22 Best Things to Do in Palisade, Colorado

© Carlson Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room

At Carlson Vineyards, the owners and operators believe that wine is something that should be enjoyed by everyone, not just the wine snobs or the select few. Their winery and tasting room is homey and welcoming, and run by people who are passionate about wine and excited to share that passion--as well as their amazing product--with all of their visitors. The backyard, which is edged by the vineyards themselves as well as by gorgeous flowering gardens, is a perfect place to relax and sip wine in the Colorado sun, and the comfy tasting room stands ready to accommodate guests in all weather.

461 35 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-5554

© Maison la Belle Vie Winery

Maison la Belle Vie Winery describes itself as quite minimalistic when it comes to winemaking, because their grapes are incredible enough that they can pretty much speak for themselves. The elegant tasting room at Maison la Belle Vie is rustic and comfortable, and guests can enjoy three free tasting pours per person, or five pours for $5. Some of their notable products include a Merlot, Cab Sauv, Syrah, and the Vin de Peche, which is made with not only Muscat grapes but also some of Palisade’s famous peaches, with a recipe that has been handed down through the family since the 19th century. Maison la Belle Vie also has a fabulous restaurant which is open throughout the summer season.

3575 G Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-4959

© Hermosa Vineyards

This cozy little winery, which has received awards as one of the best wineries outside of California in the US, produces amazing red wines like Cab Francs, Merlots, and Syrahs, as well as some whites including Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Viognier, Rkatsiteli, and Muscat Blanc. Also on their list of offerings is Hermosa Vineyard’s unique and delicious cherry wine, a fortified dessert wine made with local cherries grown right on the premises. A visit to hermosa Vineyards’ tasting room means an intimate and personalized experience often brought to you by the owner himself, who takes his guests through a guided tour of the wines and products he has on offer, as well as the winemaking process.

3269 3/4 C Road, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-640-0940

© Talon Wine Brands

The family behind Talon Wine Brands has been involved in the winemaking industry since the 1970s, with Ravenswood Winery in California. In 2005, the Foster family opened the Colorado Wine Room, which served some of the most delicious wines from Colorado, with varieties both well-known and virtually unheard of on the menu. Soon after, they began making their own wines under the Talon label, named for Glenn Foster’s love of falconry. The winery began in a small 12’ x 15’ room, but today it has grown to operate in a large facility, and the Talon label has grown to also include Meadery of the Rockies and St. Kathryn Cellars. Their wines and meads are diverse and delicious, with something for everyone.

785 Elberta Ave, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-1300

© Peach Street Distillers

Based in the heart of Palisade, just off of Main Street, Peach Street Distillers creates small-batch spirits using some of the abundant fruit and grains that are grown in the region. Their products, with their striking, attractively designed labels, include Jackelope Gin, Colorado Bourbon, Smoke Rye Whiskey, Goat Vodka, and of course, a variety of fruit liquors. Peach Street Distillers makes amazing Pear, Peach, and Apricot Brandies in tribute to the thriving orchard industry of Palisade, as well as fruity Eau de Vie in the above flavors as well as Plum and Cherry. Grappa, Agave, Amaro, and other products round out their offerings, and there’s no better way to try them all then in Peach Street Distillers’ tasting room, which is open daily and also offers guided tours of the facilities.

144 Kluge Ave, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-1128

© Varaison Vineyards and Winery

At Varaison Vineyards and Winery, guests can indulge in a wine tasting from the winery’s private cellar. Varaison creates Old World-inspired wines that have been featured at the paris Wines and Spirits Expo, where they were compared in a blind tasting to some of the most prestigious wines in France and did very well. A visit to Varaison Vineyards and Winery will show guests the love and passion that goes into their winemaking, at their gorgeous estate which includes a peaceful rose garden, a patio seating area with a firepit, and a wood-fired pizza oven where visitors can enjoy some delicious food with their wines.

405 W 1st St, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-4928

© Suncrest Orchard Alpacas

No matter what your age, Suncrest Orchard Alpacas is a Palisade destination that is sure to charm you with their beautiful and friendly animals as well as their gorgeous products. At Suncrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works, guests can take tours of the mill, where they will learn about alpacas and the process of creating yarn and finished products from their fiber. Suncrest also offers Trekking Tours, where guests can take a beautiful walk through the peach orchards accompanied by an alpaca guide. Those looking to learn more about crafting and creation of products from alpaca fiber can join in on a Fiber Arts class, offered from February to June on the third Saturday of the month. Classes include materials and refreshments, provided by local wineries.

