IF you’ve always wanted to spend your entire vacation drinking, pack your bags because Colorado is your chance.
Colorado’s North Folk Valley has seen a travel boom thanks to its wineries in its three main cities, Crawford, Hotchkiss and Paonia.
The destination is quickly building a reputation for the quality of its grapes, picturesque vineyards and fine, delicate wines.
Colorado’s high altitude, temperate climate, and pleasant soil create ideal conditions for grape growth.
Colorado Wines explained that the state’s elevation results in hot days and cool nights, which generate unique grapes.
“The long, hot hours of intense sunlight at high altitudes fully ripen the fruit and build natural sugars,” the website said.
“The cold nights cause the grapes to retain the acids that are so vital for the production of premium wines.”
Visitors can try it for themselves at The Storm Cellar, awarded Colorado’s 2023 Winery of the Year.
Located in Hotchkiss, The Storm Cellar is run by Steve Steese, who co-owns the winery alongside his wife and business partner, Jayme Henderson.
Like many wineries in the region, Steese offers customers a hands-on wine experience, from full winemaking events, tastings, and even full wine pairing dinners.
Paonia has five of the city’s 13 wineries, making it a popular destination.
However, if you want a specific location, call ahead as all North Folk Valley wineries operate seasonally.
Tourists looking for a peaceful getaway can turn to the Bross Hotel Bed and Breakfast, where owners Mike and Suzanne serve a hot breakfast daily, prepared on site with locally sourced ingredients.
The intimate ten-room hotel also offers live music on-site, with regular jazz, acoustic and band performances.
After breakfast, visitors can feast on a variety of up-and-coming restaurant menus, from fresh sandwiches at Sweetgrass Paony to artisanal cheese in Western Culture Farm.
True beverage enthusiasts can’t miss the annual Colorado Cider Festival in October, or CiderFestheld at Big B’s delicious orchards in Hotchkiss.
6
Along with all the hard cider you can drink, visitors can sign up for a camping experience, from cozy glamping to luxury cabin stays, and enjoy the festival’s lineup of live bands.
Nature lovers can immerse themselves in Colorado’s great outdoors, including hiking in the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park.
The park offers majestic views of some of the steepest mountains and cliffs in the country.
Hikers can explore the Warner Point Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that leaves plenty of time to enjoy the views and even catch the sunset later in the day.
6
Be sure to stock up on fresh fruit and produce before heading out to one of the city’s many farmers’ markets.
Arbol’s Farmer’s Market takes place year-round in Paonia, with a special winter version in November. Offers live music, wood-fired pizza, and communal meals in a nearby park.
6
6
6
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
