Colorado has long been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking an active vacation. Most travelers head to state’s modern cities, such as Denver and Boulder, or the ski towns of Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge. But there’s one destination that should not be missed: Grand Junction. And if you want to skip the standard hotel stay, check out Two Rivers Winery.
Located on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, where the Gunnison River meets the mighty Colorado River, Grand Junction sits midway between Denver, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Nestled in a verdant valley surrounded by towering mountain ranges and sandstone cliffs, the town of fewer than 70,000 residents offers plenty of outdoor adventures for folks of all fitness and skill levels.
The Grand Junction area, which encompasses the city of Grand Junction and the neighboring communities of Fruita and Palisade, also is home to the Grand Valley AVA, one of two designated American Viticultural Areas in the Centennial State. Approximately 30 wineries dot the region.
Wine Tourism
Two Rivers is a privately owned winery situated on 15 acres at the base of the Colorado National Monument. It’s located about 15 minutes west of downtown Grand Junction.
The winery was founded in 1999 by native Coloradans Bob and Billie Witham. The couple had purchased the land with the hopes of developing a gated community. Instead, they were lured by the region’s burgeoning wine scene. Today, they continue to run the business along with their adult children.
“We joke about it being a retirement project, but it’s a lot of work,” Billie says. “It’s also very rewarding. We literally did every aspect of it ourselves, alongside people who had some expertise.”
In 2002, the Withams added The Chateau. The French Country-style inn also serves as an event center for weddings, business meetings, parties and other large gatherings. In addition, the property features a tasting room/gift shop and a barrel house. The Withams also live on the grounds in a large home tucked behind the tasting room.
The buildings are surrounded by about 6 acres of picturesque vineyards. Two cold-hardy varietals are grown on-site: La Crescent and Baco Noir. The grapevines were just starting to bud during my visit, but I could imagine how lush everything looks when they’re in full leaf. And an expansive lawn with a covered pavilion offers the perfect spot for an outdoor wedding or special gathering.
French Influence
The Chateau features 10 guest suites. Each is named after a wine region in France. For example, there’s the Cote D’Or, Provence, Burgundy, Alsace, and Loire rooms. Nine are on the second floor of the building, encircling the grand ballroom.
Three suite styles are available: large, medium, and double. Both large and medium include a king-size bed, while the double has two queen beds. The Champagne room is a honeymoon-style suite that includes a king-size bed, a fireplace, and a separate soaking tub. One ground-floor room, the Pyrenees Suite, is on ground floor. This medium suite is wheelchair accessible and pet friendly.
The rooms are decorated in a French Country style, with muted tones of tan and beige, and dark burgundy and olive-green accents. And while all include TVs, coffee makers, and mini fridges, each is slightly different. Furnishings vary, from chunky wood or iron headboards to leather or floral fabric seating.
But the main attraction is the scenery. Depending on the room’s location, guests can wake to stunning views of the Colorado National Monument, the mountainous Book Cliffs, or Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world.
A stay here is quiet. There’s no on-site restaurant or bar. The tasting room closes at 5 p.m., so overnight guests have the property to themselves. Relax on the outdoor terrace overlooking the vineyard. Or, watch the sun set over the mountains — the Book Cliffs glow in glorious shades of pink and purple. On cold evenings, curl up downstairs by the fireplace.
Breakfast is served in a small dining area just off the terrace. There are some snacks, such as fruit and chips, available in the dining room, but if you want dinner, you’ll have to drive into town.
Sip and Stay at Two Rivers
No visit to Two Rivers is complete without a wine tasting. The tasting room and wine-making facility — fermentation tanks, bottling line, etc. — are in the same building. There are two separate tasting rooms: a smaller one that’s reserved for private gatherings, and the larger public room that’s attached to the gift shop. An intimate dining room is tucked inside the barrel house. It can be reserved for special events.
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Two Rivers produces eight varieties. Classics include chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, riesling, syrah, and port. The popular Vintner’s Blend is a mix of cabernet sauvignon and syrah, while the rose-style Tulip is a refreshing blend of merlot and riesling.
The winery’s three most popular varieties are chardonnay, cabernet, and riesling.
During my tasting, Billie took me through each of the wines. She discussed the unique properties of Colorado wines and the tasting notes for each varietal. The sips were accompanied by a tray of crackers, cheeses, fruits, and chocolates. The experience was fun, friendly, and relaxed, with enough information to satisfy the experienced oenophile yet casual enough for the occasional drinker.
A tasting, which includes samples of all eight wines, costs $10 per person. It’s a bargain, if you ask me.
If You Go to Two Rivers Winery
While Grand Junction offers an array of accommodations, ranging from chain hotels to independent and historic properties, The Chateau at Two Rivers Winery offers a one-of-a-kind stay. Whether you’re a wine lover or you simply want a quiet escape that’s steps from some of the best outdoor adventures, you’ll find it at Two Rivers.
Rooms start at about $159 per night. As noted, only one room is wheelchair accessible and pet friendly. The property also offers plenty of self-parking.
If you enjoy wine country getaways, check out our reviews of other vineyard stays around the world.
Exterior image of winery courtesy of visitgrandjunction.com. All others by Rebecca L. Rhoades.
