The way to discover Colorado’s Fruit and Wine Byway on two wheels

A welcome breeze retains you cool as you pedal previous lavender fields, peach orchards, and the excessive desert’s rugged magnificence on the way in which to award-winning Colorado wineries. While snow-draped peaks normally dominate the state’s trip narrative, the agricultural city of Palisade, nestled within the Grand Valley on the Western Slope of the Rockies, provides a unique type of journey. Here, the Fruit and Wine Byway invitations guests to swap skis for 2 wheels and discover Colorado’s wine nation—an journey that showcases the state’s out of doors spirit alongside its rising repute for daring Cabernet Francs, shiny Viogniers, and different varietals now placing Colorado on the wine map.

The Byway’s three scenic loops wind previous greater than 25 miles and have dozens of wineries, providing rides for each degree of skill, from leisurely cruisers to intense cyclists and wines for each sort of palate. Whether you’re coasting by means of flat lanes or tackling a difficult climb, Palisade blends out of doors journey with small-town allure for a wine nation expertise in contrast to another.

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Bike paths alongside the Fruit and Wine Byway

The West Cruiser Loop, a seven-mile trip that begins and ends in downtown Palisade, is the preferred for a purpose—the flat, cruising route provides the most important collection of tasting rooms alongside the way in which.

The East Cruiser Loop is a shorter, five-mile meander alongside the Colorado River that options fewer wineries however contains the valley’s largest, Colterris Winery, well-known for its Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux-style blends.

Then there’s the East Orchard Mesa Loop, essentially the most difficult trip, stretching 25 miles with a vigorous climb to a mesa, the place breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Valley and surrounding mesas reward cyclists prepared to tackle the problem.

Pedicabs and shuttles can be found for non-cyclists fascinated by touring the Byway, whereas adventurers can kayak or paddleboard the Colorado River between tastings. Palisade Cycle rents all the things you want for wine tasting alongside the Byway, together with bikes, shuttles, kayaks, and paddleboards.

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Wineries to go to

The pleasure of Colorado’s wine scene is that it’s stuffed with numerous wine kinds and wineries. From tiny, mom-and-pop outlets to avant-garde, experimental vineyards, every cease provides acquainted favorites alongside an opportunity to style one thing new.

Favorite stops alongside the West Loop embrace Grande River Vineyards, which boasts an award-winning Viognier; Maison La Belle Vie Winery, a pleasant French-inspired vineyard that always serves as a backdrop for weddings (strive the Petit Verdot or the Vin de Peche— the recipe has been handed down for the reason that late 1800s); and St. Kathryn’s Cellars, recognized for its peach and lavender wines.

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The East Loop has fewer wineries, however nice surroundings. The wineries on this route are likely to deal with daring, crimson wines resembling Colterris Winery’s Coloradeaux mix, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc or Bookcliff Vineyards’ full-bodied Malbec. 

If you tackle the climb of the East Orchard Mesa Loop, the views alone are definitely worth the effort. But, wine lovers received’t be disenchanted with Restoration Vineyards’ excellent Sauvignon Blanc or Carlson Vineyards’ fruity rosé. 

And in Palisade, it’s not simply concerning the wine. Visitors can wander by means of lavender fields at Sage Creations Organic Farm, cease at Talbott’s Cider Company, a fifth-generation orchard, or get pleasure from Clark Family Orchards, the place a distillery tasting room provides fruit-forward spirits and hearty bites.

Farm-to-table eating places

Palisade boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a deal with domestically sourced meals and heat hospitality. Pêche Restaurant, a James Beard Award-winning spot liked by locals and guests alike, is a should for dinner (e-book forward), whereas Fidel’s Cocina & Bar (fashionable Mexican), Slice O’ Life Bakery, or Diorio’s Pizza are hometown favorites for informal eateries and lighter bites.

Because most wineries don’t serve meals, plan to pack a snack or two to your trip. You can seize recent peaches, lavender honey, and seasonal produce from roadside stands and choose up artisan cheeses and charcuterie on the town. With the farm-to-table affect of the Western Slope, you received’t be quick on choices for an impromptu riverside picnic between tastings.

Where to remain in Palisade

For a basic wine nation keep, Wine Country Inn, set on 21 acres of working vineyards, is the best choice. Wine Valley Inn, a century-old mattress and breakfast, provides a cozier vibe and is only a quick stroll from wineries, breweries, distilleries, and downtown eating choices. Both provide on-site wine tastings.

Spoke and Vine Motel, a mid-century motor lodge turned boutique motel, provides a extra non-traditional keep, welcomes pets, and has on-site bike leases. For the extra adventurous traveler, Palisade Basecamp options RV and tent websites, in addition to cabins and glamping tents. Located proper alongside the Byway and nestled amongst vineyards and orchards, this feature is ideal for vacationers in search of a mix of out of doors journey and wine tasting.

Tips for an important trip

Any native will let you know the primary key to having fun with the Byway is to remain hydrated, particularly when having fun with alcohol. The excessive desert is deceptively dry, so keep in mind sunscreen and chapstick. And know your limits, each bodily and in the case of wine tasting. If you’re involved concerning the effort of biking, think about renting an e-bike or taking a pedicab to let another person do the pedaling.

While the Byway is usually alongside quiet nation roads, the roads are open to automobiles, so it’s necessary to look at normal biking etiquette: Stay seen, put on a helmet, and trip single-file on the precise aspect of the street. 

Finally, the very best time to go to is August by means of late-September, when Palisade’s well-known peaches and different fruits are in season and the entire valley buzzes with occasions just like the Annual Palisade Peach Festival and the Tour de Vineyards, a scenic trip by means of the Byway that coincides with the Colorado Mountain Winefest, the state’s largest wine celebration.

A go to to Palisade, Colorado can really feel considerably like a step again in time, the place you-pick orchards, small farmers’ markets, and family-run wineries create a singular expertise. There are not any sprawling estates right here, however the likelihood to decelerate and expertise the heat of a smaller scale wine nation is one to not be missed.