For over a century, the Rocky Mountains have given vintners the perfect climate and setting to grow world-class grapes. Though there are limited options in and around Aspen to enjoy Colorado wines (get with the program, Aspen!), we highly recommend sampling some of the incredible premium wines made right here in the Centennial State.

Fortunately, there are a few locations where you can sniff and sip some of Colorado’s finest.

Day Trip to Delta and Montrose

If you’re an oenophile that enjoys seeing the process from beginning to end, there are numerous vineyards and wineries to tour in neighboring Delta and Montrose counties. You can also take a journey on the Olathe wine trail, with stops at the Mountain View Winery, Cottonwood Cellars/Olathe Winery, and Garrett Estates Cellars.

The beautiful scenery driving to and from Delta and Montrose make this wine day trip option even more alluring and majestic.

Farm to Table Tuesdays at Elk Camp

Nothing goes better with great wine than amazing food. Enjoy the best local eats at Farm to Table Tuesdays, hosted at Elk Camp on Tuesday evenings. This weekly dinner boasts a locally-sourced a la carte menu accompanied with locally crafted wines and beers. Make your reservations for this very popular dining event to make sure you get a seat.

Element 47 at Little Nell

Element 47 in our sister hotel, Little Nell, is serving up several Colorado reds this season.

Their menu offers a cinsault from Sutcliffe Vineyards in Cortez, Colorado. Or maybe a tempranillo is more to your liking, in which case you can try the one from Woody Creek Cellars (Cedaredge, Colorado) or Alfred Eames Cellars (Paonia, Colorado). 

One Paonia local shared, “”Alfred Eames Cellars produces some of the best wine I have ever had. We are truly lucky to have such a treasure nestled in the North Fork Valley.”

Infinite Monkey Theorem

While this wine is made in Denver, the grapes for Infinite Monkey Theorem labels are grown right here on the Western Slope. Before you turn your nose up at wine in a can, pick up some Infinite Monkey Theorem at Local Spirits Aspen, Aspen Wine & Spirits, or Great Western Grog Shop to give it a try. You will be delightfully surprised by the high-quality wine this Colorado winery. Our favorite is their Rose. 

Colorado has a robust, proud history of winemaking. Hopefully, Aspen and its surrounding areas will soon stock more reds and whites from local sources for visitors to sample and enjoy.