Paonia
Two miles from Paonia’s main drag, cross the centuries-old namesake bridge to visit Black Bridge Winery. Though they pride themselves on their award-winning pinot noir grapes, Black Bridge also produces chardonnay, riesling and rosé. Visit the unique 85-foot-long wine cave built with recycled steel trusses for a look into their past and at what’s to come.
In the charming downtown, wander the many artist galleries, where you’ll find everything from pottery to plant-dyed clothing. Recharge at Rio Bravo with cheesy chili rellenos, carne asada-stuffed burritos or the locally loved nachos, coupled with refreshing happy-hour margaritas or horchata.
Stay at Bross Hotel for scratch breakfast made by the host with locally sourced ingredients.
Palisade
Famous for boasting a high concentration of Colorado wineries — there are about 30 total — Palisade’s cup runneth over. Tour Colterris Winery and taste one of their varietals or visit Colterris at the Overlook to pair a berry-driven white cabernet sauvignon with stunning Colorado River views, all accented by aromas from the lavender and rose gardens.
BookCliff Vineyards has it all — from fruity cabernet sauvignon to golden chardonnay. Check out their vineyard tour that showcases where the vino is made and about their various varietals. Talon Winery is also home to the Colorado Fudge Factory — a must-stop if you have frequent hankerings for sweet treats. Plan your visit around Colorado Mountain Winefest, held annually in autumn, to fully experience the area’s flavors.
Take your adventure to the next level by hiking the 3.8-mile Mount Garfield Trail — it's steep but rewarding with panoramic vistas of the valley. Celebrate your summit with tacos at Fidel's, which stars ingredients like chili-aioli chimichurri, elk chorizo, jalapeño citrus slaw and red-chili cauliflower.
Stay at Wine Country Inn, where daily afternoon wine tastings are a staple.
Fairplay & Breckenridge
Continental Divide Winery, the world’s highest altitude winery, stomps their grapes at an impressive 10,361 feet. Sample elevated zinfandels, pinot noirs and dessert wines at one of two tasting rooms in Fairplay or Breckenridge.
For dinner in Fairplay, sit back and start your meal with melted mozzarella sticks, then dig into applewood-smoked spareribs at Platte River Saloon. Or, mosey into the Blue River Bistro in Breckenridge for eclectic American dishes like buffalo short ribs and salmon BLTs.
While in town, admire snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks from horseback on a guided trail ride with Breckenridge Stables. If you’re visiting Fairplay, step back in time at the South Park City Museum to explore a restored boomtown.
Stay at Fairplay’s Riverside Inn for a comfortable and convenient home base. Over in Breck, choose from dorm-style hostel digs or bed-and-breakfast suites at The Fireside Inn.
Evergreen
Cozy up in Creekside Cellars’ tasting room and forget about the world. The Colorado winery's must-try cab franc pairs delightfully with antipasto, panini worth writing home about and live music. Amble down the shop-lined boardwalk of the historic downtown until you reach the Wildflower Cafe. Here the ColoRADo Burrito and Bronco Burger are known crowd pleasers. Then walk to nearby Evergreen Lake and enjoy the serene fir-trimmed waters via canoe, kayak or paddleboard.
Stay at family-friendly Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, which offers a bevy of eco-friendly cabins with water rushing nearby.
