Colorado Wine Country Takes Flight

They're the perfect time killers for a banal cross country flight --an airline's in flight magazine. These publications offer a crossword puzzle to scribble on, some catalog items to purchase, and --of course-- end destination articles and photo spreads to peruse and make us wish we could go there.

So it's wonderful to read the latest issue of American Eagle Latitudes Magazine, which features a write up of our local wine scene. Under the headline, "Grand Junction's Wine Country," Latitudes Reporter Tania Casselle wrote:

“If you forget everything you were ever told about wine, remember this...," Bob Witham pauses causing visitors to his Two Rivers Winery to lean forward in the oak-fragranced gloom, surrounded by barrels of aging Chardonnay. "When wine comes in, secrets come out."

"Already it's clear that one secret is out—Grand Junction's wine country is flourishing, with award-winning wines taking their place at the table alongside some of the best in America. And what better way to share the secret than to take a tour of Grand Valley vineyards? More than 19 wineries clustered around Grand Junction and Palisade have tasting rooms, and winemakers are eager not only to share their bounty but also their craft with behind-the-vine tours. Before Witham leads his oenophile visitors back out of his cellar and into the dazzling Colorado sun to let them loose in the tasting room, he describes using garlic paste to seal leaks in the $1,000 barrels—the pressure inside stops the garlic from seeping in and tainting the flavor. "

"The Grape Escape"

"The world's best wine regions tend to be spectacularly beautiful, and Colorado's Grand Valley is no exception, wrapped between three landmark vistas. The red rock spires of Colorado National Monument frame one side of the valley. Turn around to see 40-mile-wide Grand Mesa, one of the world's largest flat-top mountains and often called the "Island in the Sky." In between, the dramatic Book Cliffs jut against the blue. Every direction is picture-perfect."

Later in the article, the Wine Country Inn receives a nice write up:

"Where to Stay"

"The new Wine Country Inn, set in 21 acres of working vineyards, is the ideal base for exploring the wine country. Inspired by the owners' visits to wine properties in France, Italy and California, the Victorian-style Wine Country Inn is elegant but relaxed, with welcoming rooms decorated in soothing harvest colors—mellow yellows and warm clarets—and offering understated luxury in details from sumptuous beds to flat-panel TVs. Sunset on the wraparound patios affords grand views of the Book Cliffs and Grand Mesa. You can also soak in the outdoor hot tub under Colorado stars that feel close enough to touch. Arrive in time for the daily complimentary wine reception to meet other guests and taste the Inn's own wines, produced by Grande River Vineyards next door. Grande River also hosts summer concerts in its outdoor amphitheater, and has a mini "sample vineyard" where visitors can view nine different grape varietals on the vine. ¡Salud!"

It doesn't hurt to mention that American Eagle provides service to Grand Junction.

You can book your trip today. Visit www.aa.com, call American/American Eagle reservations at 1-800-433-7300, or call your travel agent for more information.

You can read the rest of the article here, although we suspect that this link will change as new issues are published. So go to the Latitudes homepage and use their search engine to Google "wine country inn."