March 6, 2026 (Palisade, CO) — The Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE) proudly announces the launch of Colorado Cru, Colorado’s first statewide wine initiative designed to showcase the state’s distinctive viticulture, elevate winemaking excellence, and strengthen wine tourism across Colorado.
Launched in concert with the America 250/Colorado 150 campaign, Colorado Cru celebrates the state’s rich agricultural heritage and 150 years of Colorado statehood, highlighting the craftsmanship, innovation, and distinctiveness of locally produced wines as part of this historic milestone.
Developed through a collaborative stakeholder process with vineyards, winemakers, and the Colorado Tourism Office, Colorado Cru establishes a unified identity for wines “Crafted in Colorado” while allowing individual wineries the creative freedom to express their unique style.
A Collaborative Foundation Rooted in Colorado’s Viticultural Legacy
Through extensive industry engagement, six grape varietals with historical and commercial significance in Colorado were selected as the foundation for Colorado Cru blends:
- Red Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chambourcin
- White Varietals: Riesling, Traminette, Chardonnay
To preserve authenticity while encouraging innovation, participating wineries may incorporate additional grape varietals; however, at least one or a combination of the approved six varietals must be the predominant component of the final blend. This standard ensures a recognizable Colorado Cru identity while maintaining stylistic flexibility for winemakers.
Colorado Cru: First Designations & Ongoing Opportunity
The first group of wines has successfully completed technical analysis and professional review, earning the official Colorado Cru designation. Additional wineries will have the opportunity to participate in future vintages, making Colorado Cru a dynamic, ongoing initiative that continues to grow Colorado’s reputation for premium, locally crafted wines.
Technical Excellence & Professional Evaluation
To support quality and education, CAVE partnered with ETS Laboratories to provide complimentary technical analysis for submitted wines. Each wine then underwent professional evaluation. Wines meeting rigorous quality standards were designated as official Colorado Cru wines and are authorized to carry the signature Colorado Cru label for consumer recognition.
Wineries & Wines Awarded Colorado Cru Designation
After completing technical analysis and professional review, the following Colorado wineries and wines have earned the official Colorado Cru designation. Consumers can identify these wines by the Colorado Cru designation on the bottle, experience them directly in the wineries’ tasting rooms, or ask their local liquor store or restaurant about carrying these exceptional Colorado wines.
- Aspen Peak Cellars – 2024 Mom’s Collage
- Blanchard Family Wines – 2024 Cuvée Rouge
- BookCliff Vineyards – 2024 Barrel Blanc
- Carlson Vineyards – 2022 NSFW Red
- Carboy Winery – 2024 Arête
- Carboy Winery – 2024 Concordia Blanc
- Latigo Winery – 2024 The Wrangler
- Snowy Peaks Winery – 2024 Colorado Crucible White
- St. Gerard Vineyards – 2024 Red Blend
- TerraVin Cellars – 2023 SMV
- The Ordinary Fellow – 2024 Syrah
- Peachfork Orchards & Vineyard – 2024 Dry White Wine Blend
- Peachfork Orchards & Vineyard – 2023 Dry Red Wine Blend
Tourism & Market Impact
Colorado Cru establishes a unified standard that elevates Colorado’s reputation in the national wine conversation. The Colorado Cru label offers instant consumer confidence in quality and local craftsmanship. Through this initiative, the industry supports:
- Expanded media opportunities and statewide storytelling
- Wine trails and tasting events for driving visitor engagement
- Stronger collaboration between agriculture and tourism sectors
- Enhanced consumer education and industry advancement
By connecting heritage varietals with modern craftsmanship, Colorado Cru reinforces Colorado’s growing reputation for premium, high-quality wines.
A Model for Agricultural Innovation
Colorado Cru represents a first-of-its-kind statewide wine collaboration, uniting producers under a shared standard of excellence while celebrating regional individuality. The initiative serves as a model for how agriculture, tourism, and craftsmanship can work together to elevate Colorado’s brand.
Colorado Cru: Crafted in Colorado. Celebrated by All.
For more information about Colorado Cru or to inquire about participation, please contact CAVE at 970-464-0111 or visit https://www.winecolorado.org/colorado-cru/
About the Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE)
The Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to advancing Colorado’s wine and grape-growing industry. Through signature events such as Colorado Mountain Winefest and the VinCO Conference & Trade Show, CAVE reinvests proceeds into education, technical training, and industry collaboration, strengthening quality, innovation, and long-term growth for Colorado wineries and vineyards.
