Wine Enthusiast Names Wine Country Inn A Top 7 Vineyard Property

Wine Country Inn of Palisade, CO, has been named one of seven premier vineyard properties in the United States by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in its June issue.

Entitled, "Sleeping With the Grapes," the feature by Lisa Rogak , includes California properties the Vintner’s Inn in Santa Rosa (Sonoma), La Residence in Napa, Just Inn in Paso Robles, and Fess Parker’s Wine Country Inn and Spa Resort in Los Olivos. Messinna Hof Winery’s The Villa in Bryan, TX, and the 1894 Inn at Barboursville Vineyards in Charlottesville, VA. are also included. Wine Country Inn, the state’s first wine themed hotel, is the only Colorado property named. Two international properties, one in Spain, the other in Italy, were also cited.

“We are pleased to be included in such good company,” emphasizes Jerome Strack, General Manager.

“Historically, we feel related because our owners Richard and Jean Tally visited Vintner’s Inn, Just Inn and Fess Parker’s Inn more than a decade ago and incorporated some of their features in our new hotel. The operators of those properties were extremely helpful when the Tallys were gathering information back then.”

Rogak leads her article with an observation that “An increasing number of wineries are offering accommodations for overnight guests. Here are some of the best places to dine well, relax in comfort and contemplate the vines.”

She gives a thumbnail description of each of the properties. This is what she wrote about the Wine Country Inn:

“The Victorian-style Wine Country Inn is situated in the foothills of the Western Slope of Colorado, smack in the middle of 20 acres of vineyards. The inn’s 80 rooms are within walking distance of two wineries and a short drive or bike ride away from two dozen more. Other activities feature lolling on wraparound porches with rocking chairs and wicker furniture and an afternoon wine tasting. For more privacy or for an extended family reunion book the Vintner’s Guest House, with rooms and suites that can be arranged in a variety of configurations, sleeping up to 24 persons.”

Affliated with Luxe Hotels International, Wine Country inn is located at 777 Grande River Drive, at I-70 Exit 42. Guests can contact the hotel at 888-855-8330 , 970-464-5777 or www.ColoradoWineCountryInn.com. The Inn will celebrate its second anniversary on August 1, 2010.

Rocky Mountain PBS Broadcasts Live From Inn

Public television offers unique, commercial-free programming. But it is not free. Pledge drives are a necessary evil to get members to donate funds to keep the public TV stations operating. Rocky Mountain PBS is no exception, and the Wine Country Inn was honored that the RMPBS chose the hotel this weekend to broadcast their auction live from the property.

"It is important to support PBS," says Wine Country Inn Co-owner Jean Tally. "I really believe in alternative broadcasting options. I regularly watch 'Bill Moyers' and other news/analysis programs as well as purely entertaining offerings like the Sunday night student concerts out of Carnegie Hall in New York, 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'Antiques Roadshow'. These are just a few examples PBS also helped me raise my children with 'Sesame Street', 'Electric Company', and 'Mr. Rogers'."

Here's what RMPBS has to say about the auction:

Under the headline, "Spring Is In the Air - Finally. So Is Auction!" Elizabeth Mayer of Rocky Mountain PBS writes:

"Rocky Mountain PBS is teaming with energy these days, especially with the excitement around Auction. Each day there are some 30 volunteers in the building, doing everything from photographing incoming donations to handling item pickup."

"Their passion for Auction – and this organization – is contagious. Day in and day out, I think to myself, boy is this place unique."

"Yet there is nothing unique about the financial troubles we're facing. Families and non-profits alike are feeling the pinch. The fact is, this year, Auction needs to deliver more than ever. We are well short of revenue goals – $1.5 million down – and we look to you to help make Auction the success it needs to be."

"What's neat is that everyone benefits from Auction. For local businesses, it's a great way to support a cause, get your company's name out there and make a tax-deductible contribution. For the artists that donate work, it means on-air exposure and community recognition. For the buyer, it means getting unique, valuable items while supporting Rocky Mountain PBS."

"The hundreds of volunteers that make Auction possible also benefit. Each year, a community of volunteers comes together to rally around something near and dear to their hearts. They work extraordinarily hard – and have fun while doing it."

Click here to read more about the RMPBS Spring 2009 auction.

More Wedding Promotion for the Wine Country Inn

The wedding niche of the blogosphere continues to circulate an article written by PerfectOurdoorWeddings last year, a piece that featured the Wine Country Inn. This time, the story was picked up by WeddingNightRomance.com.

