Winemaking began on Colorado's Western Slope more than a century ago.  With the advent of Prohibition, however, the early vineyards were uprooted and replaced with orchards.

Modern vineyards of premium varietal grapes (Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Syrah, Viognier, and more) have been re-established in the area's fertile climes, and once again the art of winemaking is flourishing in Colorado.

Colorado's grape growing regions range in elevation from 4000 to 7000 feet and are thus among the highest vineyards in the world, resulting in hot days accompanied by cool nights.  The 'continental climate' in these regions create day to night temperature variations topically ranging from 25 to 30 degrees during the grape maturation months of August and September.  The long warm daylight hours of intense high altitude sunlight mature the fruit completely and build the natural sugars.  The cool evenings cause the grapes to retain the acids so vital to premium winemaking.

For more information about Colorado's wine industry, see

www.coloradowine.com