Treat yourself to a Sleepover at 9 Colorado Wineries (Denver Post)
Sarah Kuta
August 5, 2024
Whenever I visit a winery, I sigh deeply and say, “I wish I never had to leave.”
The wine’s delightful taste, the vineyards’ scenic beauty, and the warm hospitality make me content.
Some Colorado wineries do want you to make yourself right at home — albeit not forever. Many now offer on-site lodging through vacation rentals, guest houses, inns, campsites, and more.
For your next wine-infused getaway, here’s a snapshot of some Colorado wineries that will let you spend the night.
In the mid-1990s, Brent and Karen Helleckson tired of Boulder’s hustle and bustle.
While they still had their day jobs on the Front Range, they spent three years commuting to the North Fork Valley, where they built a stone cottage in Paonia using fieldstone cleared from the land.
In 1997, they moved into the cottage with their two small children, trading in their corporate jobs for a life of growing grapes and making wine.
Eventually, they outgrew the abode and moved into a bigger house next door — and, since 2012, they’ve been sharing their beloved stone cottage with visitors.
Today, it’s a cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom guesthouse steps from the vineyards and the tasting room.
If you’re lucky, you’ll meet Gibbs, the family’s friendly 10-year-old black lab/heeler mix who gladly accepts pets and scratches.
Whether you choose to spend the night, bookmark the winery’s events calendar.
Stone Cottage Cellars is hosting a series of barrel-tasting and gourmet food and wine pairings on their scenic property this summer.
Imagine fishing from the dock of a serene pond while gazing up at Mount Garfield—with a glass of wine in hand.
You can do that and more while spending the night at Plaas Huis, the South African-inspired farmhouse at Twee Wingerd Plaas, or TWP, in Clifton.
Edwin Mocke, an architect born and raised in South Africa, and Shari Cahill, an interior designer, founded the winery.
Together, they created a rugged and refined space where people could sip wine comfortably while enjoying Colorado’s natural landscape.
Guests who stay at the winery’s four-bedroom guest house can also use a pickleball court, archery, hammocks, paddle boats, paddle boards, and outdoor games like badminton and croquet.
Once the sun goes down, make s’mores in one of the outdoor fire pits. There’s even a hot tub that looks like an oversized wine barrel.
The 25-acre biodynamic property includes 7 acres of pinot gris and pinot blanc vines, peacocks, goats, lambs and a llama. And that’s just outside.
The adobe guest house is stunning, with massive windows, exposed wooden columns, a fireplace, curated antique furniture and whimsical South African decor.
You’ll feel transported to the French countryside when you book a room at Two Rivers Winery & Chateau — but you’ll be just a 10-minute drive from downtown Grand Junction.
Owners Bob and Billie Witham built the property from scratch on 15 acres of vacant land in 1999. Fast-forward 25 years, and Two Rivers is one of Grand Junction’s most iconic (and beautiful) sites.
The chateau has 10 rooms, each with a view of the on-site vineyards and the Book Cliffs or neighboring Colorado National Monument.
Stays include complimentary wine tastings and a daily breakfast buffet.
The property is a popular venue for weddings and other events. If you decide to hold an event here, all rooms are included in the rental.
Even if you don’t have time to spend the night, you can still enjoy tours and tastings at this family-operated winery.
Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate
Spend the afternoon sipping petite pearl, chambourcin, la crescent and other luscious wines on the second-floor deck of Carboy Winery’s Palisade location, where you can gaze out over tidy rows of grape vines with Mount Garfield as the backdrop
Then, when you’re ready to turn in for the evening, retreat to the winery’s estate house, a recently renovated 3-bedroom home located next to the tasting room.
The house has a massive stone fireplace, a lush grass lawn and a breezy covered patio where you can grill out with friends and family.
And though you might be tempted to sleep in, be sure to set your alarm so you don’t miss the stunning sunrise over the vineyard.
Carboy’s tasting room offers flights and wines by the glass and bottle.
For non-wine drinkers, there’s beer, hard cider, wine seltzers and spirits, charcuterie boards, and other snacks.
You know you’ve arrived when you finally spot the Wine Country Inn from I-70.
This 80-room hotel is an ideal basecamp for visiting Palisade, Fruita, and Grand Junction, regardless of the season.