Under the headline, "Five Breathtaking Destinations for your Vineyard Wedding," an admin at WeddingNightRomance wrote:

"Many brides search for the ultimate outdoor wedding location to capture the romance of their special day. If you are looking for a wedding spot that’s out of the ordinary, a vineyard may be the perfect destination, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to your outdoor wedding. Perfect Outdoor Weddings chose the top five vineyards where you can treat yourselves to beauty, serenity, enjoyable group activities, and fine wines, while celebrating the most wonderful day of your lives."

You can read the rest of the article here.

Gigglesoup Praises Wine Country Inn

Someone with the Internet nom de plume of Gigglesoup has to be a person of discerning tastes. Gigglesoup blogs for Destination Weddings, and here's what he/she had to say.

Under the headline, "Wine Country Wedding in Colorado?" Gigglesoup wrote:

"Yes, absolutely. You didn't know there were wineries in Colorado, now, did you? Well, there are. Quite a number of them in fact, located around Grand Junction and the surrounding area."

"What this means for you is that you can add Grand Junction, Colorado to your list of destinations for a beautiful wine country wedding. And, one venue which should top your list is The Wine Country Inn, located near Grand Junction in Palisade, Colorado's first wine-themed hotel, situated in the middle of 21 acres of vines."

"If you decide to have your wedding at the Inn, you can choose from several different sites on the property, from the outdoor Pavilion among the vines, a landscaped courtyard, the Vineyard Ballroom, or several smaller sites for more intimate ceremonies. For your reception, you can have the Chef create any type of event you want, from a formal dinner to a more casual hors d'oeuvres reception. And, before or after the wedding, you and your guests will have many opportunities for wine tastings, as the Inn is adjacent to two wineries and a short drive to many more."

"The area around Grand Junction is truly an outdoor lover's paradise. For hikers, you have the awesome Grand Mesa National Forest, the world's largest flat top mountain, dotted with hundreds of lakes. Grand Junction is also located at the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers, a dream location for rafters and kayakers."

You can see Gigglesoup's blog post here.

Critic Kyle Wagner Drops by the Wine Country

We've admired Colorado author and Kyle Wagner for years, all the way back to her food and wine critic days at Denver's indie newspaper, Westword. Wagner is tough yet fair, a prolific writer whose unpretentious critiques carry more heart than bite. Now she is travel editor for the Denver Post.

So we were surprised but ecstatic when Wagner paid a secret visit to the our little hotel. We're reprinting her criticisms, warts and all, because we feel they are even-handed. Under the headline, "Wine Country Inn," Wagner wrote:

"Rates: Standard king or double queen starts at $149 per night ($89 in winter); the separate Vintner's Guest House, with rooms arranged around a club room for rental by the half or whole for private functions, starts at $169 per room ($109 in winter). Check the Web for specials. Overnight parking in lot is free."

"Stay here if you: love the idea of sleeping right at a Colorado vineyard."

"It's close to: Interstate 70, which can be seen from the parking lot, but the noise is surprisingly muffled when you're inside the inn. The Book Cliffs and Grand Mesa views are just out the window. Grand Junction is 10-15 minutes down the highway."

"The rooms are: very new and very clean, decorated with rich-colored fabrics to give it an upscale look, such as golds and wines on the draperies and bedspreads, even though overall it is fairly casual. Each room offers a chair and ottoman, flat-screen TV, refrigerator and microwave, and the bathrooms feature granite counters and tub liners. King rooms can be updated with a private patio, which is nice for the Book Cliffs views. The only thing we weren't thrilled about in the room was the bathroom doors — sliders have a way of moving along the track too fast, catching fingers and banging when they close, which can be heard in the next room."

"They put all of the money into: putting an appealing lodging onto an established vineyard. When Steve Smith put his Grande River Vineyards winery up for auction in 2006, Palisade residents Jean and Richard Tally were able to realize a decade-long dream, and Smith has since begun bottling a Wine Country Inn label. The inn offers afternoon tastings for guests, which is a nice touch, and there's an outdoor heated pool and hot tub. Breakfast in an appealing room is included, as is WiFi, and there are also fitness and business centers. One more comment: When this place starts to become popular, as I suspect it will, that parking lot will be inadequate."

