The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo officially kicked-off yesterday with a parade through Denver’s downtown streets featuring 30 longhorn cattle, horses, cowboys, cowgirls, tractors, marching bands and floats. This year’s events will be Jan. 6 – 21, 2024 at the National Western Complex.
Colorado Wines Hitting High Points
23.12.2023 - 18:21 / forbes.com
During a recent trip within the U.S., the car’s GPS navigation system took me on an unexpected route between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Basalt, Colorado. It steered me through a small town named Paonia in western Colorado, where I happened to have spent time—decades ago—as an intern for an environmental newspaper. Wanting to see this town again I veered in. Remembering that this region apparently now has a reputation for producing wine, I parked outside a wine and liquor store and purchased some bottles.
The owner recommended a wine from Paonia that—earlier this year—had gained statewide recognition. This Alfred Eames Cellars 2019 Carmena won top prize of a ‘double gold’ in the 2023 Governor’s Cup Wine Collection winners. I bought that bottle, as well as a bottle of Eames Pinot Noir, and looked forward to tasting both.
According to the Colorado Wine Board, winemaking in the state began on the Western Slope (the 40% of the state located west of the Rocky Mountain ‘continental divide’) over a century ago, although vineyards were replaced with orchards during Prohibition. Wines here have traditionally been made not only from grapes but also from other fruits. Colorado vineyards generally constitute the highest elevations vineyards in North America at between 4,500 and 7,000 feet (1,370 and 2,100 meters) above sea level.
Located in the internal continental U.S., the state of Colorado has an average ground elevation of 6,800 feet (2,074 meters) above sea level, which is higher than the highest points in 36 of all 50 states of the U.S. In other words, grapes here must fare well at altitude.
American Vititcultural Areas (AVAs) are designated by the federal Tax and Trade Bureau, which regulates the production of alcoholic beverages. There are two AVAs in Colorado—The Grand Valley AVA along the Colorado River, and The West Elks AVA. In the Grand Valley, vineyard elevations are between about 4,000 and 4,500 feet (1,200 and 1,400 meters) and the Colorado River moderates temperatures while river winds reduce humidity. The region gets as much sunshine as Napa Valley, Bordeaux or Tuscany—but in a shorter time. The similarities to the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains in Spain also makes this region favorable for the Tempranillo grape.
In the West Elks AVA, elevations of vineyards are generally between 5,400 and 7,000 feet (1,650 and 2,100 meters) above sea level, and there are fewer growing days—making the cooler region favorable for Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
Besides these two AVAs, there are ample other wine growing regions in Colorado—including McElmo Canyon and Montezuma County, South Grand Mesa, Fremont Peak, Olathe and Montrose Counties and the Front Range.
In the town of Basalt in Colorado I
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Autors
Popular Topics
lonelyplanet.com
05.01.2024 / 07:41
Traveling to Iceland with points and miles in 2024
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
forbes.com
31.12.2023 / 09:31
A New Year And Napa Valley Wines
In the U.S. state of California, the northern valley named Napa includes a wine scene under constant transformation. Establishments change ownership, new talent arrives and well known names depart. During 2023, for example, Rombauer Vineyards sold their brand (as well as many of their facilities and more than a square mile of vineyards—located not only in Napa Valley but at other northern California regions) to E&J Gallo’s Luxury Wine Group; Miljenko (Mike) Grgich, who crafted the iconic Chardonnay that brought fame to Chateau Montelena in the 1970’s, passed away; the Napa Valley Wine Train celebrated its 30th anniversary, while the Napa Valley Wine Trolley (a replica of a tram car from San Francisco) reopened at Castello di Amorosa after years of Covid-19 related closure. Also in 2023, the county approved the first ever proposed ‘micro-winery’ (Goel Estate Vineyards) with criteria that include that it not produce more than 5,000 gallons of wine per year and that the owners grow 75% of grapes used for fermentation onsite.
euronews.com
31.12.2023 / 00:09
Sensory hiking and ancient wine: Why you should visit these European villages in 2024
From Venice to Athens, Europe’s most popular destinations are buckling under the weight of unsustainable tourist numbers.
thepointsguy.com
30.12.2023 / 18:35
Quick Points: Book Qatar Qsuites before anyone else
Qatar Qsuites are some of the most coveted airplane seats ever crafted. As repeat TPG award winners, Qsuites are widely considered to be the best business class experience — particularly for couples, as select seats can be combined and converted into a double bed.
forbes.com
29.12.2023 / 22:43
These Scents Will Transport You To Some Of The World’s Best Wine Regions
From Napa Valley to Piedmont, Italy, sommeliers from around the U.S. teamed up to take you on a sensory journey to lands near and far.
thepointsguy.com
27.12.2023 / 18:11
Private islands and space flights: 9 of the most exclusive travel experiences you can book with points
You don't need me to remind you that points and miles can be used for fancy flights and posh hotel stays.
forbes.com
22.12.2023 / 22:39
High-Speed Train From Vegas To L.A. And Other Rail Projects Announced
Train fans and frequent travelers between Las Vegas and Los Angeles will have a new high-speed option that gets them from Point A to Point B. The Biden Administration has announced several projects to give travelers another way to travel. Here’s where rail projects are taking place, with several to begin construction in 2024.
skift.com
22.12.2023 / 16:44
A Question of Loyalty as U.S. Probes Airlines Points
Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, December 22. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
forbes.com
18.12.2023 / 23:23
Ride Into The New Year On The Napa Valley Wine Train
Do you already have 2024 New Year’s Eve plans? What if you could celebrate the ball dropping twice in one day? The Napa Valley Wine Train is partnering with the legendary Grgich Hills winery for “Midnight In Paris: A Legacy NYE Celebration” to commemorate not only the new year but also to honor Winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich who recently passed away at the age of 100.
forbes.com
18.12.2023 / 15:36
Un-Wine At The Little Nell In Aspen, Colorado
When the temperature drops and the snow starts falling, there's nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the slopes. But what if there was a way to elevate that experience - to pair your alpine adventures with wellness and the perfect glass of wine? Enter The Little Nell, a 92-room, 5-Star, 5-Diamond luxury resort based at the foot of Aspen Mountain. Indulgences come together for a savory winter getaway with a twist at The Little Nell as you Sip, Ski, and Spa your way through Aspen, Colorado.
thepointsguy.com
17.12.2023 / 19:29
Quick Points: How to earn Marriott Bonvoy bonus points on Uber rides and food delivery
Whether you live in a big city or a small town, it's safe to assume that most people have used Uber and Uber Eats. One of the greatest benefits is that you can earn valuable rewards through your transactions with these platforms, which can help you progress toward a free night at one of Marriott's best hotels.