Located on the Western Slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Palisade is a charming town that is well known throughout the region for its vineyards and its spectacular peach orchards. With an abundance of beautiful nature, great bars, restaurants, breweries, and wineries just ready to explore, visitors to Palisade might just find themselves coming back for more.
Palisade History Museum
The Palisade History Museum might be small but it packs a punch when it comes to showing off the history of the town. The museum first opened to the public in 2021 and it has attracted more than 1200 visitors since then. Palisade History Museum is housed in an historic log-cabin building which was built prior to 1939 and which formerly served as the office of a freight hauling company.
Today the little museum is filled with interesting articles, photos and documents which tell the story of the 1900’s in Palisade. The museum is primarily staffed by volunteers and is open to the public 4 days a week, all year round.
Palisade History Museum, 3740 G Road, Palisade, CO 81526, 970 242 0971
Carlson Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room
At Carlson Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room, the owners and operators believe that wine is something that should be enjoyed by everyone, not just the wine snobs or the select few. Their winery and tasting room is homey and welcoming, and run by people who are passionate about wine and excited to share that passion--as well as their amazing product--with all of their visitors. The backyard, which is edged by the vineyards themselves as well as by gorgeous flowering gardens, is a perfect place to relax and sip wine in the Colorado sun, and the comfy tasting room stands ready to accommodate guests in all weather.
461 35 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-5554
Hermosa Vineyards
This cozy little winery, which has received awards as one of the best wineries outside of California in the US, produces amazing red wines like Cab Francs, Merlots, and Syrahs, as well as some whites including Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Viognier, Rkatsiteli, and Muscat Blanc. Also on their list of offerings is Hermosa Vineyards's unique and delicious cherry wine, a fortified dessert wine made with local cherries grown right on the premises. A visit to hermosa Vineyards’ tasting room means an intimate and personalized experience often brought to you by the owner himself, who takes his guests through a guided tour of the wines and products he has on offer, as well as the winemaking process.
3269 3/4 C Road, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-640-0940
Talon Wine Brands
The family behind Talon Wine Brands has been involved in the winemaking industry since the 1970s, with Ravenswood Winery in California. In 2005, the Foster family opened the Colorado Wine Room, which served some of the most delicious wines from Colorado, with varieties both well-known and virtually unheard of on the menu. Soon after, they began making their own wines under the Talon label, named for Glenn Foster’s love of falconry. The winery began in a small 12’ x 15’ room, but today it has grown to operate in a large facility, and the Talon label has grown to also include Meadery of the Rockies and St. Kathryn Cellars. Their wines and meads are diverse and delicious, with something for everyone.
3701 G Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-1300
Peach Street Distillers
Based in the heart of Palisade, just off of Main Street, Peach Street Distillers creates small-batch spirits using some of the abundant fruit and grains that are grown in the region. Their products, with their striking, attractively designed labels, include Jackelope Gin, Colorado Bourbon, Smoke Rye Whiskey, Goat Vodka, and of course, a variety of fruit liquors. Peach Street Distillers makes amazing Pear, Peach, and Apricot Brandies in tribute to the thriving orchard industry of Palisade, as well as fruity Eau de Vie in the above flavors as well as Plum and Cherry. Grappa, Agave, Amaro, and other products round out their offerings, and there’s no better way to try them all then in Peach Street Distillers’ tasting room, which is open daily and also offers guided tours of the facilities.
144 Kluge Ave, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-1128
Varaison Vineyards and Winery
At Varaison Vineyards and Winery, guests can indulge in a wine tasting from the winery’s private cellar. Varaison creates Old World-inspired wines that have been featured at the paris Wines and Spirits Expo, where they were compared in a blind tasting to some of the most prestigious wines in France and did very well. A visit to Varaison Vineyards and Winery will show guests the love and passion that goes into their winemaking, at their gorgeous estate which includes a peaceful rose garden, a patio seating area with a firepit, and a wood-fired pizza oven where visitors can enjoy some delicious food with their wines.
