The Colorado Mountain Winefest, in Palisade Sept. 14-17, features dozens of wineries including two Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) food safety partners – Varaison Vineyards and Wine Country Inn.
Colorado’s first wine-themed hotel, Wine Country Inn, is one of the sponsors of Winefest and offers private label wine made with grapes that are crushed and bottled by Grande River Vineyards. Wine Country Inn hosts two festival events on Friday, Sept. 15, including the Riedel Wine and Glass Experience and the Chocolate and Wine Tasting. The hotel also participates in Food and Wine Pairing events Sept. 14-17.
Wine Country Inn’s Executive Chef Dave Kassera, said, “Being in the Partnership for Food Safety with MCPH has not only helped us focus on serving safe food, it has elevated the overall quality of our operation.”
The Festival in the Park, the state’s largest and oldest wine festival, takes place on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Riverbend Park, located at 451 Pendleton St. in Palisade, and features wine tasting, live music, a grape stomp, chef demonstrations and seminars. Wine Country Inn and Varaison Vineyards are both participating wineries.
In addition to its involvement in the Winefest, Varaison Vineyards operates a large entertainment venue that serves the public, weddings, conferences and international tourist organization. The Vineyard also helps area wineries with their filtration and sanitation for bottling.
Ron West, director of food safety and winemaker for Varaison Vineyards, said, “We strive for the highest standards in the industry and utilize a full series of standard operating procedures for complete traceability.”
Buy your tickets now! Please contact the CAVE office at 464-0111 or info@coloradowinefest.com with any questions.
Click here to find out more about Varaison Vineyards.
Click here to find out more about Wine Country Inn.
Click here to find out more about Colorado Winefest.