A Wine Scene Is Emerging in Colorado Amid the State's Scenic Wonders (Food & Wine)
Gigi Ragland
March 19, 2026
Discover something new at these wineries near national parks
ve plains, the natural beauty of the state is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts who like to hike, bike, paddle, fish, camp, and sightsee. With four national parks and 43 state parks there’s plenty of terrain to explore. And now the high altitude destination offers another reason to visit.
Although winemaking isn’t generally associated with the Rocky Mountain state, a wine scene is emerging amid Colorado’s natural wonders. About 150 wineries dot the landscape, many near some of the most iconic vistas. The diverse terrain is full of scenic superlatives including rolling vineyards growing unique cold-hardy varietals as well as classic favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
Elizabeth Geboy, marketing and events coordinator with the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board says, “No matter which wineries you visit, the diversity of landscapes around them will surprise you. We have urban wineries tucked into bar districts; wineries in quaint, historic mountain mining towns; and wineries whose tasting rooms make you feel like you’re standing on top of the world.”
To that point, Geboy says that Colorado’s vineyards are some of the highest in the world, ranging between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation. For comparison, Napa Valley vineyards range from sea level to 2,600 feet. Colorado’s terroir is akin to the elevated regions of Argentina or parts of Europe. Winemakers are learning to adapt to the climate while experimenting with more Old World varieties that grow well at higher elevations.
Besides planting vineyards at elevation, contending with harsh conditions like less humidity, intense sunlight, and alkaline soil can be challenging, but the results have produced distinctive, regional wines. “Newer, disease-resistant, and cold-tolerant varieties like Chambourcin, Aromella, and St. Vincent are making their case for being world-class grapes,” says Geboy.
When visiting a winery she advises discovering something new. “Order the one you can’t pronounce. Ask the winemaker about it.”
For curious wine enthusiasts, the likelihood of locating a winery near one of Colorado’s scenic wonders is pretty high. To get you started, here are suggestions near national parks to plan a wine-tasting stop. For a more comprehensive list of Colorado wineries visit Colorado Wine.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Northern Colorado)
Admirers of high mountain landscapes gravitate to “Rocky” for hiking of all levels, wildlife sightseeing, and camping with cloud-skimming peak views. For a dose of alpine wanderlust take a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road dubbed the “Highway to the Sky,” where the high point reaches 12,183 feet elevation.
In Estes Park, a stone’s throw (4 miles) from the east entrance to the national park, Snowy Peaks Winery pours hand-crafted wines made from Grand Valley AVA Colorado grapes at its tasting room with a shaded outdoor patio. Pair a tasting flight with a charcuterie platter of local artisan cheeses, fruit preserves, and cured meats like elk salami or bison summer sausage for an authentic Rocky Mountain tasting experience. Try the Eleve Robuste red wine made from cold-hardy, Petit Pearl grapes with juicy, jammy plum and mocha flavors.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (West Central Colorado)
Super steep and narrow, the Black Canyon’s sheer walls drop 2,722 feet from the top to the bottom and stretch across the gap 1,500 feet. From the rim, it’s possible to peer down the canyon for a glimpse of the rushing Gunnison River that cuts through below. The area is a fly fisherman’s paradise.