Vintner Views – September 2006

Winefest: An Insider’s Look

   The Colorado Mountain Winefest is held each year in Palisade, home to the oldest and highest concentration of wineries in the state.  In years past, it was held at a little park near downtown, but several years ago, the event outgrew itself and was moved to Riverbend Park where there’s lots more room to roam.  This year will mark the 15th anniversary of the biggest (and voted best by Colorado Vine Magazine) wine festival in Colorado.

   What makes it so special?  There are many reasons why 43 Colorado wineries, 84 other vendors and booths, and thousands of wine enthusiasts make the pilgrimage each September.  The biggest reason is simply that it’s one heck of a fun time.  Adult participants may taste any of the wines free of charge.  It’s a great way to try and then buy many of Colorado’s wines.  It’s great for both wine lovers and people who are curious about wine because there are lots of different activities and features going on.

   There’s live music throughout the day in a beautiful setting.  The music definitely leans toward jazz, but there are other influences as well.  Smooth jazz talent from Colorado’s Nelson Rangell will be there to set the tone.  Chicago’s Chuchito Valdes will spice up the day with some his distinctive afro-cuban salsa.

   There are hands-on workshops and tastings, dueling chefs, a grape stomp, a bicycle tour of the vineyards, and great shopping at artisan booths. Of particular note is a tasting by Riedel stemware.  Participants will be amazed at how much better wines taste when poured into a specially designed glass.  Another special feature is the Ice Carving Luge where an Olympic class Ice Carver shows his stuff.  Wineries donate wine to be sent through the luge.  Proceeds from this benefit go toward training young chefs in Colorado.

   Also on the docket are two significant wine competitions.  One is for amateur winemakers and the other is for commercial winemakers.  They are bringing in some professionals to run these tastings, so we all take it pretty seriously.  Results will be announced during the Festival.

   The Colorado Wine Room will have a booth as well.  We’ll be pouring 8 wines that wouldn’t be there otherwise.  Among them will be our first release from Talon Winery.  It’s our 2005 Talon Viognier (Vee Oh NYAY), produced in our demonstration scale winery at the Colorado Wine Room.  We think it’s pretty darn good – lots of flavor and fruit, medium bodied with a soft finish.  The other Colorado Wine Room IPO that day will be our Rock Red Wine.  It’s a great, smooth red in a really fun bottle.  It’s all about biking in Western Colorado.  Check it out - you’ll get a kick out of it.

   From an insider’s perspective, it’s great to see old winemaking friends and talk with curious participants.  It’s a great time for people to visit with winemakers and their staff to learn about what’s going on in this crazy, fast growing wine business.  By the way, Colorado is now ranked 10th in the US for number of wineries.

   Tickets for this Saturday’s Festival are available at Crossroads Liquors, Fisher’s Liquor Barn, Mesa Mall Guest Services, and Two Rivers Winery.  Adult tickets are $35 in advance, and $40 at the gate.  Non-drinking tickets are $20 in advance and at the gate.

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