The Hidden Colorado Wine Destination With Tastings, Orchards, And Breathtaking Views

Colorado is synonymous with rugged, outdoor beauty, which attracts visitors wishing to dive headfirst into its natural wonder. People flock to the state to soak up the grandeur of the Rockies, hit the iconic ski slopes, and get down with other active pursuits such as hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking. It's one of the country's great natural playgrounds, and is also an ideal place to take a road trip.

Despite the countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Centennial State is also home to a terrific — and still relatively undiscovered — wine region. Situated in the middle of the Grand Valley in the shadow of the world's largest mesa, the town of Palisade boasts scores of vineyards and winemakers, along with acres of fruit orchards. The town sees over 240 days of sunshine a year, making it the perfect spot to cultivate grapes, peaches, cherries, apricots, and other fruits.

This sunny, mild climate also makes it ideal for visitors, who, aside from sampling the goods at the town's wineries, can also marvel at the epic views and enjoy the eateries and charms of Palisade's quaint downtown. If you're keen for some further exploration, jump on a bike and start peddling, because the area also offers some top-notch opportunities for two-wheeled exploration.

Palisade sits on the western slope of the Rockies just under the Grand Mesa which — at over 10,000 feet in altitude and an area of 500 square miles — is the largest flat-top mountain in the world. The region Palisade and its larger neighbor Grand Junction call home is semi-arid high-desert country, with summer temperatures averaging over 90 degrees. This means staying hydrated is, especially when you're moving your body a lot, so don't forget to drink plenty of water.

There are over 30 wineries around the town, which makes relaxing over a glass or two of locally produced vino at one of the tasting rooms a must-do activity. While you can hire a car, limousine, or even horse-drawn carriage to take from spot to spot, one of the most popular ways to enjoy the vineyards — along with the area's orchards and lavender fields — is via the Fruit and Wine Byway.

This bicycle route is actually made up of three different circuit paths: The East Cruiser Loop (5 miles), the West Cruiser Loop (7 miles), and the more challenging 25-mile East Orchard Loop, which is best for sweeping views of the valley. The Fruit and Wine Byway is the perfect way to explore the splendors Palisade has on offer, while also getting a bit of exercise. You can rent 7-speed cruisers and e-bikes and Palisades Cycle downtown, though it's recommended that you book a bike online ahead of time on busy times and weekends.

The world-famous Colorado River flows right through Palisade, so other activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, or rafting trips, all of which can be arranged in town. The river is also a great place to wet a line, which attracts avid fly fishers for its healthy population of brown and rainbow trout. For fans of horses and natural scenery, head to the nearby Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range. This 36,110-acre preserve is home to over 200 feral horses that trace their lineage back to Spanish conquistadors and is ideal for hiking and photography.

When hunger hits, head to one of the downtown restaurants such as Pêche, which features locally sourced fare, Fidel's Cocina & Bar for top-notch tacos and cocktails, or the Palisade Brewing Company for excellent craft beer, barbecue, and more. When it comes to accommodations, sleep among the grape vines at the Wine Country Inn, Cherokee Vineyard Bed and Breakfast, or the highly-rated Spoke & Vine Motel. 

The nearest international airport is in Denver, which is under four hours away by car. Another option is to take the Amtrak train to the neighboring town of Grand Junction. While not really any faster than driving, this offers the most relaxing method of travel. For more great wine tasting in the U.S., check out these cities.