Colorado Wine & So Much More
(Colorado Country Life)
September 13, 2024
There’s a reason Colorado wine is consistently winning national awards and international recognition.
An industry once unique to the western fruit-growing region has firmly planted its roots throughout our incredible state.
You can now visit numerous areas in all four corners — and everywhere in between — to find a vintner offering something lush and delicious to sample. And many of these unique wineries offer so much more than just a tasting.
1. Zenzen Gardens – Paonia
When visiting a winery, you are first and foremost hoping to find great wine. Zenzen Gardens in Paonia delivers. Serving vintner Alfred Eames’ prestigious award-winning Spanish-inspired creations, Zenzen has a taste for quality. If Eames’ vineyard, Puesta del Sol, is “the sunset,” this garden getaway is the sunrise. With a stunning view of the West Elk Mountain Range, the winery, and its historic barn setting, is often the spot for nuptials and special occasions, with catering, a private chef, live music on their mountain stage, and spa amenities. Zenzen is also a unique overnight destination with most of the same luxuries upon request. Within the immaculately landscaped grounds, you can stay in one of the cute cottages, or in the Cosmo or Zinnia glamping tent. Here, there is no roughing anything — it’s the ideal setting for a lovely night under the stars with wine, Spanish tapas, and all the modern and indulgent conveniences at your fingertips. zenzengardens.com
2. Brush Hollow – Penrose (and Cascade)
Brush Hollow in Penrose grows 100% of its grapes here in our beautiful state, but that’s not the only fruit they are fermenting. Brush Hollow knows that there are a lot of flavors to be found in these parts. At this winery you’ll find dry and sweet whites, a variety of reds, fruit wines like Palisade peach, various ciders — depending on what’s in season — and wildflower, bourbon, and cinnamon-vanilla mead. The list of libations is long, and Brush Hollow’s love of Italian wine also runs deep. Beginning this year, Brush Hollow is organizing an adventurous trip abroad to old Italian wine country. Want to stay closer to home? Visit Brush Hollow’s new tasting room at the foot of Pikes Peak in Cascade. brushhollowwinery.com
3. Sutcliffe Vineyards – McElmo Canyon Near Cortez
When you think of the Southwest, many iconic images come to mind. Perhaps you think of places like Canyon of the Ancients, the monolithic Ship Rock, and Valley of the Gods. Maybe you recall ancient ruins and historic dwellings like Mesa Verde and Hovenweep — places seeped in history and heritage. If you have ever had any interest in those magnificent sites and you have a desire to visit, you are in luck, as all — and many more — are just an hour or two from Sutcliffe Vineyards near Cortez. This secluded treasure in McElmo Canyon highly encourages exploration and hopes to be your luxury landing pad on your next trip to the Four Corners region.