Colorado's wine industry looks to adapt to unpredictable seasons

Colorado's wine country is far from California's famed Napa Valley. For one, it's much harder to grow grapes here.

What they're saying: "It's not easy. We don't have enough water … and the weather is just unpredictable," says Doug Caskey, the executive director of the state's Wine Industry Development Board.

State of the vineyard: Climate change doesn't help either. "The Grand Valley American Viticultural Area is already a hot climate during the summer, so if those temps go up that's a problem," Caskey told John. "It's that shoulder season inconsistency that's been a bigger issue."

By the numbers: Colorado winemakers rebounded last season after a tough two-year stretch from 2020-2021, boosting production to 1,856,099 liters, or 201,417 cases, state figures show.

Yes, but: It remains below historical highs in terms of production and market share.

What's new: Colorado farmers are adapting by diversifying their vineyards and planting new grape varieties in the hopes that if they lose one, others may survive.

• Cab Franc and Merlot are traditionally strong Colorado varieties, but the less-known St. Vincent and Chambourcin grapes are becoming more popular. Riesling grapes also do well in Colorado's climate.
• New wine types, such as pet-nat and sparkling, are keeping tasters interested.

The intrigue: One factor driving the industry is growth in Western Slope wineries outside the Palisade-focused Grand Valley area, where production has increased steadily every year, including 22% in the 2021-2022 season.

The bottom line: When tasting Colorado wine, Caskey said it's about expectations. "It's important to remember that Colorado is not California," he says.

• "I think it's important to focus your expectations on what you're drinking, what's in the glass, not necessarily, 'Does it taste like somewhere else?'"