405 W 1st St, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-4928
Mesa Park Vineyards
The big red barn that is the home of Mesa Park Vineyards looks nothing less than picturesque, framed as it is against the neat rows of the vineyards and set against the backdrop of the impossibly blue Colorado sky and the rocky peaks and mesas of the Western Slope of the Rockies. Mesa Park produces delicious estate-grown wines, and many of their reds, including the Family Reserve Red, Cab Franc, and Merlot have all won awards. In Mesa Park Vineyards’ tasting room, visitors can enjoy a taster or a glass of some of the products that are grown and created right here, surrounded by the big wooden casks where new wine is being aged.
3321 C Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-628-9113
Red Fox Cellars
The family that runs Red Fox Cellars prides itself on creating unique and adventurous wines. None of them were formally trained in the art of winemaking, but the masterminds behind Red Fox are not afraid to experiment, and in doing so feel they have perfected their technique of winemaking for a bold and exciting taste in each of their products. Guests can be the judge of this for themselves in Red Fox Cellars’ tasting room, where they can try wines, ciders, and wine cocktails in a comfortable and homey environment. The tasting room’s hours change depending on the season, so it’s best to check their website before making plans to visit.
695 36 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-1099
The Blue Pig Gallery
Downtown Palisade’s premier art gallery is a great place to shop for a souvenir of your time in Palisade, or just admire some of the amazing works of art that are always on display. The Blue Pig Gallery exhibits a collection in a myriad of mediums including paintings, blown glass, sculptures, photography, and much more, and in the Piglet, which is the name of the Blue Pig Gallery’s gift shop, visitors can purchase jewelry, accessories, ceramic pottery, and other lovely gifts to take home as keepsakes or give to someone special.
101 W 3rd St, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-4819
Maison la Belle Vie Winery
Maison la Belle Vie Winery describes itself as quite minimalistic when it comes to winemaking, because their grapes are incredible enough that they can pretty much speak for themselves. The elegant tasting room at Maison la Belle Vie is rustic and comfortable, and guests can enjoy three free tasting pours per person, or five pours for $5. Some of their notable products include a Merlot, Cab Sauv, Syrah, and the Vin de Peche, which is made with not only Muscat grapes but also some of Palisade’s famous peaches, with a recipe that has been handed down through the family since the 19th century. Maison la Belle Vie also has a fabulous restaurant which is open throughout the summer season.
3575 G Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-4959
Colorado Cellars
Since 1978, Colorado Cellars has been creating fantastic wines on the Western Slope. After decades of growth, Colorado Cellars now has several labels underneath its umbrella, including the Orchard Mesa Wine Company and Rocky Mountain Vineyards, two well known wine making labels in the region. At Colorado Cellars, visitors will love tasting everything from their Red Table Wine (Colorado Mountain Vineyards) to their dry white wines. Colorado Cellars also sells unique wines like sweet reds, an Orange Moscato, and a “Roadkill Red,” as well as wines made from other fruits like blueberry, elderberry, cherry, huckleberry, and of course, peach. They also sell mead, port, and sparkling champagne.
3553 E Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-7921
Garfield Estates Vineyard & Winery
The vineyards at Garfield Estates Vineyard & Winery were first planted in 2000, and since then, Garfield Estates has been making wines that appeal to everyone from wine snobs to complete newbies. The spacious tasting room at Garfield Estates offers a perfect location for trying some of their delicious product, which includes everything from French wines like Viognier and Cabernet Franc to Spanish wines like Albarinos, and even unique dessert wines like their Vin au Chocolat. The experience at Garfield Estates will be further richened by the beautiful setting, with gorgeous views of the mesa and the mountains in the background, and long rows of grape vines growing in the foreground.
3572 G Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-464-0941
Clark Family Orchards
During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, there’s no better place to get some amazing local fruit, produced right in Palisade, than Clark Family Orchards. Their farm stand sells fruit by the bushel, including cherries, plums, pears, veggies like Olathe sweet corn and tomatoes, and of course, the famous Palisade peaches. The love that goes into the production of the fruit they sell is clear from a single bite, and visitors and locals alike make pilgrimages to Clark Family Orchards for their produce needs. Fruit from Clark Family Orchards can also be purchased or ordered online, and throughout the year, they make appearances at many local festivals, culminating in the annual Palisade Peach Festival, which takes place each summer during August.