"The bottom line: With its farmhouse style and rocking chairs on the wraparound porches, the property has a welcoming feel that goes a long way toward overcoming its close-to-the-highway locale. Over time, the brand-spanking-newness of the building will fade, and the Wine Country Inn should blend in nicely with the surrounding area. It's a great addition to the Grand Valley."

To address a couple of the issues Wagner listed: the sliding bathroom doors are meant to evoke farmhouse doors from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Our architect, J.G. Johnson, deliberately paid homage to the historic farm houses and outbuildings that dot the valley floor around Palisade. Johnson calls the style, "farmhouse vernacular;" it has a Victorian influenced look and feel. These were part of our efforts to honor the history and tradition of the Palisade area.

Our parking lot is a little tight, and this was on purpose. We felt an obligation to preserve as much of the original 21 acres of the Mount Lincoln Vineyards as we possibly could. We wanted guests to admire vines and mesas around their verandas, not asphalt.

So, all in all, a great write up! You can read the rest of Kyle Wagner's Denver Post write up here.

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."

Colorado Vino Wedding Site Garners Praise

Picking the right spot for your Colorado wedding is an important step in planning for the big day. So why not plan a wine-themed wedding? There are many fantastic wedding venues around Colorado's Wine Country, allowing a bride and groom to celebrate their matrimony while enjoying the romance and prestige of Colorado wine.

So we at the Wine Country Inn are extremely proud that PerfectOutdoorWeddings named us a "Top Five Location for a Vineyard Wedding" in the United States in 2008. This accolade received press coverage at The Denver Post, The Palisade Tribune, The Grand Junction Free Press, Bride.Net and The Business Times of Western Colorado.

We are also pleased that The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel wrote up the award. Under the headline,"Area Inn Gets National Praise For Wedding Site," Sentinel Reporter Anna Maria Basquez wrote:

"Atlanta-based PerfectOutdoorWeddings.com this week ranked Palisade’s Wine Country Inn in the Top 5 Vineyard Wedding Locations in the United States."

"--The inn joins the company of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, California’s Napa and Sonoma regions, Newport, R.I., and the Catskill Mountains region of New York in the listing."

“We’re tickled to death about that,” said Jean Tally, co-owner of Wine Country Inn. “It will help us with the destination-type weddings. People from out of town might not want to go to California or to Martha’s Vineyard.”

"Wine Country Inn, 777 Grande River Drive, is described on the site as having a “dreamy outdoor wedding venue” with a range of outdoor activities for wedding parties, including horseback riding, fishing and hiking. The site describes the facility as “the perfect place for a ‘Cinderella’ wedding.”

"The inn boasts a large, outdoor gazebo with a paved path for an aisle. It has a salon inside and can do the catering on-site."

“We also have what we call an elopement package,” Tally said. “Sometimes brides, if it’s a second wedding and they don’t want a large group, will do a formal wedding with a smaller number of people. The budgeting really depends on what they want.”

You can read the rest of the Sentinel article here.

Wine Trail Traveler Keeps It "All In the Family"

A syllogism in the wine industry might work like this: Many small businesses are family businesses. Many wine-related businesses are small businesses. Therefore, many wine-related businesses are run by families. This statement is true enough, especially if you've read the recent examples provided by the Wine Trail Traveler newsletter.

The publishers wrote a nice article about the many examples of intergenerational involvement with wineries, vineyards and hotels. Mothers and sons, fathers and daughters work side by side to create authentic products and services in limited quantities. Luckily, a couple of Colorado vino-related businesses made the cut. Under the headline, "Families Creating Together," Wine Trail Traveler wrote:

"After visiting numerous wineries of all kinds, we discovered that a number of the wineries have a common theme of parents and children. In some cases, children became interested in the many aspects of the wine industry from helping in the vineyards to working in the winery or tasting room. We would like to take a moment to honor many of those wineries that have a lifestyle that the future generations appreciate."

"Balistreri, in Colorado, is owned by John Balistreri, winemaker. His daughter, Julie, also makes wine and deals with the business end of the winery. As we spoke with John and Julie, we became aware of the love and respect for each other. Julie watches out for her father and knows where he is and he is doing. John's son, while not involved at the winery, is an artist and professor at Bowling Green. He provided the sculptures seen in the landscaping."

