Experience Amazing Wine & Food at Colorado Mountain Winefest Sept. 14-15!

No plans this weekend? Take a road trip to Palisade (near Grand Junction) for the Colorado Mountain Winefest! This is the state's premier wine celebration and nearly 50 Colorado wineries will be attending and sampling their delicious wines! 

The daylong event is held at Riverbend Park in Palisade and features live entertainment, unlimited wine samples, a  commemorative tasting glass, wine tote, and the chance to buy wine directly from the winemakers. Tickets for the fest are incredibly affordable, just $43 for general admission, which includes FREE seminars like Wine 101, Ice Carving, Wine Aroma Wheel, chef demos, and the always popular GRAPE STOMP. FREE Shuttle Service available to and from Grand Junction. 

For $185, get a VIP ticket and enjoy a private entrance, commemorative Riedel glasses, bag full of gifts, gourmet food, and much more. 

If you can get up early on Saturday, sign up for Tour de Vineyards at 8:00 a.m. This 25-mile bike ride takes you by many wineries and vineyards, and it's a great way to get exercise before a day of imbibing! I visited Palisade this summer and enjoyed a wonderful bike ride through the vineyards. It was a highlight of the trip. 

If you want to ride on your own during the weekend, rent a bike at Rapid Creek Cycles. They have great cruiser bikes that auto-shift for you! Just don't embarrass yourself like me by not realizing the brakes engaged by simply pedaling backward! Plum Creek and Maison la Belle Ville were some of my favorite wineries to bike to in the area.

On Friday, seminars like Chocolate & Wine Tasting, The Life of Wine, and Demo & Dinner are offered for an additional charge. 

Looking for great dining in Grand Junction? Try Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery. If you're wined out, they have plenty of craft beer options and tasty menu items with generous portions like Ahi Salad, sandwiches, and more. Sit on the patio, relax, and just watch people go by.

Go here to buy tickets now and check out the full schedule of the weekend events. 

Need a hotel? Here's Winefest lodging information.