainment. Take your time and tour your favorite wineries, enjoying the Grand Valley hospitality and gorgeous scenery.

Wine festivalPal sade

~Fruit Stands~ & Orchards

alida’s FruitsWestern Colorado’s Premier

Gift and Souvenir Shops, Alida’s Fruits specializes in gifts, pro-duce and products grown and/or made on the magnificent Western Slope of the beautiful Colorado Rockies. Enjoy a taste of West-ern Colorado! Find us at 3402 C 1/2 Road on East Orchard Mesa in Palisade or 500 Main Street, Grand Junction, Colorado. Call (970) 464-8769 or visit us at www.alidasfruits.com.

Clark Family Orchards

James A. Clark, one of the first fruit growers in the valley, purchased 20 acres of wild land where he plowed and planted peaches in the late 1800s. Every generation since has grown fruit in the Palisade area. Now, six generations and over 100 years later, the Clark family is still ac-tively farming fruit at the East end of the Palisade area. The Farm now consists of 100 acres of owned and leased ground, which raises cherries, apricots, peaches, pears and plums along with a vegetable garden. We sell our produce across the state and the mid west including Oklaho-ma and Texas. We offer our fruit and veggies for direct pick up at our local fruit stand at 3929 Hwy 6, along with jams, jellies, salsas and more. We also offer tours of our orchards on our shady, horse-drawn, handicapped ac-cessible trolley wagon.

Helmer’s Produce

Located at 384 34 1/2 Rd. 434-1636, the Helmers have been selling fresh fruits, veg-etables and canned goods at their roadside stand and at local Farm-er’s Markets since 1994.

High Country Orchard

High Country Orchards in-vites you to visit our family owned and operated orchards, vineyards and gardens overlook-ing the scenic Colorado River in Palisade. We harvest 15 different varieties of tree-ripened peaches, Bing, Lambert and Rainier sweet cherries, red and white vitis vi-nifera wine grape varieties and garden fresh vegetables. We of-fer fresh produce and homemade products for sale at our Country Store at the orchards.

Kokopelli farm market

Kokopelli Farm and Produce is a fruit and vegetable market featuring local organic peaches.

They also offer vine-ripened to-matoes, squash, beans, cherries, organic produce, honey, jams and jellies, dried fruit, Colorado gifts and souvenirs, and more. Kids are invited to play in the corn bin and ride the pedal tractors. Ask us about the “Million Dollar Breeze” during your tour of the organic peach orchards - in a historic set-ting above the Colorado River. Ride the orchard hoopie, explore the packing shed, and visit the farm market. They are located right off of I-70 Exit 46, just east of Palisade. Reach Kokopelli at 970-464-4991 or www.kokopelli produce.com.

nana’s Jam shackThe Davis family has been in

the peach business since 1999. Our love for peaches started with a trip to a mountain town with a pickup load of peaches. Over the years, we have planted several orchards which supply peaches for our out of town markets and eventually a fruit market here in our home town of Palisade. We currently have four generations working our family farm.

It has taken many years of selling peaches to be able to have my own little fruit market. Thus, the Jam shack was born. The grandkids decided it was Nana’s shack. My love for our local, organic, sugar free jams inspired me to have mostly fruit and jam. This will allow us to ship our wonderful products all over the United States during the off season. This also allows us a place to sell our peaches. My love for peaches and Jam is why it is called Nana’s Fruit and Jam Shack. Our other markets in Steamboat Springs have known us for years as Davis Family Farms. The store in Palisade car-ries fresh fruit, and all variet-ies of Fruit Jams, Beer & Wine Jellies, Honey, lavender Honey, Peach Salsa, Gourmet Crackers, Cheese and much, much more.

Talbott Farms Talbott’s “Mountain Gold”

high-quality Colorado peaches, fresh fruit, wine grapes, juices, cider and landscape trees are produced in the Palisade area, on Colorado’s Western Slope. Talbott Farms is a family owned business operated by fourth and fifth generation Colorado peach and fruit growers. The sixth generation is now in training to continue on with this family tra-dition in growing Colorado Pali-sade peaches and fruit.

Z’s OrchardNestled in a lush valley at the

foot of Mt. Garfield is Z’s Or-chards and Produce. This fam-ily-owned orchard produces a wide variety of produce through out the 182-day growing season. Dazzling zinnia and sunflower fields embellish the orchards and gardens. Photographers and art-

ists capture the country charm and traces of history. From the first crops of sweet cherries, apricots and raspberries in early June to succulent peaches mid-to-late summer to the delicious fall apples, Z’s Orchards and Produce is dedicated to growing the highest quality fruit crops in the world. We hope you enjoy the “Fruits” of our labor!” —The Z’s Orchards and Produce Fam-ily 315 33-3/4 Road, Palisade, (970) 434-6267. Visit us at area Farmer’s Markets or online at www.zsorchard.com.

~Wineries~CArlson

vineyardsCarlson Vineyards is the

“fun and friendly” winery in the Grand Valley. Parker and Mary Carlson started their wine making as a hobby that sort of grew into a business when they couldn’t hold all their winemak-ing equipment in their kitchen anymore. They planted their first grapes in 1988 at a lovely spot on East Orchard Mesa and start-ed their winery in a 1930s pack-ing shed.

They took the wine business very seriously with a commit-ment to using the best grapes and other fruit and making great wine. Never ones to take them-selves too seriously, they some-times give their wines amusing names and labels to make you smile. They smile as they win awards for their wines. As the fourth winery to be licensed by the state are recognized among the pioneers of Colorado’s wine industry.

On their website they say, “Our idea was to craft fine wines that people enjoyed drinking, that were affordable, friendly and unpretentious. We encour-aged people to ‘trust your own taste.’ Our belief was that wine is a great accompaniment to life, best with food and friends.”

