Colorado Mountain Winefest is an annual event that takes place in September in Palisade, Colorado. This year marked the 32nd edition of the festival, and it showcased the immense strides that Colorado wine has made in recent years. While the event’s long history suggests a tradition of winemaking in the state, attendees were treated to a celebration of the new wave of Colorado wine that has emerged.

According to Cassidee Shull, Executive Director of the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology (CAVE), the Colorado Mountain Winefest has been a platform for wine enthusiasts to sample and enjoy the state’s vintages for almost three decades. This year, the festival introduced new events, such as the Sparkling Wine Seminar, which highlighted the innovation and dedication of Colorado’s growers and winemakers.

With five thousand attendees from various countries and states, the growing popularity of Colorado wine and Palisade, in particular, was evident. Palisade is home to the majority of the state’s wineries and has become a destination for wine lovers.

One notable trend in the Colorado wine scene is the emergence of sparkling wine. Sparkling wine was not a prominent feature in the region until Savage Spectrum opened its doors in 2019 and introduced its fruit-forward, easy-drinking sparkling wine called Sparklet. This winery has not only expanded its own sparkling wine collection but also paved the way for other wineries to introduce their own versions. Affordable, crisp, and refreshing sparkling wines have resonated with the demographic seeking a wine that pairs well with the Colorado lifestyle.

Carboy Winery, which arrived in Palisade in 2021, was featured during the festival’s Sparkling Wine Seminar. Carboy offers three tiers of sparkling wine, with the latter two tiers featuring grapes grown exclusively in Colorado. Their hope is that their sparkling wines will be the perfect accompaniment to the hot summer days in the region, especially when enjoyed on Carboy’s rooftop patio.

Another exciting development at the festival was the arrival of new winemaker Merril Wallace at Centennial Cellars. Wallace’s first red wine, a Cab Franc, received praise as one of the best young red wines at the event. This wine pays tribute to some of the oldest grapes grown in the valley. Centennial Cellars benefits from its partnership with Talbott Farms, the largest grape grower in Colorado. Talbott Farms supplies about a third of the grapes in the state, contributing to the quality and diversity of wines produced in the region.

In addition to new talents, established winemakers like Ben Parsons continue to make their mark. Parsons, known for popularizing canned wine through his Denver urban winery, Infinite Monkey Theorem, showcased his new Palisade project, The Ordinary Fellow, at the festival. His 2022 Pinot Noir and 2021 Riesling received high scores from Decanter Magazine, a prestigious wine review publication. Notably, the Pinot Noir became the first Colorado wine to be selected as an “Editor’s Pick” in Decanter’s history. Parsons’ wines consistently receive recognition, with his 2022 Ordinary Fellow Sparkling Wine receiving a 92-point rating from Decanter.

The Colorado Mountain Winefest continues to be a platform for showcasing the growth and diversity of Colorado wine. Sparkling wines, the arrival of new winemakers, and recognition from influential publications are all indications of the upward trajectory of the state’s wine industry. The future looks promising for Colorado wine, and events like the Winefest provide a window into the exciting developments happening in Palisade and beyond.

Title: Exploring the Unique World of Colorado Wines: A Taste of Adventure

Intro:

Colorado may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of wine production, but the state is quickly becoming a rising star in the industry. With its vast landscapes, diverse climate, and passionate winemakers, Colorado offers a unique and adventurous experience for wine enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will delve into the story of Colorado wines, their journey to recognition, and the challenges they face in an ever-evolving industry.

Unleashing Colorado Wines onto the Global Stage:

The Colorado wine industry has been working tirelessly to gain recognition and compete with the best wines in the world. Wineries, such as Restoration Vineyards, are celebrating their successes, proving that Colorado wines have come a long way. They are submitting their wines to various competitions and magazines, but they select only those with credible scores. One such magazine, Decanter, is hailed as the premier wine magazine in the world, making it the ultimate goal for winemakers.

Educating Consumers on Cold-Hardy Varietals:

Colorado’s climate can be challenging for traditional grape varietals, known as Vinifera. However, the industry has found a solution by introducing “cold-hardy varietals” that can withstand the state’s unpredictable weather. These varietals, such as Itasca, Villard Blanc, Aromella, Chambourcin, Petite Pearl, and Marechal Foch, have opened up new possibilities for winemakers. In downtown Palisade, Ordinary Fellow Winery showcases award-winning wines made from these cold-hardy varietals, including a delightful sparkling wine.

The Future of Colorado Wines:

As winemakers in Colorado become more adventurous, they are willing to experiment with new varietals that may not be well-known to consumers. This presents a unique challenge of educating wine enthusiasts about these lesser-known grapes. However, passionate winemakers like Tyzok Warton from Carboy believe that this journey is part of the excitement. By highlighting the 42 different varietals of wine grapes grown in Palisade, wineries like Centennial Cellars aim to offer a more educational and memorable experience to visitors, introducing them to wines that cannot be easily found elsewhere.

Embracing the Adventure:

The 33rd Colorado Mountain Winefest is set to take place next year, providing an excellent opportunity for wine lovers to explore the world of Colorado wines. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Riverbend Park in Palisade, attendees can immerse themselves in the unique flavors and stories behind each bottle. The event promises to be a celebration of adventure, showcasing the best of what Colorado’s wineries have to offer.

Conclusion:

Colorado wines are breaking the mold and bravely venturing into uncharted territories, both in terms of varietals and global recognition. Their determination to compete on a global stage is evident through their selective submission to credible competitions and magazines. With a focus on cold-hardy varietals and educational experiences for consumers, Colorado wineries are shaping the future of the industry. So, if you’re seeking an adventure in wine, look no further than Colorado’s flourishing wine scene, and make sure to mark the 33rd Colorado Mountain Winefest on your calendar for an unforgettable experience in 2024. Cheers!