Palisade: A Colorado Wine Country Weekend Adventure – Take Two!

This past weekend, our lively group, affectionately known as “The Denver Village,” embarked on an exciting westward journey along I-70, leaving the city lights behind for the sun-drenched vineyards of Palisade, Colorado. Our mission? To immerse ourselves in the region’s renowned wine culture, enjoy endless amounts of spirited camaraderie, and create unforgettable memories. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a highly anticipated return to a beloved destination, promising even more laughter and discovery than our previous visit.

Revisiting Palisade: A Peachy Paradise Beckons

For me, this wasn’t my first encounter with Palisade’s undeniable charm. Just last year, a smaller contingent of us – Katie, Tina, Megan, Listy, and myself – ventured into this picturesque, peach-themed farming community for a delightful quick weekend getaway. That initial trip was such an undeniable blast, filled with scenic beauty and burgeoning friendships, that a second expedition became not just desirable, but highly necessary. This time, however, we decided to expand our merry band, inviting our male companions to join in the adventure, turning our small group into a formidable “Dirty Dozen.” The anticipation leading up to this trip was palpable, knowing we were heading back to a place that had already captured our hearts, now with an even larger crew ready to explore the stunning Colorado landscape and its hidden vinicultural gems.

Our Home Base: The Best Worst Motel in Town

Our journey culminated late on Friday evening as we pulled into Palisade, ready to check into our chosen accommodation: a motel. Now, before any judgments are cast, allow me to quote our friend Aaron Cook, who perfectly encapsulated its unique appeal: “This is the best, worst place I’ve ever stayed at.” Indeed, it’s far from the opulence of a Four Seasons, but its pragmatic virtues were undeniable. The motel was impeccably clean, remarkably quiet despite its central location, and most importantly, it was conveniently close to town. This meant no one had to worry about driving after a day of leisurely wine tasting – a truly smart consideration when your weekend itinerary is essentially a glorified “booze cruise,” as we affectionately dubbed it. Its unassuming nature perfectly complemented our relaxed, fun-first approach to the trip, proving that sometimes, the simplest accommodations can facilitate the richest experiences, especially when surrounded by good company and great wine.

Fueling Up: Breakfast and Mimosas in Downtown Palisade

Despite a late night settling in and catching up, the promise of a full day of exploration spurred us to an early start. The crisp morning air of Palisade invigorated us as we moseyed downtown. Our destination was the town’s only full-service cafe, a local gem that promised to kickstart our day right. We were all eager for a hearty breakfast and, naturally, some much-needed mimosa action to set the festive tone. The cafe delivered splendidly; the food was not just decent, it was delicious. I can still vividly recall the best egg sandwich I’ve ever tasted, a simple yet perfectly executed dish that fortified us for the adventures ahead. The cheerful clinking of mimosa glasses and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, creating a wonderfully convivial atmosphere as we discussed our strategy for the day’s winery tour, mapping out our route through the scenic vineyards.

Pedal Power: Gearing Up for the Wine Trail

With our carb-filled breakfast happily digested, we crossed the street to Rapid Creek Cycles and Sports, the one and only bike rental establishment in town. This was a crucial stop, as exploring Palisade’s wine country by bike is an absolute must-do experience, allowing for leisurely stops and a truly immersive journey through the vineyards. Mr. B and I opted for classic cruisers, perfect for a relaxed ride along the flat, picturesque roads. Megan and Katie, ever the adventurous duo, chose the tandem route, a decision that provided immediate entertainment for the rest of us. The rest of our gang came equipped with their own bikes, ready to hit the road. I must state for the record: watching two people attempt to mount and coordinate a tandem bike for the very first time is, without exaggeration, one of the funniest spectacles I’ve witnessed in a long time. Their initial wobbles and synchronized efforts provided a perfect comedic start to our day, setting a lighthearted tone for the adventures that lay ahead on the scenic wine trail.

The Dirty Dozen Hits the Road: First Stop, Canyon Wind Cellars

Our cycling convoy, now officially dubbed “The Dirty Dozen,” began its grand wine tour pilgrimage. Our first destination was Canyon Wind Cellars, strategically located about two miles east of town, a perfect distance for an initial warm-up ride. As we pedaled out of downtown Palisade, a wave of enthusiastic honks, cheers, and friendly hand signals from passing cars greeted us. It was clear from these early interactions that our large, boisterous group was making an impression – a dozen friends on bikes, ready for fun, is certainly a sight! After the second chorus of car horns and a quick pit stop to regroup and revel in the attention, we collectively embraced our new moniker. The energy was electric, and we knew instantly that this was going to be an exceptionally good day, filled with camaraderie and the finest Colorado wines. The open road, the fresh air, and the beautiful scenery already made us feel like we were part of something special, a true collective adventure through the heart of wine country, promising delightful discoveries at every turn.

