varaison vineyards and winery

My girlfriend and I were in town for the annual wine festival. We decided to take our Sunday to see some of the vinyards and wineries. We did exactly what I would advise anyone against; we made this our last stop. The visit is personal and more informative than I could ever imagine. I know so much more about wine and it's complexities that I wish I had known before the festival. We plan to make this our first stop again next year and strongly recommend anyone planning a visit to palisade visit this place. It literally made our visit, and was the best ending to our trip. Oh and their wine is fantastic!

As others have stated, try to start your wine tastings here. Alex, who is also a certified wine master, took us on a grand tour of the offerings and I can guarantee you will learn a lot. We have done many tastings in Sonoma and Napa Valleys in California and there were things we had no idea about! You wont be disappointed!

My son and I had the privilege of meeting Alex today and enjoying a tour of the impressive winery and other facilities. Alex totally wowed me with his knowledge and enthusiasm. This tour was especially meaningful to me because my daughter and Kristen were friends and classmates at GJHS and I already knew what a special couple she and Ron were. This is an impressive business and I do not hesitate to give it my highest recommendation. The immaculate facility and hospitality are rightfully reflected in their finished product. Do go see them! You won't regret your visit.

My wife and I were looking to pick up some wine and Varaison was recommended to us. We stopped in and after a bit of confusion on which building to go in we were welcomed into this gorgeous Victorian home by the wine maker. He treated us to a fantastic sampling teaching several things about how to taste wines.When we left we took home several bottles of one of the best wines I have ever had.

When we approached this place, the family was very welcoming and not just that, they let my husband an I learn how wine should be sipped (reds vs. whites). They not only are loving, kind, smart, and knowledgeable... They had us laughing so hard my sides hurt! Very beautiful old home they have fixed and also live in. My husband and I were able to get a glass and enjoy our lunch on the patio, while the cool breeze and quiet surrounding let you melt into the vacation! We actually came back to buy some wine before we left and ended up buying a lot more then we though! Overall not one to miss!

We must have spent an hour on our first day talking to Kristen and we were so glad that we did. She told us how to taste wines most effectively and what to look for in a good bottle. It was fascinating and definitely made tasting at the other wineries more fun for us. A great education and delicious wines. This was the only place where we bought wine when we were in town.

I learned more about wine and tasting in this visit than in all other winery visits combined! The wines are quality and the knowledge priceless.

We had an amazing time! Alex was incredibly knowledgeable and fun! He took a lot of time explaining the wine and the process of making it and drinking it. It was by far the best winery we visited.

Visited the tasting room at Varaison which is a totally different experience. The owner's wife does a presentation on not only the wines but the tasting process to enhance your enjoyment of the wines. The owner is an environmental engineer by trade but went back to school to get a degree in wine growing and making. Small winery in a early 1900's house with a restored International truck out front. Located on W. First Street in Palisade.

This couple are the most friendly and fun we met plus the most educational wine tasting sessionthat we have experienced. We have been on winery tours in Wa and Oregon and now Co - went to 20 wineries in area this is our favorite of experience and of the wine itself!

They have some decent wine, but nothing that completely blew me away to the point that I could justify their quite high prices. Definitely an air of pretension, as they clearly think very highly of themselves, and seem to be looking to compete with CA wineries, rather than embracing the amazing potential of unique local CO wine. I guess that's fine if that's what you're looking for, but I go to local wineries to discover something different than the pricey CA wines reviewed in a wine magazine...A missed opportunity, as far as I'm concerned.

Great wines and a great tasting room. Really enjoyed our tastings (and purchases!). Worth a stop on a wine tour.

We visited the tasting room on 16 September 2012 as we were there for the Colorado Mountain Wine Festival. You get 3 wines to taste. A Chard, a Rose and at the end a Bin 405 2007 Merlot - which was in the tasting room a very good tasting wine, bold and great as described. We bought a bottle - price is $38 - and stored it at correct temperature. Tasted it 3 month later and the wine had turned into a bad tasting vinegar not at all a Merlot or Port. It was visible the cork had visible holes and I think that is the reason for the spoiled wine. I contacted the winery and I only got a very arrogant email back - not really trying to help me much - so I know I would not taste nor buy any wine there - as what they present is not really what you get. A wine can go bad, but I think customer service is most important. Not found here.

If you want great wine and to learn a few things about wine...this is the spot. We were headed to another winery and the sign caught our eye.This is a family owned winery. They were friendly, knowledgable and the WINE WAS GREAT!!!!Their Merlot won an award for the best merlot in 2007 from France...(can't remember all the details...the wine was too good...lol)

Varaison was the third winery we visited in Palisade. We're not experienced wine tasters and I think this should be everyones first stop, especially if you're a newby wine taster. Alex was behind the bar and was amazing! We got such a great education about different wines and how to drink them. He wasn't stingy with his pours either. Even throws in a delicious chocolate education. Was heaven for my tastebuds!I ended up purchasing a bottle of their Merlot #405 and a bottle of "sweet, dude love potion #405"...you have to go there to understand. Highly recommended!!!!