Roughly one-third of Colorado lies west of the Continental Divide and is home to the most popular tourist attractions and recreational areas. “A Fantasy Land”, the Western Slope is home to 10 percent of Colorado’s residents and contains 33 percent of the state’s land. Paonia is the home to artists, outdoor lovers, and spectacular agriculture. Paonia is a lush gem with numerous orchards producing enormous amounts of fresh fruit. From crisp apples and juicy peaches to tart cherries and mouthwatering pears and grapes. The greatest attraction in both Paonia and Hotchkiss are wine tastings at high elevation boutique wineries.
The Small List
Best Place to Stay
Wisehart Springs Inn – Stay in a work of art in the North Fork Valley, home to the highest concentration of organic farms and ranches in Colorado. Handmade furniture, artisan-crafted stone and wood-work, glorious views and unique round rooms make up this inn which is an attraction in itself.
Best Restaurants
Lost Mesa Grill – A local favorite restaurant in Cedaredge, Colorado, Lost Mesa Grill serves Colorado craft beer, great burgers, fish tacos and more!
Flying Fork Cafe – The Flying Fork is one one of the more established restaurants in the North Fork Valley. They have a reputation for using the freshest, most local ingredients available.
Root and Vine Market – A delightful gourmet market in Paonia with freshly roasted coffee, fabulous baked goods, a comfortable atmosphere. And, of course, local wine.
Best Vineyards and Wineries
Stone Cottage Cellars – Stone Cottage Cellars is a family business and an ongoing labor of love. Over the years, they have built Stone Cottage Cellars from the ground up, stone by stone. Enjoy a trip from the Stone Cottage, to the wine cellar, to the tasting room.
The Storm Cellar – The Storm Cellar is a project founded upon a love of Colorado and a desire to make great wine. The goal was to help put a relatively unknown, yet up-and-coming region, on the national map. The elevated property sits atop Sunshine Mesa, between the towns of Paonia and Hotchkiss. Ideally, it is well above the valley floor, virtually alone atop the mesa. The cellar is a collaborative vision between Steve Steese and Jayme Henderson. They two Denver sommeliers are now farmers and winemakers.
Leroux Creek Vineyards – The topography and vegetation reminded the proprietors, Yvon and Joanna, of Provence. The climate is similar, and the soil is volcanic. A perfect location for a Bed and Breakfast. Their first vintage was uncorked in 2005. Above all, a touch of Provence in Colorado!
Azura Cellars – The idyllic valley with its verdant farms and snowcapped mountains couldn’t be more perfect for Azura Cellars. The views are wonderful, the art is sophisticated, and the wines are delicious. Your visit at Azura Cellars is sure to be an experience beyond the bottle!
Place to See
The AppleShed – The AppleShed represents some of Western Colorado’s finest artists. The feature artists in all media including painting, photography, sculpture, pottery and much more. The AppleShed is also the home of Williams Cellars winery with wine tastings year-round.