Later in the article, the Wine Country Inn is mentioned:

"Although not a winery, Wine Country Inn in Palisade, Colorado, does have 16 acres of grapes. Wine made with their grapes and bearing the Wine Country Inn label are produced by their next door neighbor [Grande River Vineyards]. The Inn is new on the scene and provides a delightful stay for visitor. Wine Country Inn was built by Jean and Richard Tally. Their daughter Anne is deeply involved with the inn and supportive of her parents and the inn."

"After visiting more than 300 winery and vineyard tasting rooms and meeting so many wonderful people, it has been difficult to decide which wineries to mention in this newsletter... One of the purposes of Wine Trail Traveler is to make people aware that visiting wineries is fun, enjoyable, and if they don't visit wineries, they are missing an experience as well as some great wine."

You can read the rest of the newsletter here.

Denver Post Mentions Wine Country Inn Honor

In their Business Briefs section, the Denver Post recently mentioned the Wine Country Inn. Under the headline, "Palisade Inn Named a Top Wedding Site," the Post wrote:

"Palisade's Wine Country Inn was named one of the "Top 5 Vineyard Wedding Locations" for 2008 in the U.S. by PerfectOutdoor-Weddings.com."

"The inn was No. 4, ranking alongside wine destinations in the Napa and Sonoma valleys of California and Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts."

"This is a tremendous honor for our hotel, Grande River Vineyards and the Palisade area," said Wine Country Inn co-owner Jean Tally."

"The Wine Country Inn sits in its own 21-acre Mount Lincoln Vineyard that surrounds the hotel and is bordered by the Grande River Vineyard."

You can view the Denver Post article here.

2008 Stories We Should Have Covered #1

The Wine Country Inn Covered in the New York Times
Not surprisingly, the Number One Story of 2008 we should have covered was the fooferaw surrounding the New York Times October coverage of Palisade and the Wine Country Inn. We mentioned it in passing, but never posted the article itself. The story was picked up by The Boston Globe, the Denver Post and countless other newspapers, magazines and blogs around the U.S. and the world.

Granted, the Wine Country Inn's mention is a passing one --but hey!-- every little bit of coverage helps. Grand Junction TV station KJCT 8 summarized the phenomenon best.

Under the headline, "New York Times Calls Palisade Rising Star in Wine Industry," KJCT 8 wrote:

"An article published Sunday in The New York Times titled "Biking Colorado's Wine Country", shines a national spotlight at Palisade's wine making industry, calling it a, "...rising star in the wine-making universe."

"The author, Stefeni Jackenthal, wrote she was, "intrigued by the idea of checking out the area," after sampling some the state's wine."

"Jackenthal toured area wineries on her bike and visited some of the peach orchards. The author describes the Grand Valley as having great views and spectacular weather."

"The article gives Palisade and it's growing wine industry national notoriety and may increase tourism in the area."

You can read the rest of the NYT article here. (You may need a free online subscription to view the story. But signing up is pretty easy).

2008 Stories We Should Have Covered #4

We are running down the list of all the stories we should have covered in 2008, but didn't get around to posting them. Number 4 on our list is an article that appeared in Travelroads.com about 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," Travelroads.com 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."

You can read the rest of this article here.

2008 Stories We Should Have Covered #6

We're doing a Top Seven Countdown for all the wine stories we should have covered in 2008. All of these are about either Colorado's Wine Country or the Wine Country Inn. Number Six on the list was an extremely gracious photo spread and preview of the hotel in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. Written by Dave Buchanan, the story appeared in May under the headline, "Palisade's Wine Country." Buchanan wrote:

"Like a Narnian Castle rising out of the forest, the appearance of a multi-storied, 80-room hotel growing amidst the vineyards of Palisade causes more than a few second looks."

"But this is no fairy tale. The country inn-like hotel, designed like an enlarged version of the farm houses that dot the area’s vineyards and orchards, is rapidly taking shape a few good swirls from the tourists traveling Interstate 70, a position which might be marketing at its best."

"Richard and Jean Tally, experienced hoteliers with properties in Grand Junction (Quality Inn) and Denver (Best Western Denver Southwest), are building the Wine Country Inn, Palisade’s first hotel and the state’s first hotel with a wine-country theme."

"With a planned August opening, barely a year from when the first shovel dug into the vineyards, the Tallys recently hired their general manager and are taking advance reservations on the inn’s Web site, www.coloradowinecountryinn.com."

“I think we see ourselves as a catalyst that will boost the whole concept of agritourism in Palisade,” said Jean Tally, recently. “The big missing piece in what’s out there is lodging and we see ourselves as providing a place for people to come and then we can send them out into the community.”