Canyon Wind Cellars proved to be an absolutely stellar choice to kick off our Palisade wine tasting adventure. The winery’s aesthetics were immediately striking: a meticulously manicured lawn stretched out before a welcoming terrace, inviting us to relax and soak in the tranquil ambiance. Inside, the comfortable and elegantly appointed tasting room further enhanced the experience, setting a perfectly relaxed stage for the festivities that lay ahead. What truly captivated us, however, was the wine itself. It was surprisingly good, exceeding expectations and showcasing the quality of Colorado’s winemaking prowess. We were so impressed that we couldn’t resist purchasing several bottles of their exquisite Petit Verdot and the crisp “Gris,” which we eagerly planned to enjoy later while lounging comfortably in the shade, discussing our initial impressions of Palisade’s burgeoning wine scene. It was a serene and sophisticated beginning to what promised to be an unforgettable day of exploration and enjoyment.

A Refreshing Interlude and a Second Chance: Plum Creek Winery

With Canyon Wind Cellars marking the easternmost point of our wine trail, we knew we had a considerable ride ahead to reach our next destination, Plum Creek Winery, located closer to the heart of town. Fortunately, a delightful stop exactly halfway back presented itself: Clark Farms. Palisade is legendary for its peaches, and the opportunity to indulge in fresh, juicy peaches straight from the farm was an irresistible treat. We stocked up on these succulent beauties, enjoying a moment to cool down and savor the region’s agricultural bounty before we resumed our wine quest.

My previous experience at Plum Creek Winery hadn’t been particularly favorable; the service was lacking, and the wine, to put it mildly, tasted like dirt – and not in an earthy, complex way. However, this trip marked a complete turnaround. Things couldn’t have been better! Given the substantial size of our “Dirty Dozen” group, the staff graciously seated us in the charming cask room, surrounded by magnificent wooden barrels that lent an authentic, rustic ambiance to our tasting. Their hospitality was truly commendable, making us feel welcomed and valued despite our large numbers. We ended up sampling at least ten different wines, and to our genuine delight, every single one, even the often-tricky fruity whites, was an absolute knockout! It was a testament to how much a winery can evolve and improve, transforming a past disappointment into a truly memorable and highly enjoyable experience that left us all thoroughly impressed.

A Rollercoaster of Tastings: Garfield Winery’s Unexpected Turn

Leaving Plum Creek Winery with a pleasant buzz and a general sense of giddiness, we eagerly anticipated our next stop: Garfield Winery. (A quick, but necessary, shout-out to the audacious individual who attempted to abscond with one of our bikes back at Plum Creek – bad girl!) Anyway, back to Garfield. I had fond memories of this winery from my previous visit, largely due to the owner’s passion for K-State basketball, which had created a fun, personal connection. This time, however, the tasting experience was, shall we say, a bit of a “BAWLS” moment. The lady leading our tasting, who I swear bore a striking resemblance to the notoriously stern librarian from Ghostbusters, proved to be an enormous Debbie Downer. The wine pours were disappointingly meager, and her demeanor clearly signaled a strong desire for our large group to depart as quickly as possible. Needless to say, we hurried through that tasting, feeling rather rushed. To be fair, and to give credit where it’s due, the wine itself was not bad at all, and we even brought a few bottles home with us, proving that even a less-than-ideal host can’t entirely overshadow a good product. It was a stark reminder that the overall experience at a winery is a delicate blend of atmosphere, service, and, of course, the quality of the wine.

Finding “The Good Life” at La Belle Vie

Fortunately, our next stop was just a hop, skip, and a jump away, and La Belle Vie Winery proved to be exactly what we needed to lift our spirits after the somewhat disappointing encounter at Garfield. Translating beautifully to “the good life,” this winery truly lived up to its name, embodying everything we hoped for in a relaxing wine country experience. Upon arrival, everyone immediately gravitated towards a magnificent, sprawling willow tree, whose branches offered generous shade and a tranquil setting. Under its leafy canopy, we unwound, sharing a few bottles of exquisite wine and an assortment of delicious cheese boards. The atmosphere was incredibly convivial; laughter and easy conversation flowed as freely as the wine. It was a moment of pure bliss, a chance to simply soak up the good life, surrounded by friends, fine wine, and the serene beauty of the Palisade vineyards. This stop perfectly recalibrated our mood, reminding us of the simple pleasures that make these trips so special and rejuvenating.

