Colorado wine

Colorado Wine refers to wine produced from grapes grown in the U.S. state of Colorado. Most of Colorado's vineyards are located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, though an increasing number of wineries are located along the Front Range.

History

Wine production in Colorado has a history dating back to the mid-19th century. The first recorded wine production in Colorado was in 1859. However, the state's wine industry did not truly begin to take off until the late 20th century.

Climate and geography

Colorado's grape growing regions contain some of the highest elevation vineyards in the world, with most lying between 4,000 and 7,000 feet (1,200 and 2,100 m) above sea level. The state's viticulture in the Colorado plateau is characterized by high altitude, arid climate, and extreme temperature variation beneficial to wine production.

Vineyards and wineries

As of 2018, the state has approximately 120 wineries and 1,000 acres of vineyard land. The majority of the wineries are small, family-owned establishments. The largest winery in the state is the Two Rivers Winery in Grand Junction.

Grape varieties

The most widely planted grape in Colorado is the Merlot grape, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Other varietals grown in Colorado include Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Viognier.

Regulation

The Colorado Wine Industry Development Board regulates wine production in the state. The board promotes Colorado wine, provides quality assurance programs, and supports research to improve the state's grape growing practices.

See also

• List of wineries in Colorado
• American wine
• Wine regions of the United States

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Colorado wine

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  A Winery with the Colorado National Monument in the Background