Venue Info:
Hey Mesa County,
If you’ve been longing for a leisurely wine getaway in far-away places, check out what is right under your nose, here at home.
Just a few minutes down I-70, in Palisade, you'll find the Victorian-style boutique, Wine Country Inn.
Recently, we joined forces with our next door neighbor Grande River Vineyards to create an authentic vacation destination that celebrates all things wine.
Surrounded by over 40 acres of working vineyards, the iconic 80-room hotel and the historic winery now offer a combined venue, where guests can enjoy full-service amenities while they sip on premium varietal wines, produced in the traditional style that honors the winery’s legacy as well the owners’ commitment to excellence, innovation and hospitality.
Richard and Jean Tally just purchased the iconic winery founded by Steve Smith more than two decades ago on June 17 of this year. Since they already had plans to build their own winery, purchasing the Grande River made sense.
While the majority of visitors hail from other areas, Grand Valley residents can be a world apart from their everyday routines a few minutes from home. The transformation from hustle and bustle to relaxed and calm ambiance is an easy, welcome transition.
Besides the comfortable, traditionally appointed rooms, wrap-around porches invite guests to linger in the beautifully landscaped Courtyard over a glass of wine and nibbles from a Chef-assembled Chacuterie board. An oversize outdoor pool, flanked by shady Cabanas or sun-drenched lounge chairs, is a welcome respite from a day of touring nearby attractions. And if hiking or cycling are your thing, the jacuzzi spa will beckon to work out the kinks in sore muscles.
A complimentary breakfast and afternoon wine reception pouring Grande River Vineyards wines are standard. And for more compulsive guests, an exercise room and business center are at your service. Further, the hotel provides forgotten necessities, sundries and souvenirs in its Gift Shop. The handy Guest Laundry will take care of any laundry that has accumulated during travels.
Tapestry Lounge serves cocktails, beer, wine and small bites, while Caroline’s Restaurant is open daily for dinner under the direction of Chef Chad Griffiths and Food and Beverage Director Bridget Zlab. The Culinary team is available for catering weddings, celebrations and family reunions at the Inn, as well as providing daily food service at the winery and special events there.
“We can offer synergies to our guests in tasting GRV wines, as well as providing full-service lodging supported by a top-notch culinary team.,” explains Owner Richard Tally. “The amenities dovetail beautifully, and a limited only by our imaginations.” He adds that there will be discounts available on room nights for Wine Club members and on GRV wines for hotel guests.
He also points out an opportunity for larger weddings, concerts and other events at the winery.
“What could be better than being surrounded by vineyards enjoying good wine, great food in such a beautiful, laid-back setting? It’s the best of what Colorado Wine Country has to offer.”
The next generation Grande River Vineyards winery will pour not only its traditional varietals, but also new offerings in its Tasting Room this fall. Check it out!
Sidebar: The Marriage of Food and Wine
Not surprisingly, food and wine complement each other in ways that are best described as a marriage. And why not, especially if they come from the same terroir? The wonderful bounty that Palisade provides from its farms, orchards and vineyards is a gift that deserves celebrating.
Executive Chef Chad Griffith is just the man to bring all that wonderfulness together. With a keen eye to what is seasonal, Chef Chad carefully pairs his produce, proteins and wines. If he’s not utilizing veggies from his kitchen garden, he’s resourcing from local farmers. He has an enviable stable of vendors for local meats and cheeses as well.
Helping him find just the right wine to pair with his creations, F&B expert Bridget is continuously sampling wines from local wineries and those of newly acquired Grande River Vineyards. “It is a happy exploration,” she admits.
Caroline’s Restaurant has always emphasized utilizing Colorado products such as beef, lamb, trout along with local wines. For example, Peach Bread Pudding has been the signature dessert since the restaurant opened. As a result, the kitchen puts up gallons of fresh peaches every harvest to serve that dish year-round. That kind of attention to detail builds a loyal following, the owners reason.
“With our approach to fresh foods and traditional preparation, Caroline’s cuisine is sort of a cross between the menus of Alice Waters and Paul Bocuse,” quips Tally.
“Thanks to Chef Chad and Bridget’s sensibilities, our food just gets better and better. “We are very proud of what they do and are excited about what the future holds for our guests’ experience with food and new wines.”
So, Bon Appetit and Salut!