Winemakers are devoted to offering Coloradans a safe way to celebrate crush season this year. While events like the Colorado Mountain Winefest won’t be taking place in 2020, there are still a plethora of ways to get out and safely celebrate the 2020 harvest season — which is predicted to be one of the earliest on record. This year’s vintage is going to be smaller than previous years, but with smaller batches comes high-quality yields. And the Colorado Wine Board, along with more than 140 wineries across Colorado, are gearing up for it.

“The 2020 vintage is surely the silver lining for our industry this year, with everything that 2020 has brought from a global pandemic to one of the largest wildfires in Colorado’s history right in Mesa County,” says Doug Caskey, executive director of the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board. “While winemakers have less fruit to work with this year, the quality of wines to come will be some of our best yet. It is important now more than ever for wine-lovers to show support in any way they can.”

Late summer is one of the best times to visit Colorado wineries. Many Western Slope sites have set up outdoor tasting tents and ways for guests to tour the grounds without having to step inside. The Colorado Wine Board highly encourages those headed to the Western Slope to contact wineries and other attractions to learn what rules and restrictions are in place before visiting.

“It’s a great time to visit Colorado wineries because the seasons are changing and fall colors are beautiful across Colorado’s byways,” says Shamai Buckel, co-founder of Buckel Family Wine in Gunnison. “Not to mention all the action in the wineries and harvest dinners!” This fall, Buckel is releasing a new 2019 Zinfandel.

Jayme Henderson, co-founder of The Storm Cellar in Paonia, agrees: “Colorado wine country is nestled among some of the best orchards and farms in the state, so visitors have options to diversity their trip – many local cideries, breweries, cheesemakers and farms are also open for fall enjoyment. And the colors! We are already starting to see little pops of yellow around the valley, complemented by the much-appreciated cooler weather. It is truly a gorgeous time of year to make a trip to the Western Slope.”

The Storm Cellar is conducting their tastings outside underneath a covered overlook, which boasts views of the neighboring West Elk Wilderness. They also offer locally sourced charcuterie boards, prepared by Chef Brandt Bishop, for enjoyment at the tasting area.

“We process our fruit right near our tasting area, so guests may even see winemaking activity while they are here. We’ve been sharing tastes of developing wine, wine that’s about to be bottled and juice that’s been freshly pressed. It is such an exciting time to visit — seeing and tasting the various stages of winemaking really opens our guests’ eyes to the process,” Henderson explains.

As a sommelier, she also offers personal wine pairings for guests’ Thanksgiving feasts. “Our wines are dialed in for holiday cuisine. They are the perfect match for fall entertaining — savory turkey, herbaceous stuffing, roasted sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie all match well with the wines we offer here,” she says.

Photo courtesy of Peachfork Orchards & Vineyard

Peachfork Orchards & Vineyard in Palisade is also welcoming guests to enjoy their 2019 vintage and to watch and/or help make the 2020 wines.

“Wine making is fun work!” shares co-owner Susan Patton. “You might just find yourself helping us and not quite realize how it happened.”

“This time of year is an interesting time to visit the wineries because you can see and smell the fermentation process. There is definitely a different feel when the wineries are in the crush,” Patton says, recommending visitors try a sunset picnic in their orchard.

Due to the frost on April 14, Peachfork lost their peaches and apples, but says their pears and black monukka table grapes are ready for guests to pick.

This season, Peachfork is hosting socially-distanced bluegrass jams on the lawn once a month. The next one is scheduled for September 22 and reservations are required.

Here are a variety of other creative ways Coloradans can experience the 2020 harvest season outdoors:

Camp Nearby or On-site

Wineries including Vino Salida, The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey and Cottonwood Cellars offer RV campsites for those who book through Harvest Host. Big B's/Delicious Orchards farm stand in Hotchkiss also takes camping reservations through their website.

Tour on Two Wheels

The Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway offers cyclists three different routes that access over 25 wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyards. Bring your own bike or rent from Rapid Creek Cycles or Brown Cycles.

Guided River + Wine Tour

Palisade River Trips offers a “Palisade Water to Wine” package that begins with a float down the Colorado River followed by wine tastings at three Palisade wineries. You’ll stay with your group and be shuttled back to town.

Wine Festival

The Wine Classic at Vail will take place on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19. In collaboration with nonprofit partner Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance, the event invites master winemakers and enthusiasts to safely gather in the heart of Vail for wine tasting sessions and scenic views.

For those wanting to stay home, there are plenty of ways to support Colorado winemakers through delivery, curbside pickup and ordering Colorado wines when dining out.

“Supporting Colorado's wine industry has a multiplier effect across our entire state, where dollars spent locally help spur further local economic activity," says Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. "It's an opportunity to elevate local foods, agricultural producers, agritourism, local retailers and restaurants and more. Coloradans want to be a part of our state's resilience and buying Colorado wine is an excellent way to do so."

For more information, visit coloradowine.com.

Wine Crush in Colorado: Head West for the Harvest