"The hotel is a big change from the comfortable bed and breakfasts sprinkled around the Grand Valley’s wine lands, and it’s sure to bring a decided economic boost to Palisade and the area’s tourist-popular wine industry."

“I think it’s really going to be great for Palisade and it’s going to take the whole Grand Valley to the next level,” said Doug Caskey, executive director of the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board. “But it’s not just wines, it’s agritourism and everything else. It has a lot going for it.”

You can read the rest of the story here.

2008 Stories We Should Have Covered #7

Here is our New Year's count down for some of the wine-related stories about Grand Junction, the Grand Valley and Palisade, Colorado, that we should have covered this year. Back in January, months before we opened, Jetsettersblog.com covered the Wine Country Inn. Under the headline,"Haute Hotels on the Horizon," Jetsettersblog wrote:

"With a slew of new developments and major events, Colorado is looking for big things in 2008. From brand new resorts, museums and restaurants to new recreational activities, adventure sports and attractions, the state is brimming with exciting new things to see and do in all four seasons."

"Wine Country Inn (Palisade): The 80-room Wine Country Inn in the vineyards of Palisade invokes the Victorian feel of farm homes in small towns across America. Guests can stroll through the surrounding vineyards and pamper themselves with first-class accommodations."

Thanks for the mention, Jetsetters! You can read the rest of the article here.

Wine Country Inn Named “Top 5 Vineyard Wedding Location” in U.S.

Perfect Outdoor Weddings.com has named the Wine Country Inn in its Top 5 list for the best all around Outdoor Weddings in the U.S. The Wine Country Inn was featured alongside Martha's Vineyard, Napa and Sonoma. The hotel was ranked as the fourth best wedding spot overall.

The Top 5 List includes famous end-destination wine regions such as Napa and Sonoma in California, Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, Newport, Rhode Island, and the Catskill Mountains region of New York State.

The article also mentions Grande River Vineyards, the Wine Country Inn’s next door neighbor, going on to describe the hotel as both a, “dreamy outdoor wedding venue,” and the perfect place for a “Cinderella” wedding:

“Looking for a “dreamy” outdoor wedding venue? The Grande River Vineyard, located in Palisade, Colorado– is a fantastic place to say “I do”. The Wine Country Inn, found on the vineyard, gives a breath-taking view. The Wine Country Inn also has a nice gazebo and an open patio area, perfect for a “Cinderella” wedding! There’s a range of activities you and your wedding party can take part in—horseback riding, fishing and hiking,” wrote PerfectOutdoorWeddings.com Author and Web Site Creator Victoria Sinclair.

(The Wine Country Inn actually sits in its own 21-acre Mount Lincoln Vineyard that surrounds the hotel, although the Inn’s vineyard borders Grande River’s grapes).

The Atlanta, Georgia,-based PerfectOutdoorWeddings.com is a resource for wedding planners and brides to gain fresh ideas. Sinclair conceived of the Web site after planning her own wedding.

“This is a tremendous honor for our hotel, Grande River Vineyards and the Palisade area,” said Wine Country Inn Co-Owner Jean Tally. “Especially considering that we are a younger property being listed among so many older, more established wine regions. It is proof that we can provide a unique venue where quality weddings will make a bride’s special day come to life.”

You can read the rest of the article here.

Wine Trail Traveler Review of Hotel

Kathy Sullivan of the Wine Trail Traveler added a profile of the Wine Country Inn to their website. Here's what Sullivan had to say:

The Wine Country Inn, a recently opened inn located in Palisade, Colorado is a delightful inn to stay at while visiting Colorado wine country. Wine Country Inn is conveniently located close to I-70. Even with its close proximity to an interstate road, the rooms at the inn are quiet and peaceful. Numerous wineries are a short distance from the inn, with three winery tasting rooms in walking distance. Several other wineries are a perfect distance for bikers.

While staying at Wine Country Inn, we took a detailed tour and saw the many amenities available to guests. After a day of visiting area wineries, it was wonderful to return to the inn for a quiet evening. Waking up the next morning, and having breakfast with a gourmet main dish and several accompaniments was great before leaving to visit more wine tasting rooms.

We enjoyed meeting Jean Tally, her husband, Richard and daughter, Anne. They are friendly and enthusiastic about the operation of the inn and its potential as a place to stay for people visiting this fertile grape and fruit growing area of Colorado. They have had experience owning hotels and for ten years had contemplated building an inn in Palisade, Colorado.

