When thirsty in Colorado, many people think of heading straight for a cold beer. While the Centennial State certainly holds a significant spot in the brewing world, some might not realize it also is home to a highly successful wine industry and outstanding grapes grown on the Western Slope.
While Napa Valley and Sonoma in California, Columbia Gorge in Washington and Oregon, and Willamette Valley in Oregon might have greater name recognition, wineries in Grand Junction, Palisade, and Paonia are equally as lovely. Surrounded by mesas, mountains, and plenty of vineyards and orchards, they make for elegant gathering spots full of natural beauty. The Front Range also has many wineries to consider in Denver, Littleton, Loveland, and Estes Park.
What makes Colorado wines distinct? Most of the state’s vineyards are located on the Western Slope at an elevation of 4,000 to 7,000 feet, with 70% in Mesa, 8% in Delta, and 5% in Montrose counties, according to the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board. The abundant sunshine and high altitudes help mature the fruit and build natural sugars, while cool evenings help retain the acids necessary for premium winemaking.
Grand Junction and Palisade in Mesa County have 30 wineries, including Two Rivers Winery & Chateau in Grand Junction, which has meeting and event space, a tasting room, and 10 guest suites. April Arnold, owner of Kosi Events in Grand Junction, has planned weddings and corporate events at Two Rivers and partnered with other Colorado wineries such as Restoration Winery in Palisade and TWP Winery & Farmhouse in Clifton. “The space [at Two Rivers] is beautiful and unique, offering something more special than a standard banquet space,” Arnold says. “It is nice to be able to have happy hour-style networking events where guests can enjoy delicious local wine while connecting with local businesses.”
She says her company has primarily used Two Rivers’ ballroom for events. “Recently, we held a networking event for the local newspaper where we had six speakers share words of advice [alongside] appetizers and great local wine,” she says. “Guests loved the feel of the space and the offerings we were able to have there.”
In Palisade, the 80-room Wine Country Inn has a ballroom that seats 150 guests and a Vintner’s House that works well for corporate retreats. For larger groups, an outdoor pavilion holds about 575, and a courtyard accommodates more than 1,800 guests. In 2021, the adjacent Grande River Vineyards was purchased by the owners of Wine Country Inn, providing additional space for gatherings. Nearby, Maison La Belle Vie Winery has a tasting room and patio with views, as well as Amy’s Courtyard that can accommodate up to 150 guests with a barn, gazebo, and spacious lawn.
Carboy Winery has the most locations in the state, with tasting rooms in Palisade, Breckenridge, Denver, and Littleton. Established in 2016, Carboy Winery has expanded its product line and distribution in recent years, and is now growing grapes at Mount Garfield Estate Vineyard in Palisade. All four locations offer function space, with the Governor’s Park
Tasting Room in Denver providing the most options—including the historic 19th-century Bubble Barn.
Tracy Donovan Events, a Denver-based event-strategy consulting firm, hosted an event for 135 guests at Carboy Winery’s Denver tasting room. “Carboy has that quintessential Denver atmosphere: It’s relaxed, cozy, friendly, and welcoming while still feeling updated and fresh,” says Tracy Donovan, founder and chief experience officer. “The venue is spacious and can handle a large crowd with a buyout, but the separate spaces also are perfect for smaller receptions and gatherings,” she adds. “This is a great venue to experience Colorado wines in a unique urban setting. The neighborhood is classic Denver, the parking is easy, and the location is convenient to downtown and Cherry Creek.”
Also in Denver, Balistreri Vineyards can host up to 250 guests among its ballroom, cellar, and garden areas, and also has on-site event coordinators and an in-house catering team. Wine tastings and tours of its cellar and winemaking facilities are available. The 7,000-square-foot Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery & Restaurant occupies a beautifully restored building that dates to 1886 and is located in the RiNo Art District near downtown. Its versatile space can accommodate groups of 10 to 450 guests among dining areas, a private tasting room, the production area, and a spacious courtyard complete with a fire pit and games. Groups of eight to 24 participants can book Bigsby’s “Winemaker for a Day” custom-blending sessions that include instruction, wine tasting and blending, as well as labeling. A larger-party blending session and bottling activity also is available for groups up to 75.
Planners organizing meetings and events on the Front Range also should consider Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center in Loveland, as the private barrel room is ideal for groups of 30 to 200. From Loveland, drive the beautiful Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park and Snowy Peaks Winery that has two options for private-party rentals. The Lounge seats up to 20 people inside, while the Backyard is an outdoor tent (open summer and fall) that seats a maximum of 50 people.
