Business Times Coverage of the Wine Country Inn

Phil Castle , editor in chief of the Business Times of Western Colorado, wrote a profile of the Wine Country Inn. Under the headline, "Wine Country Accommodations: Newly Opened Palisade Hotel Brings Unique Lodging to the Very Heart of the Grand Valley Growing Region," Castle wrote:

"Richard and Jean Tally lead an impromptu tour of their newly opened hotel in Palisade, pointing out the small details that have gone into the large lodging and events complex.

"Historical photographs hang from nearly every wall, providing a glimpse back in time to the people and activities of the past. Wrap-around porches and white wicker chairs invite guests to sit and relax. An intimate dining area located just off the lobby serves as a versatile venue for breakfast, wine tastings and conversation.

"Of course, it's one of the biggest features of the hotel that draws the most attention. And that's the setting: smack in the middle of not only a vineyard, but also the Grand Valley wine-growing region.

"The Wine Country Inn constitutes a dream come true for the Tallys, who spent nearly a decade visiting lodging properties in the wine-growing regions of California and Europe to carefully study what works and what doesn't.

"The couple says the best of the best went into planning the Wine Country Inn, only on a much larger scale. The Tallys are pleased with the end result of the $8 million project.

"'We're proud of it,' Richard says.

"But as a co-owner of the family enterprise and a 14-year veteran of the lodging industry with an MBA from Columbia, he's also eager for business to begin in earnest following the Aug. 1 opening. 'We're anxious for it to get going and kick in.'

"Leif Johnson, executive director of the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, expects just that. 'I don't think there's going to be any doubt it will be really, really in demand.'

"The 80-room hotel already has benefited nearby restaurants and other businesses, Johnson says. But he's even more excited about the potential for the Wine Country Inn and Palisade. 'It presents a very unique opportunity. There's nothing else like it. To have that kind of unique and prestigious property come to Palisade, I think we have no where to go but up.'