3929 Highway 6, Palisade CO 81526
Palisade Sunday Market
The Palisade Sunday Market is a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning, weaving through stalls of local vendors for produce, gifts, and other souvenirs. At the Palisade Sunday Market, all vendors sell products that have been either homemade or home-grown, making them each truly unique. Visitors will find live music, chef demonstrations from local restaurants, hot and cold drinks, delicious meals, and so many amazing goods like vegetables, fruits, honey, jams and jellies, breads, and more...and it’s all local! The Palisade Sunday Market generally starts up in late spring and runs through the end of October.
Palisade Sunday Market, Downtown Palisade, Third and Main Streets
JR's Carriage Service
See Palisade and the beauty of Grand Valley from a whole different perspective when you’re riding with JR's Carriage Service. Groups, families, couples, and even wedding parties can take a ride in one of JR’s Carriage Service’s horse drawn carts and carriages, which will take guests through Palisade and the surrounding areas. Guests can use JR’s Carriage Service as a quaint and scenic transportation method for a wine tour, or go on a sunset tour to see the Colorado sky turn brilliant colors at the sun sinks below the horizon and the mountains are painted dark with shadows. The horses and carriages are even available for romantic rides through the region, engagement photo shoots, and as wedding transportation.
JR's Carriage Service, Grand Junction, CO, Phone: 719-671-7145
Nana's Fruit and Jam Shack
Even if you don’t personally have a grandmother who makes delicious homemade fruit jams and other products from her kitchen, you can rely on Nana's Fruit and Jam Shack to stand in and fill all your needs. By taking advantage of the perfect fruit-growing climate that Palisade offers, Nana’s Fruit and Jam Shack not only creates delicious jams, jellies, syrups, and sauces, but they also grow and sell many of the peaches and other fruit used to make these products. At Nana’s Fruit and Jam Shack, customers will find unique products like Peach or Raspberry Creamed Honey, jams that come in flavors as basic as strawberry or rhubarb and as unique as amaretto or vanilla pear, and delicious salsas that go perfect with chips or on burritos.
3673 G 7/10 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-216-5285
Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range
Colorado is one the few places where you can still enjoy the privilege of watching wild horses roaming free in their natural habitat. The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range is home to a variety of horse breeds, many of which are the descendants of horses which were once owned by Native Americans, the Spanish explorers and even the US Cavalry. The protected wild horses roam in a very scenic and rugged area which is great for hiking and you may be lucky enough to spot a range of other wildlife including elk, mule deer, big-horn sheep, mountain lions, bobcat and bears.
Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range, Clifton, CO 81520
Palisade Brewing Company
Determined to brew the perfect Colorado craft beers, while respecting age-old European beer-making fundamentals, Palisade Brewing Company strives to make a range of innovative and tasty Colorado craft beers. The brewery uses mostly locally produces ingredients to brew a range of artisanal beers that suit all tastes. As well as a core range of year-round beers they also introduce beer loves to a small selection of seasonal brews. Fine beers deserve to be accompanied by fine food and you will find delicious snacks, salads and sandwiches on the food menu. You can check their website for regular specials and events.
Palisade Brewing Company, 200 Peach Ave, Palisade, CO 81520, 970 464 1462
Sage Creations Organic Farm
This small, family owned, certified organic farm takes full advantage of the perfect Western Slope climate, which mixes the mountain weather and elevation with the sunny and dry conditions of a desert climate, to grow some amazing and top quality crops. Well known especially for their cherries and lavender, Sage Creations Organic Farm makes some amazing products with their creations, including aromatherapy oils and lotions, gorgeous and fragrant wreaths, and more. Visitors are also welcome to come to Sage Creations Organic Farm for a tour of the facilities or a U-Pick Lavender session.
3555 E Rd, Palisade, CO 81526, Phone: 970-623-9556
Peche Restaurant
Conveniently located on Main Street, Peche Restaurant is popular with both locals and visitors. The restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Matthew Chasseur and his team, who endeavor to bring the freshest and finest locally sourced produce to your table. The menus change frequently to showcase the finest seasonal produce available. There is always a selection of delicious appetizers to choose from, some with a distinct French twist, designed to tantalize your taste buds. These are followed by a selection of entrees and sides, including a vegetarian option. You can round off your meal with one of their delectable desserts.
Peche Restaurant, 336 Main Street, Palisade, CO 81526, 970 970 464 4911
