Geography
Why is this the case? Colorado’s wine industry has grown at a significantly greater average annual pace than other expected states like California. Colorado has experienced a 15% growth rate since 1992. There are multiple factors affecting this expansion. With more than 300 days of sunshine on average per year, Colorado sees ideal conditions for growing grapes. Along with the sun exposure, Colorado’s climate consists of low humidity, warm days, and cooler evenings. Colorado’s vineyards are present in locations that range in elevation from 4,000 to 7,000+ feet, and are therefore some of the highest vineyards in the world. (Coloradowine.com) This bodes well for all kinds of grapes; simple, or complex in nature.
The geography in which grapes are grown plays a large part in what each unique wine ends up tasting like. Because of the Colorado climate, the tastes of the various wines are apparent through how the vineyards were grown and cared for, including the soil they are planted on. Colorado grapes are going to have a significantly different taste and experience then those from California, Washington, or Oregon.
Tourism
Colorado has also seen a boost in its domestic tourism; weather it is a wine based event, a wine tour, or visit to a local winery. This is in contrast to past years of Colorado natives leaving for out of state wine tourism. One of the most significant events in Colorado is the Colorado Mountain Wine festival. The event was rated the best wine festival in the United States by USA today. The festival is located in Palisades, Colorado, a small town just outside Grand Junction. The multi-day event receives over 7,000 attendees and showcases over 50 different wines.
Colorado’s wine sales economic contribution has more than tripled since 2015. Almost 70% of this increase is due to its tourism. This year, make sure to experience some of what Colorado has to offer.
Facts
Interested in Colorado finest Wines?
The most popular Colorado grapes are from the species of European grape Vitis Vinifera-
Reds:
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Cabernet Franc
Whites:
Chardonnay
Riesling
Viognier
For more information on history, events, or other resources visit CAVE at http://www.winecolorado.org/