You don’t have to travel to California to experience the rolling hills of vineyards. There are over 30 different wineries to explore just in Palisade, CO and the surrounding area.
There are acres of vineyards to explore along the fruit and wine byway. You can choose to visit by foot, bike, tour, or shuttle service.
Me and a few of my friends wanted to get away for a weekend without spending much money. Therefore, we packed our bikes and camping gear and drove 2-4hrs (we came from different areas) to Palisade, CO for a winery tour.
We wanted to keep it cheap, so we booked some campsites and brought our bikes. If you aren’t on a budget, there are plenty of hotels and bike rental companies or winery tours that will accommodate you as well. We had so much fun the first year, that I was able to convince Jake to go the following year.
Here is all the information for planning a weekend getaway to the various Palisade Wineries.
This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy.
List Of All The Palisade Wineries
There are over 30 different wineries in the Palisade area. (Some are located in nearby towns of Clifton & Grand Junction Area)
- Avant Vineyards
- BookCliff Vineyards
- Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate
- Carlson Vineyards Winery
- Colorado Cellars
- Colorado Vintners
- Colterris Winery
- Debeque Canyon Winery
- Deroco Cellars
- Grande River Vineyards
- Graystone Winery
- Gubbini Winery
- Hermosa Vineyards
- Mafia Princess Wines
- Maison La Belle Vie Winery and Eatery & Amy’s Courtyard
- Mesa Park Vineyards
- Peachfork Orchards & Vineyards
- Plum Creek Winery
- Red Fox Cellars
- Restoration Vineyards
- Sauvage Spectrum
- Shiras Winery
- Talon Wines at the Meadery
- Talon Wines at St. Kathryn’s
- The Blue Beryl Winery
- The Ordinary Fellow
- Two Rivers Winery
- TWP Winery and Farm House
- Varaison Vineyards & Winery
- Vines 79 Winery & Vineyard
- Whitewater Hill Vineyards
The Palisade Wineries generally open between 10 and 11 am and close between 5 and 7pm. Most wineries have a tasting room and offer 3-5 different wines. Some of the wine tastings are completely free, but some may charge a small fee of $5+.
But you should carry cash to tip the sommelier!
Additional Wineries South Of Palisade, CO (in Cedaredge, Paonia, Delta, & Olathe):
- Alfred Eames Cellars
- Black Bridge Winery
- Cottonwood Cellars
- Garrett Estates Cellars
- Mountain View Winery
- Stone Cottage Cellars
- Stoney Mesa Winery
Breweries, Cideries, and Distilleries near Palisade, CO:
If you’re not a wine enthusiast, then you might find some of these other options better suited for you.
- Palisade Brewing Company
- Peach Street Distillers
- Talbott’s Cider Company
Transportation To The Different Palisade Wineries
There are actually numerous different ways to get around to the different Palisade Wineries.
Biking Around To The Different Palisade Wineries
My personal favorite option is biking around to the different Palisade Wineries. The one negative of this is you have to choose wineries that are closer in distance if you want to hit multiple wineries in one day.
You also need to be careful and monitor how much you drink, so you are able to bike home safely and legally. If you aren’t from the area or don’t have bikes, there are a couple companies in town that rent bikes.
Bike Rentals In Palisade, CO:
- Palisade Cycle & Shuttle: When renting with Palisade Cycle & Shuttle, you can choose between a 7-speed country cruiser bike or an electric bike. Bike rentals are for the whole day, and must be returned by the end of the day unless other arrangements are made. They also offer a shuttle service. They can drop you off anywhere in the area with your bikes, so you only have to pedal one way.
- Paddle Boards Adventure Company: There are two different options for bike rentals with Paddle Boards Adventure Company. You can either rent an e-bike for 4 hours and go on a self-guided tour, or you can join a guided wine tour. The guided wine tour includes an e-bike rental, a tour guide, all tastings, and a behind-the-scenes tour.
Shuttle Services In Palisade, CO:
Absolute Prestige Limo:
If you want to visit the various different Palisade Wineries in style, then you might consider Absolute Prestige Limo service. This would be a fun option for a bachelorette/bachelor party or if you had a big group in town to split the cost. This company has a customizable limo tour that brings you around to all the different wineries, distilleries, breweries, orchards, and galleries in the area.
JR’s Carriage:
Another awesome option to get around to the different Palisade Wineries is by taking a horse buggy. Along the way, you not only get to visit the different wineries but also get to experience the beautiful and historic town of Palisade.
Pali-Tours:
Pali Tours takes you around to the different Palisade Wineries safari-style. They offer tons of different packages. From a simple tour around to your favorite wineries, or you can pair a wine tour with a river adventure or they offer a few unique stops at an alpaca farm or Lavender farm.
Palisade Pedicab:
And if you want to visit Colorado’s wine country by bicycle, but don’t want to pedal your own bike, then you might consider Palisade Pedi-Cab. Plus every pedicab has a canopy so you can stay cool on the ride.
Palisade Trolley & Limousine Service:
Palisade Trolley & Limousine Service offers a wine tour in a luxury vintage setting. They will drive you around to any of the vineyards of your liking and drop you back off at your hotel or campsite at the end of the evening.
West Slope Bespoke:
West Slope Bespoke has various different private bike tours ranging from 1 person – to 9+ guests. The tour will be guided by a professional who can teach you all about Colorado’s wine country. You can customize the trip as much as you would like or leave it up to the expert.
Grand Junction Tours:
Lastly, there is Grand Junction Tours. They will help customize a personal tour for you and your friends.
