Wine making is a rapidly growing industry in the North Fork and Surface Creek valleys of Delta County. Most wineries are small operations with limited production of premium quality wines. Each vintage has its own distinctive flavor and bouquet — varying with the type of grape it’s made from, as well as the water, the soil, and the sunshine with which it was nourished. Colorado’s grape growing regions range in elevation from 4,000 to 7,000 feet and are thus among the highest vineyards in the world, resulting in hot days accompanied by cool nights.

It’s no coincidence that the vineyards are found in the same sheltered microclimates where peaches, cherries, and apples are grown. Delta County and the West Elks AVA, along the North Fork of the Gunnison River, accounts for nearly 20 percent of the state’s vines. Virtually all those grapes are produced for winemaking.

The West Elks AVA, named for the nearby rugged West Elks mountain range, has been given the designation “American Viticultural Area” in recognition of the unique quality of the wines produced in the region. This beautiful high-altitude mountain valley produces Riesling, Pinot Gris (or Grigio), Pinot Noir, and other Central European varietals.

Look for the blue information signs with the “Colorado Wine Trails” logo. The signs will help you find the tasting rooms along the wine trail, which traverses the West Elks and Grand Valley AVAs. One portion the Heart of Colorado Wine Country Loop takes wine lovers along the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, where tasting rooms can be found for Surface Creek Winery and Stoney Mesa Winery.

Just one mile west of Olathe, the Mountain View Winery sits on a vineyard and orchard that have been in production for four generations. Many of their wines reflect the fruits of the orchard as well as traditional varieties.

Most of the wineries have tours or tasting rooms that make excellent destinations or side trips while exploring the scenic wonders of Western Colorado.

Area Wineries

• Terror Creek Winery - 17445 GarvinMesa Rd.; Paonia; 970-527-3484:  Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir - open Memorial Day through Sept. 30.
• Alfred Eames Cellars - 11931 4050 Rd; Paonia; 970-527-3269; Eames@alfredeamescellars.com:  Syrah, Pinot Gries. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Red Blend
• Stone Cottage Cellars - 41716 Reds Rd.; Paonia; 970-527-3444; www.stonecottagecellars.com; info@stonecottagecellars.com:  Syrah, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Dessert Wine 
• S Rhodes Vineyard - 13450 Chickory Rd.; Hotchkiss; 970.872.4925:  Merlot, Pinot Noir, Claret, Cabernet Franc; Winery open by appointment only
• Surface Creek Winery and Gallery - 12983 Hwy. 65; Eckert; 970-835-WINE (9463); winery@surfacecreek.com:  Chardonnay, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Cherry Wine; Summer hours: 10:30-5:30
• Stoney Mesa Winery - 16199 Happy Hollow Rd.; Cedaredge; 970-856-9463; smwine@stoneymesa.com: Chardonnay, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Port, Cabernet Sauvignon; 11 to 5 daily
• Cottonwood Cellars/The Olathe Winery - 5482 Hwy. 348; Olathe; 970-323-6224; www.cottonwoodcellars.com:  Varieties of Red & White Wines; 11-6 Mon.-Thurs.
• Mountain View Winery - 5859 58.25 Rd.; Olathe; 970-323-5990:  Traditional Varieties; 10-6 Mon.-Sat.
• Jack Rabbit Hill Winery - 26567 North Rd.; Hotchkiss; 970-835-3677; lance@jackrabbithill.com:  Premium Red & White Varieties; Organically Grown & Vinted; Call
• Black Canyon Vineyards - 29987 Stingley Gulch Rd.; Hotchkiss; 970-872-4250: Riesling; by Appointment
• Black Bridge Winery at Orchard Valley Farms - 15836 Black Bridge Rd.; 970-527-6838; www.BlackBridgeWinery.com:  Featuring wines from six local wineries & our own Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
• Leroux Creek Inn and Winery - 1220 3100 Rd.; Hotchkiss; 970-872-4746; www.LerouxCreekInn.com:  Bed & Breakfast nestled in vineyards

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