Colorado Wants Your Wine Tourism Dollars

When I think of a wine country vacation I'm generally letting my mind wander up the Pacific Coast, Napa Valley or maybe Oregon or Washington. A new Colorado hotel is hoping tourists will look a little farther afield. The Wine Country Inn in Palisade, Colorado is located in Colorado's western wine region in the Grand Valley. The new hotel has Victorian-style architecture with wrap-around porches complete with rocking chairs and is surrounded by vineyards. Owner Richard Tally toured wine regions all over California and Europe and hopes to bring that ex perience to the 80-room hotel.

There are three main buildings, a landscaped courtyard with an outdoor pool, spa, and pavilion. For larger parties there is the Vinter's House, a , a two-story house with a large Club Room with completely equipped kitchen, living and dining areas on each floor . Bedrooms flank each Club Room, and can be rented as either a one or two bedroom suite.

There is also a new wine label for the inn with five varieties marketed by neighboring Grand River Vineyards, Chardonnay, Merlot, Meritage White (blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon), Ten Acre Red (blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon). Wine will be for sale in both the hotel gift shop and available to guests at complimentary afternoon tastings in the hotel lobby. It is also within walking distance of two of Palisade's wineries.

As a grand opening special a two-night stay starts at $190.