Festival caps off a week of Colorado wine events

By the Thirst Team

The Colorado Mountain Winefest has become such a major draw that it inspired a signature wine.

Talon Wines in Palisade said the Riverbed Red is “inspired by the many years of festivals we have attended at Riverbend Park as well as the vibrant community we’re so lucky to be a part of.”

The reserve red blend will be officially released on Friday, Sept. 14. The launch is followed by several Wine Week events across Colorado, leading up to the main wine festival. The Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE) hosts the party on Saturday, Sept. 21, in Palisade’s Riverbend Park.

More than 50 wineries will offer unlimited sampling. At least 50 more vendors and food trucks will be on hand for the festival, which also includes chef demonstrations, wine seminars, grape stomping and more. Colorado jazz mainstay Dotsero and singer-songwriter Tony Rosario will play live music.

USA Today’s 10Best named the event the best wine festival in the nation.

“It's a testament to the passion and dedication of our winemakers and the vibrant community that supports them,” said Cassidee Shull, executive director of CAVE. “Your support helps to strengthen our industry and showcase the incredible talent within our beautiful state."

CAVE is a non-profit trade organization that promotes Colorado wineries and vineyards.

The festival is the culmination of Colorado Wine Week, which officially kicks off Sunday, Sept. 15 at Aspen Peak Cellars. The free opening celebration includes a pop-up art show, guest winery tastings and live music.

Other wine week events include:

Vintage wine tastings at Colorado Cellars in Palisade. The long-standing winery has cabernet, merlot, syrah and port bottles dating back to 1979.
A sensory analysis workshop at Whitewater Hill Vineyards in Grand Junction. Learn how to taste wine like a pro, identify wine notes and create perfect wine pairings.
A wine glass painting event (with wine drinking, of course) at Vines 79 Wine Barn in Palisade.
A murder mystery party at Absolute Prestige Ranch in Loma.
An old-fashioned grape stomp at Buckel Family Wine in Gunnison.
Wine-pairing dinners at several wineries.

Click here for a complete list of events and more details.

For more on Colorado’s burgeoning wine industry, pick up our current issue all over Colorado, or read the digital edition here.