3608 E 1/4 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-4862

© Mesa Park Vineyards

The big red barn that is the home of Mesa Park Vineyards looks nothing less than picturesque, framed as it is against the neat rows of the vineyards and set against the backdrop of the impossibly blue Colorado sky and the rocky peaks and mesas of the Western Slope of the Rockies. Mesa Park produces delicious estate-grown wines, and many of their reds, including the Family Reserve Red, Cab Franc, and Merlot have all won awards. In Mesa Park Vineyards’ tasting room, which is open Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm, or on other days by appointment, visitors can enjoy a taster or a glass of some of the products that are grown and created right here, surrounded by the big wooden casks where new wine is being aged.

3321 C Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-628-9113

© Red Fox Cellars

The family that runs Red Fox Cellars prides itself on creating unique and adventurous wines. None of them were formally trained in the art of winemaking, but the masterminds behind Red Fox are not afraid to experiment, and in doing so feel they have perfected their technique of winemaking for a bold and exciting taste in each of their products. Guests can be the judge of this for themselves in Red Fox Cellars’ tasting room, where they can try wines, ciders, and wine cocktails in a comfortable and homey environment. The tasting room’s hours change depending on the season, so it’s best to check their website before making plans to visit.

695 36 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-1099

© The Blue Pig Gallery

Downtown Palisade’s premier art gallery is a great place to shop for a souvenir of your time in Palisade, or just admire some of the amazing works of art that are always on display. THe gallery exhibits a collection in a myriad of mediums including paintings, blown glass, sculptures, photography, and much more, and in the Piglet, which is the name of the Blue Pig Gallery’s gift shop, visitors can purchase jewelry, accessories, ceramic pottery, and other lovely gifts to take home as keepsakes or give to someone special. The Blue Pig Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am until 5:30pm, and on Sundays from 10am until 5pm.

101 W 3rd St, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-4819

© Mark/stock.adobe.com

There are lots of wineries in Colorado, especially in the Palisade region, but Plum Creek Winery is the proud winner of more awards than any other winery in the state. Founded in 1985, when owners Doug and Sue Phillips created just 400 cases of wine, Plum Creek Winery has since grown over the years to produce more than 13,000 cases of wine a year. After more than 30 years of winemaking, Plum Creek Winery has built an extensive list of delicious products. Visitors can stop by their gorgeous tasting room, with thick beams hanging exposed from the ceiling and a quaint selection of gifts for browsing, and taste some of Plum Creek’s wines, from their Aspen Series of wine varietals to their delicious dessert wines.

3708 G Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-7586

© Colorado Cellars

Since 1978, Colorado Cellars has been creating fantastic wines on the Western Slope. After decades of growth, Colorado Cellars now has several labels underneath its umbrella, including the Orchard Mesa Wine Company and Rocky Mountain Vineyards, two well known wine making labels in the region. At Colorado Cellars, visitors will love tasting everything from their Red Table Wine (Colorado Mountain Vineyards) to their dry white wines. Colorado Cellars also sells unique wines like sweet reds, an Orange Moscato, and a “Roadkill Red,” as well as wines made from other fruits like blueberry, elderberry, cherry, huckleberry, and of course, peach. They also sell mead, port, and sparkling champagne.

3553 E Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-7921

© Garfield Estates Vineyard & Winery

The vineyards at Garfield Estates Vineyard and Winery were first planted in 2000, and since then, Garfield Estates has been making wines that appeal to everyone from wine snobs to complete newbies. The spacious tasting room at Garfield Estates offers a perfect location for trying some of their delicious product, which includes everything from French wines like Viognier and Cabernet Franc to Spanish wines like Albarinos, and even unique dessert wines like their Vin au Chocolat. The experience at Garfield Estates will be further richened by the beautiful setting, with gorgeous views of the mesa and the mountains in the background, and long rows of grape vines growing in the foreground.

3572 G Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-0941

© Clark Family Orchards

During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, there’s no better place to get some amazing local fruit, produced right in Palisade, than Clark Family Orchards. Their farm stand sells fruit by the bushel, including cherries, plums, pears, veggies like Olathe sweet corn and tomatoes, and of course, the famous Palisade peaches. The love that goes into the production of the fruit they sell is clear from a single bite, and visitors and locals alike make pilgrimages to Clark Family Orchards for their produce needs. Fruit from Clark Family Orchards can also be purchased or ordered online, and throughout the year, they make appearances at many local festivals, culminating in the annual Palisade Peach Festival, which takes place each summer during August.

3929 Highway 6, Palisade CO 81526

© Debeque Canyon Winery

Visitors to Debeque Canyon Winery can check out their tasting room, which is seven days a week, year round, for a taste of exactly what makes Debeque Canyon Winery’s product so great. They are known for their oak-aged wines, which carry a full flavor, particularly wines from Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. They also offer winemaking tastings for small groups of up to 6, which include cheese, bread, and fruit, or winemaker dinners, which feature a five course meal made by some of the best chefs in the region, and include wine pairings. The tasting room at Debeque Canyon Winery is open from 10am until 6pm in the months of April through October, and from noon until 5pm during the winter season.

