By: Karaline Ann | KJCT8.com
PALISADE, Colo. (KJCT) — The 25th anniversary of the Colorado Mountain Winefest took place on Saturday. Over 50 wineries and vineyards came to the event, all from Colorado.
“It’s looking at a customer’s face and when they first go, wow this is amazing. That’s so gratifying,” said owner and winemaker, Michael Hasler of Decadent Saint.
Hundreds of people come each year to try all the wines Colorado has to offer, “We drive down every year, we wouldn’t miss it,” said Lauren Dauer, who has attended the last three years.
Most wineries note that Winefest is one of the biggest events on their calendars.
“Last year was a blow away success for us, incredible,” Hasler said he and his team brought even more wine because of the previous year’s turnout, “I’ve brought this time, 210 cases, which is four pallets of wine.”
The event had over 66 hundred people. Colorado Mountain Winefest not only focuses on Palisade wine, but the growing industry across the state.
“The wonderful thing about Colorado Mountain Winefest is it highlights just Colorado wine, and really just highlighting Colorado wine, Colorado grapes,” said event organizer Cassidee Shull.
Adding that wineries aren’t the only ones who benefit from the annual event, “The Grand Junction visitor and convention bureau estimate that just these four days in September bring in anywhere from $740,000 to over a $1,000,000 in revenue just for the Grand Valley,” said Shull.
This was the first year all Colorado Mountain Winefest events were completely sold out.
With another successful year in the books, wine makers are already thinking ahead.
“For me, there’s little limit, there’s lots of possibilities,” said Hasler.
Most wineries say they sell out or have to go grab more wine throughout the day.