Boulder’s Wine Trails
Words Jules Marie
Photos Courtesy of the Wineries
Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor
The local wine industry is exploding thanks to the fertile grape-growing regions on the Western slope where Palisade peaches, plums and wine grapes enjoy warm days, cool nights and low humidity. But it wasn’t always so fruitful.
Colorado’s rich winemaking history dates back to 1899 when Governor George Crawford planted 60 acres of wine grapes and fruit near the high desert farming town of Palisade. The idea caught on, and by 1909 more than a million pounds of grapes were harvested. However, just a few short years later, Prohibition forced all grapevines to be uprooted and winemaking ceased.
Thankfully Prohibition is behind us and the grapes are back. Boulder’s five family-owned wineries are taking advantage of bountiful harvests and are producing premium wines that consistently win national and international wine competitions.
[more…]Bookcliff Vineyards
Boulder’s largest winery produces 4,000 cases of wine each year. They grow 14 varieties of their own grapes in vineyards they’ve owned or leased in the Grand Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) just east of Palisade since 1996. Their goal is to make wine true to its varietal character that’s drinkable now and also cellars well for later enjoyment.
BookCliff has come a long way from bottling wine in their basement, and a visit to the winery reveals a tasting room and production facility surrounded by gleaming stainless steel fermentation tanks and American and French oak barrels. Enjoy a self-guided tour and pepper the staff to share their wine lore along with samples of their award-winning Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Muscat Blanc, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec wines.
BookCliff’s owners, John Garlich and Ulla Merz, host delicious sit-down dinners in their Boulder winery, showcasing BookCliff wines paired with sumptuous foods. Or consider a trip to Palisade and enjoy a five-course feast in their vineyard, notorious for its stunning backdrop and magnificent views.
Redstone Meadery
Nectar of the gods and folly of swarthy Vikings, the ancient beverage mead conjures visions of castle feasts, romance and chivalrous heroes. But there’s no need to travel back in time for a frothy mug of mead when Redstone Meadery has been brewing and bottling mead right here in Boulder since 2000. Owner David Myers crafts what he believes is the highest quality honey wine on the market, and his 20-state fan base proves he’s onto something tasty.
Redstone offers Nectar Meads, which Myers refers to as “Mead for the Masses” with 8 percent alcohol and a light, refreshing taste. They also make Mountain Honey Wines similar in style to red or white grape wines. Redstone Reserves are produced once a year and are similar to Port wine; dense and heavy and supremely suited for dinner with Zeus.
Redstone distinguishes their mead by using non-breathable swing-top bottles, rather than corks, to avoid oxidation and to provide a longer shelf life once opened. No sulfites are added and honey is used as a natural preservative. Catch an informative tour at the meadery and enjoy a refreshing goblet of Meadmosa afterwards.
Boulder Creek Winery
Winemaker Jackie Thompson enjoyed winemaking growing up, so it’s no surprise that she and husband Mike opened Boulder Creek Winery in January 2003 to craft an array of award-winning, Old World-style wines.
Thompson crafts rich Viogniers, buttery Chardonnays, robust Cabernet Francs and Merlots from grapes grown on the bountiful Western slope. Indulge in a self-guided tour amid Hungarian and American oak barrels and then head to the bustling tasting room and revel in the taste of Consensus III, a robust blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cabernet Franc aged 24 months in French and American oak and yielding rich dark cherry and currant aromas and flavors.
Augustina’s Winery
This one-woman operation owned by Marianne “Gussie” Walter is Boulder’s oldest winery.
Bottles feature art deco labels with fanciful names like Boulder Backpacking Wine, Boulder Porch Wine and Wine Chick Blues.
Augustina’s purchases the majority of their grapes from the Grand Valley AVA, but check this out: Venus de Vino Marechal Foch is the only commercially available wine made from Boulder County grapes (grown on Leistikow Farms in Lafayette).
The Venus is styled as a full-bodied, fruity wine with hints of clove and nutmeg and a visit to the tasting room might net you one of only 102 bottles produced.
Settembre Cellars
Settembre Cellars may not have a tasting room, but if you live in Boulder County, their wine couriers will deliver wine to you via bicycle. Inspired by the earthy elegance exhibited by wines from the Old World, winemaker Blake Eliasson strives for balance, food friendliness and extraordinary finish. He released his first wine in 2009 and today produces about 500 cases a year.
Visit Settembre’s website to sign up for the Crush Crew and get sticky during this year’s crush. Or sign up for their Community Supported Wine Shares and snag a mixed case of wine and fresh produce at the 63rd Street Farm.
This article originally appeared in Boulder Lifestyle Magazine September 2013.
