Snowy Peaks Winery

We did not plan to go wine tasting in Colorado. Husband and I flew in to Denver a day early for a wedding and decided to explore. As I’m laid up with an(other) ankle injury, we decided to putz around Estes Park, aka the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Snowy Peaks Winery is located just a bit outside city center on the same street that takes you to the aerial tramway. For a state that requires(?) everyone to own an SUV, we were surprised by the lack of parking.

Tastings were $14 for 5 wines from an extensive list of varietals. Between Husband and I were tried nearly all of them including: Albariño, Viognier, Riesling, Can Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and two blends (a classic Bordeaux and a Syrah,petite Sarah, and Mourvèdre). Our overall impression was that while none of these wines were awful, none were very good. As our said at one point “our winemaker did a great job with what he had to work with.” (He was extremely kind, knowledgeable, and attentive.)

I came home to learn a bit more about Colorado wine. All of the fruit we tasted originated in the Grand Valley AVA out on the western border of the state near Grand Junction. The region, which has an elevation of 4-5000Ft is best known for its peaches. The frost-free growing season is between 150 to 182 days; compare that to Napa Valley which gets an average of 238. Despite being established in 1991, the area hasn’t yet seemed to hone in on what it grows best.

Snowy Peaks Winery also offered a selected of cheese, crackers, soft drinks for the kids, gelato, and sausage (rattlesnake and jalapeño anyone?). However, while the business model may all seem a bit ADHD, it was by far NOT the worst experience I‘ve ever had. If you’re in the area, wine friends, it’s worth a stop.