351 W 8th St, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-0550

© Maxamillion/stock.adobe.com

The Palisade Sunday Market is a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning, weaving through stalls of local vendors for produce, gifts, and other souvenirs. At the Palisade Sunday Market, all vendors sell products that have been either homemade or home-grown, making them each truly unique. Visitors will find live music, chef demonstrations from local restaurants, hot and cold drinks, delicious meals, and so many amazing goods like vegetables, fruits, honey, jams and jellies, breads, and more...and it’s all local! The Palisade Sunday Market generally starts up in late spring and runs through the end of October.

Downtown Palisade, Third and Main Streets

© Caroline's

Caroline’s is a restaurant that is part of the Wine Country Inn, located in Palisade with a stunning view of the mesa right outside the huge, floor to ceiling windows. At Caroline’s, guests can enjoy selecting their lunch or dinner from a menu that makes great use of the abundant products that Colorado produces: local produce and fruit, Colorado lamb, beef, and other game, all made using a French style of cooking. Lunch is served every day from 11am until 2pm, and dinner starts at 5pm every day and is served until 9pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

777 Grande River Drive, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-5777

© PascalR/stock.adobe.com

See Palisade and the beauty of Grand Valley from a whole different perspective when you’re riding with JR’s Carriage Service. Groups, families, couples, and even wedding parties can take a ride in one of JR’s Carriage Service’s horse drawn carts and carriages, which will take guests through Palisade and the surrounding areas. Guests can use JR’s Carriage Service as a quaint and scenic transportation method for a wine tour, or go on a sunset tour to see the Colorado sky turn brilliant colors at the sun sinks below the horizon and the mountains are painted dark with shadows. The horses and carriages are even available for romantic rides through the region, engagement photo shoots, and as wedding transportation.

Grand Junction, CO, Phone: 719-671-7145

© Nana's Fruit and Jam Shack

Even if you don’t personally have a grandmother who makes delicious homemade fruit jams and other products from her kitchen, you can rely on Nana’s Fruit and Jam Shack to stand in and fill all your needs. By taking advantage of the perfect fruit-growing climate that Palisade offers, Nana’s Fruit and Jam Shack not only creates delicious jams, jellies, syrups, and sauces, but they also grow and sell many of the peaches and other fruit used to make these products. At Nana’s Fruit and Jam Shack, customers will find unique products like Peach or Raspberry Creamed Honey, jams that come in flavors as basic as strawberry or rhubarb and as unique as amaretto or vanilla pear, and delicious salsas that go perfect with chips or on burritos.

3673 G 7/10 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-216-5285

© Palisade Cafe 11.0

The 11.0 part of Palisade Cafe’s name pays tribute to the fact that the current owners are the eleventh in ownership of this Palisade classic, which has been serving food and drinks to locals and visitors since the 1980s. Palisade Cafe 11.0 uses fresh and local food in the creation of their menu to serve gorgeous salads, unique sandwiches, and delicious desserts to its customers, as well as an expansive Sunday Brunch menu and an incredible Spanish Paella, which can be served to two or more people. Visitors who decide to eat at Palisade Cafe 11.0 can also enjoy a glass of delicious wine, many varieties of which are from local Palisade wineries, or a pint of craft beer from Colorado’s thriving beer industry.

© Inari's

Guests at Inari’s Bistro can sit back and relax on the outdoor patio and watch pedestrians stroll by in the beautiful Colorado weather, or sit inside and enjoy the eclectic ambience decorated with bright colors and the head of a zebra above the bar. Inari’s Bistro has a menu that changes frequently to reflect the seasons and the availability of local food, and a beer and wine menu that changes just as often in order to best pair each beverage to their meals. Inari’s Bistro is only open from Wednesday through Saturday each week, from 5 to 9pm, but while these hours are restrictive, the experience--and the food--will be well worth it.

336 Main, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-4911

© Sage Creations Organic Farm

This small, family owned, certified organic farm takes full advantage of the perfect Western Slope climate, which mixes the mountain weather and elevation with the sunny and dry conditions of a desert climate, to grow some amazing and top quality crops. Well known especially for their cherries and lavender, Sage Creations makes some amazing products with their creations, including aromatherapy oils and lotions, gorgeous and fragrant wreaths, and more. Visitors are also welcome to come to Sage Creations Organic Farm for a tour of the facilities or a U-Pick Lavender session.

3555 E Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-623-9556