Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 970-464-4959;
www.amyscourtyard.com
; 3575 G Rd; 11am-5pm Mon-Sat; )
Owner John Barbier
is a gregarious oenophile of the most lovable sort and his 'House of Beautiful Life' pro-
duces some of the area's finest Cab, Syrah and Rosé. On site there's also Amy's Court-
yard, an elegant little space that doubles as a piano bar. Things get lively after a few
bottles go dry.
Canyon Wind Cellars
(
www.canyonwindcellars.com
; 3907 North River Rd; 10am-5pm Mon-Sun; )
In the shadows of red
canyon walls, this is an unpretentious, well-established tasting room. The ecofriendly es-
tate is a postcard representation of the area, and its respectable Cab flaunts surprising
sophistication. Tours are available on summer weekends at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
WINERY
WINERY
Carlson Vineyards
( 970-464-5554;
www.carlsonvineyards.com
;
461 35 Rd; 10am-6pm Mon-Sun; )
When the hunt for
the state's fine wine leads to this pole building, your expectations might take quite a dip.
But if Carlson's reds are nothing special, this family winery rewards the search with fine
whites and interesting fruit-based wines, including one from Palisade peaches. It's Color-
ado's third-oldest winery, with expansive views.
Sleeping
Wine Valley Inn
( 970-464-1498;
www.winevalleyinnpalisade.com
; 588 West 1st St; d incl breakfast $129-149; )
From the
wraparound porch to the comfortable quilted beds and clawfoot tubs, this welcoming
Victorian inn is pure romance. In a quiet neighborhood setting, this is the ideal basecamp
for wandering the vineyards. With welcoming hosts and a pleasant 24-hour hot tub in a
private, landscaped garden.
B&B
$$
Colorado Wine Country Inn
(
HOTEL
$$
970-464-5777;
www.coloradowinecountryinn.com
;
777 Grande River Dr; d/ste $139/249;
)
More chain hotel than B&B, this newish 80-room lodging sits right next to I-70. Hope-
fully, the pool and white rocking chairs looking out on surrounding vineyards might help
you forget. Staff are helpful and there's a social atmosphere with Friday night BBQs and
wine receptions for guests. Includes a hot buffet breakfast. The adjoining winery has self-
guided tours.