According to Jean, "Steve Smith, owner of Grande River Vineyards, had approached the Tallys a decade ago to see if they were interested in building a hotel near his winery. The Tallys believed the historic Victorian town of Palisade, with its significant agricultural role, deserved a first-class hotel whose architecture looked like it belonged there. In 2008, their dream came true with the August opening of the Wine Country Inn. The Tallys' attention to detail confirms that this project is indeed a labor of love."

The Wine Country Inn offers an atmosphere of old home welcoming. “This place feels like home.” With 80 rooms available, the inn can function efficiently and as a hands on operation, providing an atmosphere of congeniality. It is restful and has a laid back atmosphere. As Jean Tally says, it is a “doable getaway.” Whether you want to visit wineries or sit on the porch and rock, Wine Country Inn is inviting.

We experienced a delightful and detailed tour of Wine Country Inn with Michael who extolled the virtues of the inn. In a welcoming area, guests enjoy a fireplace open on two sides. The other side faces the dining area. Breakfast is available daily in the dining area. Jean Tally mentioned that the dining area is the most used area at the inn. In late afternoon, the inn holds wine tastings here. We discovered camaraderie here between guests. It wasn’t long before we were talking about wineries in South Dakota and Nebraska. Wine is the commonality that brings people together.

The Wine Country Inn includes very comfortable rooms with high beds and delightful views. Some rooms have an outside door, allowing guests access to a porch with a small table and chairs. Guests will discover a good-sized laundry room with two washers and dryers. Sports enthusiasts may want to stay fit working out in the fitness room. A business center is also available for guests.

You can see the article and photos of the property here.

Wine Country Inn Interview on Colorado Public Radio

Colorado Public Radio recently featured the Wine Country Inn on its show, "Colorado Matters." Under the headline, "New Hotel in Palisade Caters To Wine Lovers," CPR published a page with a gorgeous photo spread of the new hotel.

You can see the photos here.

Colorado Public Radio wrote:

"Before opening the Wine Country Inn, the owners traveled the globe--from Napa to Tuscany--to get a feel for hotels that cater to wine connoisseurs. Host Ryan Warner speaks with Jean Tally, who co-owns the inn with her husband."

Listen to the radio interview here.

Vail Trail: 'Old World Charm" at Wine Country Inn

Tamara Miller of the Vail Trail visited the hotel back in September. Under the headline, "Drinking in Colorado:Friends of the Vail Valley Urge Us to Take a Visit to the West," Miller wrote:

"Colorado’s burgeoning wine industry has made serious strides over the years, thanks in part to growing interest in boutique wines and a greater zeal to support locally-grown produce.

"Just two hours west of Vail is the epicenter of the state’s wine industry. With its high, arid climate that brings warm, sunny days and cool nights, the Grand Valley is sort of like the Tuscany of Colorado, producing around 80 percent of the wine grapes for the state.

"Palisade, a quaint town just east of Grand Junction and surrounded by vineyards and farms, is the natural home base for the growing throng of agri-tourists who head here. But its ability to capture that business has been limited by an utter lack of sizeable hotels or inns in town.

"That’s where Jean and Richard Tally have stepped in. The Tallys, who own property up Lake Creek near Edwards and have been visiting the Vail Valley for decades, aren’t exactly wine experts, but they are longtime veterans in the lodging industry, owning several hotels around the state. When Steve Smith, co-owner of the Grande River Vineyards, suggested the Tallys open a hotel near the winery, you could say the couple accepted the challenge, and then spent 10 years traveling to Europe and California doing the research that ultimately shaped the Wine Country Inn, which opened in August.

Old world charm in Colorado

"The Inn represents the 'best of the best' of what the Tallys saw while visiting wineries during that 10-year period, Jean said.

“'The ones that we were drawn to, that seemed the most welcoming, had adapted the Victorian style,' she said. 'We tried to superimpose those features that we thought were so pleasing and appealing onto a regular hotel structure.'

"With its peaked roof, porches and rocking chairs, the inn complements the Victorian architecture and farmhouse sensibility found elsewhere in the town of Palisade. But it’s still a sizeable hotel, with 80 rooms, meeting spaces, a gift shop, a courtyard with a pool and the 'Vitner’s Guest House' — a large building for weddings, retreats and family reunions with its full kitchen, living and dining rooms and bedrooms. "

You can read the rest of the write up here.

