Located on the westerly gradient of Colorado , some 40 miles from the Utah border , is Palisade – a veritable haven slap splash in the midriff of the desert . Conveniently situated off I-70 , Palisade ’s lush , fertile grounds are an anomaly in comparison to the arid , moth-eaten terrain of surrounding Mesa County .
Thanks to a 182 - day growing time of year , a temperate climate – mild , by Colorado standard – and a 78 % average of sunshine throughout the year , Palisade is know as “ The Peach Capital of Colorado . ” And while the peaches are deserving the hype , the little townspeople is also home to numerous wineries and trailheads , making it an idealistic summertime dodging for Coloradans . To make the good of this orbit , turn over our passport for food , drinks , and escapade .
Go to a winery, brewery, or even a meadery
get ’s cut to the Salmon Portland Chase : Palisade has winery . A gross ton of them . Located in the Grand Valley American Viticultural Area , a federally recognize , designated wine grape - growing region , the area has more than 20 wineries disperse across the town ’s 1.1 - square - mile circumference – many of which do not command a fee or reservation to taste .
You could pass days sip local wines , but there are several can’t - miss stopover . For a French - inspired experience , visitMaison la Belle Vieand enjoy the patio and welcoming shade of the sprawling willow tree tree . You ca n’t go wrong sampling any of the minor - batch reserve series , include the barbera , and petit verdot . Grande River Vineyards , the largest winery in Colorado with the big wine list , has been make Bordeaux wine - style wines for more than 20 years . The whites steal the show , as evidenced by their viognier and Meritage white .
For a unique experience , hit upMeadery of the Rockies , Colorado ’s original meadery . switch out grape for love in the fermentation appendage , the mead is an ancient spirit with a distinct flavor profile . For first - timers , Meadery of the Rockies provide traditional blends based on dearest content , yield blends , and dessert wine . Be sure to try the Honey Sheré , a complex , barrel - senior honey wine-colored that clocks in at 18.5 % ABV .
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Not partial to work grapes ( or honey ) ? Palisade is also home to a brewery and distillery . For hop - drumhead , Palisade Brewing Companyoffers an encompassing selection , include solid year - round brews such as Dirty Hippie Dark American Wheat and High Desert Red Ale . Those expect for a taste of the hard stuff and nonsense will be pleasantly surprised withPeach Street Distillers . Purveyors of damn ok spirit , the distillery features a diverse visibility , include amaro , apricot brandy , gin , Colorado Bourbon dynasty , and grappa .
Swap out your car for a bike
In true Colorado tradition , the best agency to see Palisade is by bicycle . Get up close and personal with the town ’s orchards and vinery on thePalisade Fruit & Wine Byway , a fully mapped , self - guided track that explores the local H.M.S. Bounty . Divided into three different routes , the paved trail offer wheeler a variety of terrain . From arcadian nation roads and rolling tilth on the outskirts of township in East Orchard Mesa Loop , to the view and breeze offer by the Colorado River , there ’s no way you ’ll be upset with your choice . Whether you ’re riding a beach cruiser or a road bike , you ’ll be sure to pass word of mouth , lavender fields , and peach , apple , and cherry plantation .
For mountain bikers looking for something more intense , there ’s plenty of single- and forked - caterpillar track to tear up . Flanked by the Book Cliffs mountain range and western orbit of Grand Mesa , the township tender long and myopic routes with depart terrain – from unconditional desert trails to steep ascent . For the practiced of the upright , ride the 8.8 - mile Palisade Rim . This experts - only path offers climb , technical rock gardens , and plenty of white - knuckled line of descent . It ’s one hell of a drive with nail - burn vulnerability , but the challenge is rewarding . Do n’t have a bike of your own ? hire fromRapid Creek Cycles , which offer up slew bikes as well as wine state cruiser .
Eat some peaches… and a ton of other great food
Remember when we mentioned that Palisade was the peach capital of the state ? Keep that in head when you ’re staying in township . If you take place to visit between July and September , be sure to take full advantage of the peach bountifulness . Most road you motor ( or bike ) down are bound to have copious green groceries stands for your choosing . And if you pretermit peach season , know that the Grand Valley also supports plums , tomatoes , cherry , apricots , apples , and much more .
Palisade is far more pocket-sized when it comes to dining ( which is OK , considering how fine the wine is ) . For made - from - lettuce pastries , hot breads , roll , and more , visitSlice O Life Bakery . For lunch , we commend either thePalisade Caféor the said Palisade Brewing Company . While the former serve classic comfort food , the latter serve well above - average bar nutrient ( aka perfect post - ride chuck ) . If you ’re still hungry after biking and drinking ( and more biking and drink ) , be sure to make upInari’sfor dinner for a various menu that foreground outside cuisine combine with Colorado flavour .
Stay in a luxury hotel… or camp it out
You ’re already in Palisade , so it only make sense to stay in the sum of wine res publica . Wine Country Inn , a 78 - room Victorian - dash hotel located just steps from Downtown , propose the best lodging in the area . The real perquisite are the costless afternoon vino tastings , a breakfast buffet , and pocket billiards area . This inn may experience gilded – and trust us , it is – but with room starting at $ 170 / night , it ’s a fairly low-cost escape for everyone , no matter the budget .
For those averse to pay for a room , seem no further than neighboringNorth Fruita Desert , located some 30 miles from Palisade . The mountain - biking heaven , home to some of the gnarliest terrain this side of Moab , is BLM - owned , and offers pay off sites ( $ 10 per Nox ) for circulate tenting . This dusty desert domain is a pure temporary rest home for those look to enjoy a weekend of wine , biking , and universal revelry .
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Flickr/Ron Schott
Flickr/Nancy and Randy (edited)
Flickr/Michael Hall
Wine Country Inn
