Wilburs Wines and Spirits

 

 Thursday, January 23, 2003
World Wine Education: Colorado
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 1. Total sales of Colorado wine in fiscal 1998/1999 were $4,108,840. In 1998, Chardonnay was the most widely planted variety with 26% of total acreage. It was followed by Merlot (22%), Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon (8% each), Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir (6% each), Gewurtzraminer (5%), Shiraz (4%) and other (15%), consisting of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Sangiovese, Viognier, and Lemberger. Colorado has an estimated 450 acres of vineyards, approximately 90% of which are in Mesa and Delta counties.
2. A recent survey of wine consumers in Colorado revealed that 82 percent of consumers who tried Colorado wines were satisfied with the wines they consumed; 56 percent were very satisfied; 95 percent of consumers who purchased a Colorado wine were likely to repurchase.
3. In 1909, Colorado harvested more than one million pounds of grapes from more than 1,000 farms. Seven years later, the state's wine grape vineyards were uprooted after the General Assembly of Colorado enacted a prohibition statute, four years before national prohibition.
4. In 1968, thirty-five years after the repeal of prohibition, the first 'modern' winery in Colorado, Ivancie Winery, wasd. Owner Gerald Ivancie also developed experimental plantings of premium wine grapes in and around the Grand Valley.
5. Western Colorado's Grand Valley was designated an American Viticultural Area in 1990. "American Viticultural Area" is a government term denoting a specified grape-growing region that meets certain standards. Colorado has only one AVA while California, for example, has more than 80.
6. The Colorado Mountain Winefest, held the third weekend of September in Palisade, is the state's premier wine-tasting event. More than a dozen wineries, pouring as many as 80 different wines, participated in the 1999 event.
7. The world's highest producing vineyard is located in Paonia, Colorado and stands at 6,400 feet.
Colorado in Brief Colorado Features
Colorado is not well known for its wine, yet. In fact, Colorado has a very thriving wine industry and a history in wine dating back over a hundred years. History- In 1890 then Governor George A. Crawford, who founded Grand Junction in 1881, planted sixty acres of grapes and other fruit on Rapid Creek above Palisade. By 1899 the U.S. Department of Commerce, Census of the United States, Agriculture reported a Colorado grape harvest of 586,300 pounds and wine production of 1744 gallons, by 1909: Colorado was harvesting 1,037,614 pounds from 254,292 vines of bearing age and 101,332 vines of pre-bearing age. Over 1034 Colorado farms were involved in grape production. Disaster struck in 1916, the General Assembly of Colorado enacted prohibition. Colorado was "dry" four years before the passage of the 18th Amendment, which created national prohibition. Commercial winemaking ceased in Colorado and wine grape vineyards were uprooted. Finally in 1968, thirty-five years after prohibition ended, Gerald Ivancie Ivancie Winery, the first modern Colorado winery. Ivancie also developed experimental plantings of premium wine grapes in and around the Grand Valley. In 1974 Colorado State University's Orchard Mesa Research Center in Grand Junction, began vineyard research. Then, in 1977, the state officially acted to support Colorado's wine industry, and now Colorado has grown to have over 20 wineries. Wineries- Over twenty wineries are in Colorado. Most are small, family run farms with very small production and very limited outside sales. But a few are becoming giants. Plum Creek and Grand River both boast impressive trophy rooms, as well as impressive wines. Sadly though, the wine press overlooks most Colorado wineries, even though they produce wines of the quality that one would expect to receive wide acclaim.

Plum Creek Cellars

Founded in 1984, Plum Creek Cellars pioneered the effort of producing fine wines exclusively from grapes grown in Colorado. With 55 acres of vineyards planted in the state's premier fruit-growing areas-Palisade and Paonia-Plum Creek focuses on growing grapes in the areas best suited for each varietal. Winemakers Jenne Baldwin and Erik Bruner (emeritus) share more than 25 years' experience and expertise in making wine. Recognizing the quality of Plum Creek wines, judges in international, national and regional competitions have awarded more than 225 medals to the winery. Beverage Nation is proud to offer a wide selection of their wines.
ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy Now
Plum CreekCabernet Franc200012.99Details
Plum CreekCabernet Sauvignon199917.49Details
Plum CreekChardonnay200112.99Details
Plum CreekChardonnay199713.49Details
Plum CreekMerlot199913.99Details
Plum CreekMerlot199616.99Details
Plum CreekOther Reds20007.99Details
Plum CreekBlush/Rose20005.99Details
Plum CreekRiesling19998.49Details
Plum CreekDessert14.99Details
 

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