Premier Issue of VinoPrimo Spotlights Colorado's Wine Country

A new online magazine wine called VinoPrimo debuted last month. The October Travel Section featured an article by Stefani Jackenthal. (Originally published in the New York Times, this article has appeared in dozens of newspapers across the country). Under the headline, "Biking Colorado's Wine Country,"Jackenthal writes:

"The early-morning sun warms the back of my neck as a friend and I pedal along the open road, rolling past dangling peaches as well as grapes hanging in little clumps on parallel rows of trellised vines. Up ahead, a wood-frame chunk of white rock bearing the vineyard's name signals the entrance to the Plum Creek Winery, and we turn down a short pebbly road and spot a seven-and-a-half-foot metal fowl that's been made from old farm equipment guarding the rustic tasting room.

"Inside the bright, lofty barn-turned-tasting room, a redwood tasting bar takes center stage. Cozy couches and a hand-woven rug face a well-used sandstone fireplace; local artwork decorates the shop selling homemade preserves, salsas and mustards. But it's the promise of a glass of wine that has drawn us here today. Maybe the sauvignon blanc, with its apricot aroma? Or perhaps the riesling, with its hint of sweet peach and fig?

"No, this isn't Napa or a wine section of France. This is the Palisade region of Colorado, a dry, sunny area on the Western Slope, and the winemaking hub of Colorado's fledging viticultural industry. In recent years, the vineyards here have produced award-winning varietals and blends, making Colorado a rising star in the wine-making universe. More important, it's given active travelers yet another reason to visit this outdoorsy state, a place where you can push yourself to the physical limit by day, and then relax with a good meal (and an even better glass of wine) at night.

"Surrounded by the Book Cliffs mountain range and Grand Mesa, said to be the world's largest flat-top mountain, Palisade's mapped wine trail explores the area's local flavors and showcases its reputation as a pristine cycling playground. Although the elevation is high, the terrain is mostly flat with some moderate hills in the orchard area, and with quaint country roads wending past scores of working vineyards and fruit farms buzzing with activity. The paved route crisscrosses the Colorado River, which offers cool breezes and lovely views, and connects well marked, cycling-friendly tasting rooms and wineries that are never a few miles out of pedaling range.

"Having recently tasted a sturdy Colorado syrah that I would have guessed was from the Rhône Valley in France, I was intrigued by the idea of checking out the area. Joined by a friend, who is also a cycling enthusiast, we spent three days spinning and sipping through Palisade wine country this summer. Riding 15 to 20 miles a day, we stayed at B&B's, picnicked in fragrant orchards full of fuzzy peaches, dangling cherries and golden apricots, and savored hometown cooking and local wines along the way.

"Similar to the weather in coastal California and the Rhône Valley, the long, hot Colorado days allow grapes to ripen with ideal sugar levels while cool nights create terrific acidity, both essential elements for quality wine."

The article features just about everyone in Palisade, including the Wine Country Inn.

You can read the rest of the article here.

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.'

Uncle Bob's Excellent Adventure, Part 3

So, to bring you up to speed: Palisade Tribune Editor Bob Dougherty stayed with the Wine Country Inn for four nights in September. Dougherty described his visit in his weekly column, "A Visit with Uncle Bob." To set the stage, Bob has just watched a winning Broncos game. Flush with vicarious victory, Uncle Bob slept soundly through night, and has just entered the lobby the next morning, very hungry:

"Breakfast at the Wine Country Inn is an elaborate affair, served buffet-style. There were waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, hard boiled eggs, fruit salad, muffins, toast, fresh orange juice, pastries, granola, Cheerios, oranges, bananas, coffee, milk, etc., a variety of jellies and marmalades.

"My first floor north-facing room in the three-story Guest House had a patio, which was a wonderful treat. Sitting there provided a perfect vantage point to study the Palisades and Mt. Lincoln, and to watch the cars and semis roll by on the Interstate. For the life of me, I can't understand what is keeping some of those rocks in place. It looks as though they will start tumbling down at any minute.

"On the weekend ahead, the hotel will host its first wedding, then another one a week later. There is a trellis structure, a pergola, which is affectionately known as the 'bridal launching pad.' The bride and bridesmaids will march from there to the pavilion, where the ceremony will take place."

So there you have it, a first hand account from Uncle Bob of many of our hotel's amenities. Please feel free to visit and add your own first person accounts!