Colorado State Wine Board Meets in Salida

The Colorado Wine Industry Development Board convened for one of its regular meetings. But rather than travel to Palisade or a Front Range winery, the state-funded organization chose to meet in South Park.

Under the headline, "State Wine Board Meets in Salida," Arlene Shovald wrote for The Mountain Mail:

"Salida and Cañon City have great wineries, but they're a little out of the way and they are on their own, with no other wineries in the area," Doug Caskey, executive director of the board, said."

"We try to spread our meetings around the state, and Salida and Cañon City don't get much attention, so we decided to come to Salida this time."

"Retreats are designed to keep Colorado wineries abreast of legislative and other changes, discuss public relations and budget questions and in general keep up-to-date regarding interests of the wine industry."

"The Colorado Wine Industry Development Board of Boulder was established in 1990 and began keeping records in 1991."

"Nine members are appointed by the governor, representing wine makers, grape growers, wine wholesalers and retailers, general public and ex officio members from Colorado State University and the Colorado Tourism program."

"The executive director is hired by the wine board. Fourteen members attended the Salida retreat."

"There are 74 wineries throughout the state, not just the Western Slope," Caskey said. "We actually have more wineries along the Front Range than in the Grand Valley near Palisades and Grand Junction."

"Since the board began keeping records, Colorado wine production increased 10 times."

"A 2006 economic impact study by CSU showed annual wine industry economic impact on Colorado is $21 million and the figure doubles if wine tourism is included."

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