OMG! I turned 30 this past Saturday and spent the weekend celebrating in Palisade Colorado! I’m so excited to share with you how to spend a summer weekend in Palisade, Colorado.
Palisade is Colorado’s version of “Wine Country” and is where a majority of the Colorado peaches grow. A small town located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains near Utah. Just about a 4 hour drive straight through the mountains from Denver. Due to the drive, it’s definitely more of a long weekend getaway rather than a day trip. Stay the extra couple nights to really have the full experience in this beautiful town!
Palisade has so much to offer, countless wineries, amazing restaurants, lavender farms, and peach orchards for miles. When I discovered there was a wine biking tour, I knew I had to visit and partake in this experience. I’m so excited to share with you a detailed guide of Palisade and places to stay, eat, and drink!
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Where to Drink Wine in Palisade, Colorado
Blue Beryl – a mother + daughter owned winery located on the west side of Palisade, specializing in dry wines. They have a beautiful tasting room and covered patio for relaxing.
Maison La Belle Vie – an elegant winery serving bistro bites, wine flights, slushy flights, and more. The food is outstanding here!
Carboy Winery – a beautiful winery overlooking Mount Garfield + Book Cliff Mountains. They also offer a yoga class on their patio on Sunday morning at 11am for $10!
Vines 79 – a very quaint Wild West themed winery specializing in reds. In the summer they serve a delicious peach sangria! I loved this winery the most, it is very homey feeling and a peaceful environment. Plus, the owners story is so touching. A woman living out her dreams through perseverance through Covid + succeeding.
Bookcliff Vineyards – this beautiful winery is situated atop of a hill with a huge covered patio overlooking the valley. They offer some charcuterie snacks, and the flight comes with crusty breadsticks + homemade jam.
Where to Stay in Palisade, Colorado
Spoke and Vine Motel – this is where we stayed! A beautiful recently updated motel offering breakfast in bed, on site bar/coffee shop, and outdoor fenced in patio area so your pup doesn’t run away! We will certainly be staying here again on our return. The location is the best part, walkable/bike-able to downtown main street and the endless wineries.
Wine Country Inn – a more upscale option, located adjacent to 21 acres of vineyard. A very authentic wine country experience.
Vine House (Airbnb) – a tiny house with 2 beds/1 bath located just east of the downtown area. Incredibly cute vibes + location is great for the wineries on the east side of town.
The Sweet Peach Studio Apartment (VRBO) – located adjacent to the Colorado river, a great location off the main road, but will need a car/bike to visit wineries. Not super conveniently located.
Where to Eat in Palisade, Colorado
Pêche – (pronounced pesh) an incredible restaurant ran by an ex-Michelin star chef. This was our second time visiting and I am not exaggerating when I say it is the best meal I’ve ever enjoyed. Service is incredible, and the food is outstanding. (Pictured above!)
Palisade Brewing Company – a brewery with fantastic patio space serving craft beers + sandwiches/gyros and live music outside!
Peach Street Distillers – a relaxed atmosphere distillery, offering snacks and an array of cocktails.
Slice O’ Life Bakery – the local bakery downtown, offering pastries, breads, pies, espresso + more!
Fidel’s Cocina and Bar – a vibrant taqueria located downtown Palisade, offering margaritas and Latin inspired dishes!
Clark & Co’s Distilling – a distillery/restaurant opened by the 7th generation of peach farmers. Known best by their grandfathers peach brandy in “moonshine style”, this is a unique place to check out in town. Offers incredible views.
13 Brix Cider Bistro – a great place to grab lunch fare, if you’re craving a salad, sandwich, or soup! They also serve their cider by glass or a bottle!
Things to Do in Palisade, Colorado
Farmers Market (Sunday) – this market is incredible! 3 streets lined with vendors, mostly produce but a few homemade products as well. Definitely worth checking out before you leave town!
Colorado National Monument – A quick 30 minute drive from downtown Palisade, located in Grand Junction. A beautiful park with Grand Canyon vibes. It is about a 23 mile drive through the park, with hikes located all around. We had Tula so we couldn’t hike “Paws on Pavement” is what they call it, so we drove and enjoyed the views! You may even spot a mountain goat!
U Pick Tour peaches – Palisade Peach Shack offers daily u-pick tours of their peach farms on a tractor!
U Pick Tour lavender @ Sage Creations – pick your own lavender bunch at the local farms around Palisade!
Palisade is truly one of my favorite places in Colorado to run off to when I feel disconnected from life. The small town vibe focused on agriculture is grounding as ever. I hope that this inspires you to find a new vacation spot that centers you. Whether it be locally, or out west past the Rocky Mountains and onto the Western Slope!