Choose A Designated Driver:
Another great option is having a designated driver to take you around to the different Palisade Wineries. If you have a member of your party who doesn’t want to partake in the wine but wants to be around for the fun, they can then drive you around to the different wineries!
Where To Stay In Palisade, CO
Now that you picked your transportation, it’s time to book your accommodation in Palisade. There are tons of great options, whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors on a camping expedition, book a vacation rental home in the heart of town, or prefer a luxury bed in a hotel.
Best Hotels Near Palisade, CO:
- Wine Country Inn
- Palisade Wine Valley Inn
- Spoke and Vine Motel
- Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast
- Vistas and Vineyards Bed and Breakfast
- Best Western Grande River Inn & Suites
- Grande Vista Hotel
- And many more!
Awesome Vacation Rental Homes Near Palisade, CO:
- Colorado River B&B: riverside casita in Palisade (Sleeps 4, great location along Colorado River)
- The Sweet Peach Studio Apartment (Sleeps 4, simple, modern apartment)
- Charming cottage (Sleeps 2, pet-friendly, quaint, inexpensive)
- Barn house (Sleeps 6, hot tub, and views, located in Clifton)
- LARGE HOUSE in the middle of WINE COUNTRY (Sleeps 12, good for large groups, close to town)
Camping Near Palisade, CO:
Palisade Basecamp RV Resort:
This campground is modern and a cute place to stay if you are trying to stay on a budget or enjoy camping outdoors. This place has bathrooms, showers, laundry, a general store, etc.
Book a campsite At Palisade Basecamp RV Resort
James M. Robb Colorado River State Park:
The James M. Robb Colorado River State Park campground is about 10-15 minutes (by car) from Palisade, therefore it isn’t the easiest option. Although it is along the river, so it is very peaceful. This place does have bathrooms and showers.
Book A Campsite At James M Robb Colorado River State Park
Using Harvest Hosts:
Harvest Hosts is an awesome membership designed for people who have self-contained RVs and campervans. Palisade, CO is a mecca for some of the best places to stay. This membership allows you to stay at various different vineyards and farms in the area. They only ask for you to patron a minimum of $20 at each business.
Our Suggested Route To The Best Palisade Wineries Via Bike
Me and my girlfriends had the best time biking around to the different Palisade Wineries.
Varaison Vineyards & Winery → Talon Winery At St. Kathryn cellars → Talon Wines At The Meadery → Grande River Vineyards → Red Fox Cellars → Maison la Belle Vie Winery → Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate → Plum Creek Winery
Here is a helpful Google Maps of our route.
We hit a lot of wineries, but not all of us drank at each one. Remember if you are on a bike, that you will be sharing the road with vehicles at times. Please be extra cautious!
Most of the wineries close before the sun goes down, so you should be able to make it back safely to the place you are staying before dark.
Our Favorite Winery in Palisade, CO
One of the best palisade wineries we visited was Varaison Vineyards. We feel their presentation is very well done and super informative. They inform you about the different wines and how to properly taste.
For example, did you know you are supposed to drink white wine down the middle of your tongue and red is supposed to be split down the sides of your tongue? They do an experiment with you and it’s amazing to try out the difference.
Their wine tour guides are super knowledgeable and spend a decent amount of time giving you the tasting. Be sure to tip these guys extra! 🙂
Best Places To Eat In Palisade, CO
Brix 13
We were suggested to check this place out by one of the vineyards, and we were so glad. You can add this stop to your bike tour and fuel up before indulging in more fantastic wine. It is a European Bistro located downtown Palisade, CO. We highly suggest getting the Croque Monsieur and the Turkey Pesto!
Le Snack
Le Snack is a food truck located next to The Ordinary Fellow Winery. While you may think food truck and say I’ll pass, this is truly a hidden gem in Palisade, CO. They serve food that will make your mouth water.
Pêche. Restaurant
If you are looking for a unique culinary experience, then Pêche. Restaurant is just what you are looking for. From the ambiance, plating of the food, service, it’s all top-notch.
Takeaway For The Best Palisade Wineries
Palisade, CO is such a beautiful town in the Western part of the state. Doing this winery tour one weekend was so much fun, and we highly suggest it! Be safe and if you are riding a bike, make sure to take it easy, or if you want to hit a lot of wineries, hire a shuttle/carriage!
These sommeliers work for tips, so be sure to tip them for the knowledge they share! Also, don’t forget to pick up a Palisade peach (they are delicious). We hope you enjoy!
Pauline
Monday 14th of October 2019
Wine, camping and the outdoors? Yes please! I've been to several wineries in Colorado including this one, which is one of my favorites.
T.M.
Monday 14th of October 2019
This would SOOO be up my husband's alley!! I love that you did a bike tour to accomplish the task of exploring wineries. How creative!
Emily Schroeter
Monday 14th of October 2019
haha! It's so fun to ride around on your bike there!
Cindy
Thursday 10th of October 2019
Looks me such a fun weekend! Riding bikes to the wineries was a great idea!
Emily Schroeter
Friday 11th of October 2019
It was! Yah biking around to the wineries was so much fun!
Jody
Thursday 10th of October 2019
I would like the biking looks like a lot of fun. And so much to do.
Emily Schroeter
Thursday 10th of October 2019
Yah, that is our preferred mode of transportation there! It's a blast!
Lisa
Thursday 10th of October 2019
Excellent trip! Thank you for sharing the places to stay we will look into this for our bucket list.
Emily Schroeter
Friday 11th of October 2019
Yes, you definitely should! :)