The 3 Best Wine Tours in Denver
Denver’s vibrant culinary scene isn’t just about craft beers and green chile—it’s also blossoming into a wine-loving city. While Colorado might be better known for its craft breweries, the local wine scene is quietly gaining buzz. From unique private tastings to pairing experiences with cheese and desserts, Denver offers wine tours that appeal to curious beginners and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Plus, several tours give you a taste of California wines right here in Colorado, making this a surprisingly diverse wine destination.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed look at three standout wine experiences: an intimate private vintner’s tasting, a pairing-focused adventure with cheese and chocolates, and a comparative tasting of Colorado versus California wines. Each offers a different angle—whether you’re after expert knowledge, flavor pairings, or a chance to compare local and imported wines. These tours are perfect for a variety of interests, budgets, and schedules, helping you make the most of Denver’s wine scene.
1. Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado
At $40 per person, the Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado offers a relaxed yet informative introduction to Colorado’s wine industry. This 1 hour 30-minute session takes place in Denver and features wines from a family-run winery that produces award-winning Colorado and California wines. The highlight here is the chance to compare local Colorado wines with their California counterparts, gaining insight into what makes Colorado’s wine scene unique.
Guests rave about the knowledge and friendliness of the staff, with one reviewer noting, “Very knowledgeable and helpful. The wine was delicious, and we will definitely be back.” This tour is perfect for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of wine production in Colorado versus California, all within an intimate setting. The tasting typically includes multiple wines, offering a broad view of what the winery produces.
What sets this experience apart is its focus on educating guests about regional differences—something more generic tastings often overlook. The tour is intimate, making it suitable for small groups or couples who want a personalized experience without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a great value for those curious about Colorado wines or wanting a quick, enjoyable introduction to local wine varieties. It’s ideal for beginner wine lovers or anyone wanting to learn about Colorado’s growing wine scene.
2. Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert
For $74 per person, this Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert offers a sensory-rich experience in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood. Lasting about 1 hour, it’s perfect for date nights, friends’ outings, or anyone who appreciates the art of flavor pairing. The experience features four varietals from a family-owned vineyard, paired with a personal charcuterie board, cheeses, and decadent desserts.
What makes this tasting special is its emphasis on pairing wine with complementary foods, allowing you to explore how flavors interact and enhance each other. The host shares the story of the vineyard, giving an authentic background that deepens appreciation for each sip. Reviewers love the friendly, knowledgeable staff—one mentioned, “Joe suggested some great wines to try, and we went back for more drinks later.”
Guests also highlight the quality of the wines, which reflect the high-elevation terroir, known for delivering intense flavors. The small group setting ensures personalized recommendations, making this experience both educational and delicious.
Bottom Line: If you’re seeking a well-rounded tasting that combines wine with food pairings, this experience offers excellent value and a memorable tasting of high-elevation wines in a friendly, intimate atmosphere.
3. California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting
At $30 per person, the California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting is a unique opportunity to taste wines from two distinct regions within about 1 hour. Hosted by Blanchard Family Wines, a family-owned label originating in California, this tour features a selection of boutique wines crafted by brothers James and Mark Blanchard. Guests get to compare these California offerings with Colorado-grown wines, gaining insight into how terroir influences flavor.
Guests have rated this experience 4.0/5, praising the delicious wines and knowledgeable guide. One reviewer noted, “We purchased a bottle after the tasting—it was that good.” The focus here is on limited-production, artisanal wines, making it ideal for those with an interest in boutique wineries and the subtle differences between regional styles.
This tour is especially suited for travelers who want to explore the contrasts between Colorado’s emerging wine scene and established California wineries. The intimate tasting environment allows for detailed questions and discussions about winemaking techniques and regional influences. The limited availability of the wines adds an exclusive feel, and many guests appreciate the chance to buy a bottle directly from the winery.
Bottom Line: This experience offers a compact yet insightful comparison between two wine regions, making it perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to taste unique, small-batch wines with a story.
How to Choose Your Best Denver Wine Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want a quick, budget-friendly introduction to Colorado wines, the private vintner’s tasting delivers good value in a relaxed setting. For a richer, foodie-friendly experience, the pairing tour with cheese and chocolate packs flavor and fun into just an hour. Those curious about regional differences should opt for the California vs. Colorado tasting, especially if boutique wines intrigue you.
Think about the level of interaction you prefer—do you want a guided educational experience, or are you more interested in tasting wines and exploring flavors? Book early, especially for popular tours, and check if special dates or weekends require advance reservations.
Consider also the travel season: some wineries may have limited hours in winter, while summer might see larger crowds. Planning ahead ensures you get the most out of your wine adventure in Denver.
Final Thoughts
Denver’s wine scene, though less famous than its craft beer reputation, offers diverse experiences that cater to a range of tastes and interests. From the intimate, educational private tasting that highlights Colorado’s local wines to a pairing experience that blends flavors beautifully, there’s something for every palate. Meanwhile, a comparative tasting of California and Colorado wines reveals the nuanced differences between two wine worlds—right here in Denver.
For those seeking an authentic, personal experience, the private vintner’s tasting provides insight and value. Food lovers and social butterflies will appreciate the pairing tour’s convivial atmosphere. And wine aficionados eager to explore regional contrasts should choose the boutique California versus Colorado experience.
No matter your choice, these tours are a great way to deepen your appreciation of wine, enjoy Colorado’s local flavors, and learn how regional terroirs influence what’s in your glass. Book early, and prepare for a flavorful journey through Denver’s unexpected wine scene.