Wine Fest Artwork chosen for 2023

By Kyle Kirves

When it comes to domestic wine production, Colorado may not have the same established reputation as another state that starts with “C” (and, no, we’re not looking at you, Connecticut). But the Centennial State’s renown in wine is certainly growing due the caliber and quality of the product, yes, but also the conscientious cultivation of that reputation by the Colorado Association of Viticulture and Enology (CAVE).

Based in Palisade, CAVE has been the voice of Colorado wine producers since 1987.

Winning local artist
Jeffrey Pickett’s “Harvest Time” won a statewide contest and will be commemorative poster image for the Colorado Wine Fest.

“We’re a member-based non-profit that exists to support and encourage the Colorado wine industry throughout our state,” says Cassidee Shull, executive director of CAVE. “Our membership consists of growers, allied trade partners, and even individual members who are mostly amateur wine makers statewide and beyond.”

Statewide is the important word there. Most years, more than 85 percent of grapes used in Colorado wine come from the state – no grapes, no wine – so there’s a little of Colorado in every bottle. But what makes Colorado wine distinctive from other domestic and international wines? Part of it is the place, and part of it is the people.

“We grow wine in a very different state than winemakers of other states,” Shull explains. “We possess two American Viticultural Areas in our state. And the tenacity of our winemakers and their commitment to working with the landscape to make great wines right here is amazing.”

Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to have some climatic magic in your favor, too.

“The Million Dollar Breeze,” Shull says, “it’s what contributes to the signature flavor of Palisade fruits, including peaches and grapes. That Colorado weather pattern creates lovely warm days and cool nights that make this wine-growing region here terrific.”

Growing region is two-fold – growing region for fruits, yes, and also a growing region in terms of reputation for the class and caliber of wine produced. Citing the big names in wine publications, Shull suggests Colorado wine is now being mentioned alongside more established vintners in Napa and Sonoma. “Just take a peek at some of the awards our local wines have been winning,” she says. “Marry that to the natural beauty of the region, and it’s a great destination for enthusiasts.”

CAVE’s tremendous melting pot of membership is on full display at their annual flagship event, the Colorado Wine Fest – a consumer-centric showcase of Colorado wines on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Like previous years, this year’s Wine Fest takes place in Palisade at Riverbend Park.

“Just take a peek at some of the awards our local wines have been winning. Marry that to the natural beauty of the region, and it’s a great destination for enthusiasts.”
— Cassidee Shull, executive director of CAVE

It’s an event the wine-making community takes great pride in and is looking forward to bringing back in style. Tickets are traditionally something of a tough get with general admission guaranteed to sell out by midsummer and just a handful of VIP tickets remaining.

“We’re really looking forward to getting back to our normal swing of things,” Shull says, suggesting that the pandemic affected recent years’ successes. “In addition to our vendors, we’re expecting over 4,500 attendees. We’ll have a live music lineup for Wine Fest and new educational seminars for wine enthusiasts of all kinds.”

The Wine Fest is special to local vintners, but also artists and musicians as well. The Wine Fest is a showcase to performers from all over the state of Colorado. For more than 10 years, the Colorado Wine Fest has featured a contest encouraging local artists to create and submit art for the signature poster imagery for the festival. The Commemorative Poster is selected via public vote and polls closed late January.

And, drum roll, please - this year’s winner as selected by the public is – Jeffrey Pickett, whose poster is titled “Harvest Time.”

"We had an incredible showing of artists from across the state for this year's contest," Shull says of the contributing, competing artists. "We are so excited to work with Jeff and showcase "Harvest Time" for Winefest this year!" Pickett’s piece serves as a great representation of the festival in an image and will grace much of the branded merchandise for Wine Fest.

All that wine festing sounds like a great time. Yet, if you can’t make it to Palisade, CAVE and their partners will bring the Wine Fest to you. For the third year in a row, the organization is expanding the reach and orbit of Wine Fest with Colorado Wine Week, the full week leading up to the festival. Restaurants and wineries statewide are welcomed to participate in the program promoting wine and oenology culture. If previous years’ numbers hold, Shull suggests over two dozen venues across the state will participate.

“It’s a great way to encourage participation from businesses throughout the state without maybe committing to a vendor booth at the fest,” Shull says. “There will be events, wine tours, dinners. A host of things. It’s still an intimate and controlled way to get involved.”

As wine festival season moves into full swing with the return of the sun and warmer weather, Colorado enthusiasts will certainly look forward to the Wine Fest in Palisade, and the moveable feast that is Colorado wine appreciation.

Click here for details on the Colorado Association of Viticulture and Oenology. Click here for tickets and more information about Colorado Wine Fest and Colorado Wine Week (including a list of participating venues, events, dinners, tours, etc.).

Kyle Kirves drinks beer, plays guitar, runs trails, and manages projects – all with varying degrees of success. While not a craftsman himself, he is quite content writing about the Colorado artisans who create such wonderful things and memorable experiences.