Colorado wine country is best explored on two wheels (no, really)

A welcome breeze keeps you cool as you pedal past lavender fields, peach orchards, and the high desert’s rugged beauty on the way to award-winning Colorado wineries. While snow-draped peaks usually dominate the state’s vacation narrative, the rural town of Palisade, nestled in the Grand Valley on the Western Slope of the Rockies, offers a different kind of trip. Here, the Fruit and Wine Byway invites visitors to swap skis for two wheels and explore Colorado’s wine country—an adventure that showcases the state’s outdoor spirit alongside its growing reputation for bold Cabernet Francs, bright Viogniers, and other varietals now putting Colorado on the wine map.

The Byway’s three scenic loops wind past more than 25 miles and feature dozens of wineries, offering rides for every level of ability, from leisurely cruisers to intense cyclists and wines for every type of palate. Whether you are coasting through flat lanes or tackling a challenging climb, Palisade blends outdoor adventure with small-town charm for a wine country experience unlike any other.

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Bike paths along the Fruit and Wine Byway

The West Cruiser Loop, a seven-mile ride that begins and ends in downtown Palisade, is the most popular for a reason—the flat, cruising route offers the largest selection of tasting rooms along the way.

The East Cruiser Loop is a shorter, five-mile meander along the Colorado River that features fewer wineries but includes the valley’s largest, Colterris Winery, famous for its Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux-style blends.

Then there’s the East Orchard Mesa Loop, the most challenging ride, stretching 25 miles with a vigorous climb to a mesa, where breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Valley and surrounding mesas reward cyclists willing to take on the challenge.

Pedicabs and shuttles are available for non-cyclists interested in traveling the Byway, while adventurers can kayak or paddleboard the Colorado River between tastings. Palisade Cycle rents everything you need for wine tasting along the Byway, including bikes, shuttles, kayaks, and paddleboards.

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Wineries to visit

The joy of Colorado’s wine scene is that it’s full of diverse wine styles and wineries. From tiny, mom-and-pop shops to avant-garde, experimental vineyards, each stop offers familiar favorites alongside a chance to taste something new.

Favorite stops along the West Loop include Grande River Vineyards, which boasts an award-winning Viognier; Maison La Belle Vie Winery, a delightful French-inspired winery that often serves as a backdrop for weddings (try the Petit Verdot or the Vin de Peche— the recipe has been handed down since the late 1800s); and St. Kathryn’s Cellars, known for its peach and lavender wines.

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The East Loop has fewer wineries, but great scenery. The wineries on this route tend to focus on bold, red wines such as Colterris Winery’s Coloradeaux blend, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc or Bookcliff Vineyards’ full-bodied Malbec. 

If you take on the climb of the East Orchard Mesa Loop, the views alone are worth the effort. But, wine lovers won’t be disappointed with Restoration Vineyards’ outstanding Sauvignon Blanc or Carlson Vineyards’ fruity rosé. 

And in Palisade, it’s not just about the wine. Visitors can wander through lavender fields at Sage Creations Organic Farm, stop at Talbott’s Cider Company, a fifth-generation orchard, or enjoy Clark Family Orchards, where a distillery tasting room offers fruit-forward spirits and hearty bites.

Farm-to-table restaurants

Palisade boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a focus on locally sourced food and warm hospitality. Pêche Restaurant, a James Beard Award-winning spot loved by locals and visitors alike, is a must for dinner (book ahead), while Fidel’s Cocina & Bar (modern Mexican), Slice O’ Life Bakery, or Diorio’s Pizza are hometown favorites for casual eateries and lighter bites.

Because most wineries don’t serve food, plan to pack a snack or two for your ride. You can grab fresh peaches, lavender honey, and seasonal produce from roadside stands and pick up artisan cheeses and charcuterie in town. With the farm-to-table influence of the Western Slope, you won’t be short on options for an impromptu riverside picnic between tastings.

Where to stay in Palisade

For a classic wine country stay, Wine Country Inn, set on 21 acres of working vineyards, is the top choice. Wine Valley Inn, a century-old bed and breakfast, offers a cozier vibe and is just a short walk from wineries, breweries, distilleries, and downtown dining options. Both offer on-site wine tastings.

Spoke and Vine Motel, a mid-century motor lodge turned boutique motel, offers a more non-traditional stay, welcomes pets, and has on-site bike rentals. For the more adventurous traveler, Palisade Basecamp features RV and tent sites, as well as cabins and glamping tents. Located right along the Byway and nestled among vineyards and orchards, this option is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and wine tasting.

Tips for a great ride

Any local will tell you the first key to enjoying the Byway is to stay hydrated, especially when enjoying alcohol. The high desert is deceptively dry, so remember sunscreen and chapstick. And know your limits, both physically and when it comes to wine tasting. If you are concerned about the effort of biking, consider renting an e-bike or taking a pedicab to let someone else do the pedaling.

While the Byway is mostly along quiet country roads, the roads are open to vehicles, so it’s important to observe general biking etiquette: Stay visible, wear a helmet, and ride single-file on the right side of the road. 

Finally, the best time to visit is August through late-September, when Palisade’s famous peaches and other fruits are in season and the whole valley buzzes with events like the Annual Palisade Peach Festival and the Tour de Vineyards, a scenic ride through the Byway that coincides with the Colorado Mountain Winefest, the state’s biggest wine celebration.

A visit to Palisade, Colorado can feel somewhat like a step back in time, where you-pick orchards, small farmers’ markets, and family-run wineries create a unique experience. There are no sprawling estates here, but the chance to slow down and experience the warmth of a smaller scale wine country is one not to be missed.