The Grand Finale: Grande River Vineyards

Our final stop on this epic wine tour was Grande River Vineyards, a destination I had surprisingly missed on my two previous excursions to Palisade. I’m incredibly glad we made it a priority this time, as it truly rounded out our winery experiences with a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. As is becoming a delightful trend (and one our wine racks at home would soon attest to!), we purchased a few more bottles to add to our growing collection, eager to savor the memories of Palisade long after our return. The setting at Grande River was perfect for a relaxed afternoon. The girls in our group found comfortable spots in the shade, enjoying quiet conversation and the scenic views of the expansive vineyards. Meanwhile, the boys, accompanied by Chance, our energetic canine companion, reveled in a lively game on the expansive front lawn. It was a picturesque scene of camaraderie and relaxation, a perfect conclusion to a day filled with delightful tastings and scenic bike rides through the heart of Colorado’s wine country. The diverse offerings and inviting atmosphere of Grande River left a lasting positive impression, making it a definite must-visit for future trips.

From Grapes to Grains: Palisade Brewing Company

By this point, after several hours of cycling and extensive wine tasting, I think it’s safe to say everyone was ready for a change of pace. So, where to next? Palisade Brewing Company, of course! Our initial thought had been to head over to a local distillery, but a collective decision led us to explore the brewery first. This proved to be an excellent choice, as we arrived just in time for happy hour. To our delight, “The Dirty Hippy,” one of their highly acclaimed beers, was on sale. Yes, you read that right – one of their most popular brews bears the wonderfully quirky name, “The Dirty Hippy.”

The brewery itself was bustling with a lively crowd, and while there wasn’t any live entertainment scheduled, we decided our jovial mood warranted providing our own soundtrack. Enter the BOSE speaker! Another crucial tip for anyone planning a “booze cruise” in Palisade: always bring your own playlist. The tunes AC was spinning quickly got the brewery crowd into a festive groove, tapping their feet and nodding along to our eclectic mix. However, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. A peculiar interaction unfolded when a neighboring lady, clearly perturbed, approached Katie as we were packing up. She launched into a lecture, claiming the brewery had promised no music so she could host her own yard party in peace. It was around this moment that our group’s mood transitioned from merely merry to outright merry prankster. The evening concluded with Mr. B impressively riding the tandem bike solo from the back seat, someone else expertly doing wheelies on a cruiser, and AC receiving a standing ovation from the appreciative brewery patrons. It was a testament to the spontaneous fun and uninhibited spirit of our “Dirty Dozen,” making for a truly memorable end to our day.

After a full ten hours of navigating wineries and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the brewery, what could possibly sound more appealing than a unique fusion of Vietnamese and Italian cuisine? That’s right, for our evening meal, we ventured back to the familiar and welcoming The Red Rose Cafe. This time, our order included a delightful array of Pad Thai and, of course, some refreshing Coors Light to complement the flavors. A wonderful surprise awaited us: the owner, having overheard us mention our previous visit, welcomed us with open arms, instantly recognizing our group. It was a comforting and friendly gesture that made our dining experience even more enjoyable, adding a touch of personalized hospitality to our evening. Phew.

Reflecting on a Perfect Palisade Day

Over dinner, we spent time recapping the day’s adventures, sharing our favorite moments, and debating the merits of each winery. There was a general consensus that Canyon Wind Cellars, with its serene setting and excellent wines, stood out as our overall favorite, providing a truly memorable start to the tour. Dinner didn’t linger too long; the day’s activities had left us pleasantly tired but utterly content. Before we knew it, we were leisurely strolling back to our motel, wandering down a quiet residential street under the starlit Palisade sky, without a single care in the world. The gentle hum of cicadas and the cool evening breeze provided a perfect soundtrack to our blissful return, a serene end to a day packed with joyous exploration and shared laughter.

We had an absolutely amazing weekend, filled with deep belly laughs, shared discoveries, and the strengthening of friendships. Palisade truly delivered an unforgettable escape, a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights. Until next time, beautiful Palisade, you’ve once again charmed your way into our hearts and left us eagerly anticipating our next “Take Three” adventure.

Oh, and to all the friendly folks we met on the road and at the establishments, sorry for partyin’.

–The Dirty Dozen