If you can only visit and taste a few of the wines in the Palisade area, the trip to Carlson Vine-yards is a must!

Colterris WinesColterris invites you to tour

our family owned and operated vineyards, orchards, rose and lavender gardens. It is a win-ery, a vineyard, a peach orchard, a sorting and packing facility, a country store, agri-tours, an event center, a corkscrew museum….what is it?? Colterris Wines and High Country Orchards & Vineyards. The High’s have 35 acres of grapes consisting of 4 vineyards all named after family members (Theresa, Scott, Katie and Two Brothers, Matthew & Kennan) and are growing the traditional Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot). These grapes are turned

into delicious wines all under the Colterris Wines brand. And if you are looking for a beautiful place for your wed-ding, look no further. Our pa-villion sits on top of the mesa overlooking the Colorado Riv-er, the Book Cliff Mountains and the peach orchards. And finally, while enjoying some of the Colterris wines check out Scott’s “Corkscrew Museum” ... its a hoot!

DeBeque Canyon Winery

DeBeque Canyon was started in 1997, but the road to a winery traveled by Bennett Price and his wife, Davy, started in 1982 when they purchased a vineyard in the Palisade area.

From the mid-80’s through mid-90’s he installed, or was instrumental in planning, many vineyards in Western Colorado. He attended viticulture classes at UC Davis in California, and cultivated enjoyable friendships with many winemakers in Cali-fornia as well as Oregon.”

In 1996 they started making wine and by 2000 were earning national awards. From white wine to red wine, DeBeque Can-yon does it wonderfully!

Located in the “town center” of Palisade they are easy to find and “worth the trip”!

Grande River Vineyards

Thirty years ago, the idea of growing grapes and making wine in Western Colorado began with a clue from the area’s past. Around the turn of the century, almost 50 farms produced nearly 1,800 gal-lons of wine - however, Colorado “went dry” in 1916, four years before National Prohibition af-ter which the vineyards were destroyed. But Western Colo-rado’s moderate winters and arid climate make for near-perfect grape-growing conditions and a group of visionaries decided to return the vineyards to the area. After making wine at home from Colorado grapes in 1986 with two Denver friends, Stephen Smith began planting grapes commercially in the Palisade area in 1987. He opened Grande River Vineyards winery in 1990 with one-third of his first crop. Grande River Vineyards has established one of the best-quality vineyards in the state - in fact, it has the largest grape crop in Colorado. They grow all of the grapes for their wine. Visit the tasting room, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

Graystone WineryNamed for the gray, ma-

jestic shale bluffs surrounding the Grand Valley and Colorado River, Graystone is also close to wild horse country. These bluffs and mesas are still home to a large band of wild horses. Truly the wild, wild West and awesome Wine Country! Visit our tasting room and enjoy our award-win-ning Ruby and White Port while taking in the incredible scenery surrounding the Grand Valley. Located on Highway 6 East, on the Palisade side of the over-pass to Clifton. If coming from I-70, take Exit 37 and turn left at the first intersection. The Tast-ing room and gift shop are just one mile down Highway 6 East, open daily, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun-day 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Phone: 970-434-8610.

The Meadery of the Rockies

Mead is an ancient form of wine dating back 7,000 BC, but the Meadery of the Rockies has not only brought “honey wine” into the new millennium but has made it a work of art. They feature a series of “Camelot” themed meads that go from dry to sweet, and a mouth watering line of fruit and honey wines like peach, apricot, strawberry, cher-ry, raspberry, and blackberry. The Meadery has added Rasp-berry Chocolate Satin, Choco-late Cherry and the new Honey Sher’e – rich with honey and like a sweet sherry, but not exactly. You’ll have to try if for yourself!

Talon WinesThis Colorado wine producer

is a conglomeration of four sepa-rate Colorado labels brought un-der one roof by Glenn Foster. It’s a mega brand, by local standards.

St. Kathryn Cellars and Talon Winery, both operated by Glenn and Natalie Foster, won med-als this year at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in Sonoma, Calif. St. Kathryn Cel-lars won silver medals in the fruit wine category for its Apple Blossom, Strawberry Rhubarb and Cranberry Kiss wines. Talon Winery won bronze medals for its 2009 Wingspan Red and 2008 Wingspan White.

“This is a great way to show the world we’re able to make world-class wines here in the Grand Valley,” said Glenn Foster, who also serves as winemaker. “I believe people want to buy local wines, but want to ensure they are buying quality. These awards make it clear that there are world-class wines right here in our own backyard.”

~Other Business~Fruit & Wine Real Estate

Nobody knows Palisade area real estate better than Tammy Craig and her staff. Located downtown, Craig is active in the Palisade business community and is one of our neighbors. If you are longing to be a part of Palisade, Tammy Craig is just the person to find you the right farm, home or business and to help you become one of the com-munity. That’s why their motto is, “The only thing better than a visit to Palisade is living here.”

lavender lady & Friends

The Lavender Lady and Friends located on Main St. in downtown Palisade is more than lavender, although you will find everything you can find that can have lavender in it including lav-ender wine, cookies, margarita mix, lotion, sachets, candles, bath salts, soaps, scents and “art” and more are found in the store.

There’s also lovely handcraft-ed jewelry. salt lamps, gift items, cards, spices, beautiful hand painted glassware, aprons, deco-rative items, handmade stuffed animals and Wild Women Wines.

No trip to Palisade is complete without a visit to the Lavender Lady and Friends. Palisade is be-coming known for its lavender as well as fruit and wine. Come back next July for the Lavender Festi-val!

biographiesbus ness

PAGE 20 • THE VILLAGER • August 30, 2012 PALISADE WINE FESTIVAL