If you have ever wanted to slow down and taste a different side of Colorado, Palisade is where to begin. Nestled in the Grand Valley, this small farming town trades lift tickets and alpine trails for lavender rows, peach orchards, and vineyards shimmering in the sun. The Fruit and Wine Byway links them all, giving you a chance to see wine country at the pace of a pedal stroke.
The Byway offers three loops, each with its own personality, so you can match the ride to your mood. The West Cruiser Loop glides for seven gentle miles past the densest cluster of tasting rooms. The East Cruiser Loop hugs the Colorado River for five easy miles with broad, calming views. If you crave a challenge, the East Orchard Mesa Loop climbs steadily to the high mesa, rewarding you with sweeping vistas you will remember long after the ride ends.
Riding the West Loop is ideal if you want a social, sip as you go day. Grande River Vineyards pours an aromatic Viognier, Maison La Belle Vie tempts you with Vin de Peche passed down through generations, and St. Kathryn’s Cellars experiments with peach and lavender wines that echo the orchards around you. Pause at any of these stops, lean your bike, and let the atmosphere remind you why you chose the slower road.
If structured reds are your style, steer toward the East Loop. Colterris Winery greets you with Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux blends, and Bookcliff Vineyards balances the ride with a bold Malbec. As you follow the river, the pace invites conversation or quiet reflection, and you will notice how the sunlight plays across the cliffs while you decide which bottle deserves a spot in your pannier.
The Orchard Mesa climb is where determination meets reward. You will feel the grade as you rise, yet the view at the top stops you in your tracks, with Grand Mesa to the east and the Book Cliffs framing the valley below. Restoration Vineyards offers a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and Carlson Vineyards answers with a refreshing rosé. Savor a pour and let the breeze cool you before the effortless glide back down.
Wine is only half the experience. Lavender farms such as Sage Creations invite you to stroll fragrant rows, while Talbott’s Cider Company serves small-batch cider alongside orchard-fresh juice. Roadside stands overflow with peaches, tomatoes, and local honey. Keep a small bag handy for impromptu snacks or gifts to bring home, because the ride feels richer when you connect with the farmers whose work shapes this valley.
Your ride is also an excuse to explore Palisade’s dining. Pêche Restaurant crafts seasonal dishes worth reserving ahead, while Fidel’s Cocina & Bar delivers vibrant Mexican flavors after a day in the saddle. For an easy picnic, stop at a bakery, add local cheese, and find a shady spot by the river. You will quickly discover that the town’s food culture mirrors its wine, unpretentious, fresh, and rooted in the valley.
Staying overnight lets you stretch the experience. Wine Country Inn places you among the vines with tasting rooms a stroll away. Wine Valley Inn’s historic charm suits travelers who like a homier touch. If you want a retro, cool base, Spoke and Vine Motel rents bikes right on site. Campers can settle into Palisade Basecamp, where tents, RVs, and glamping cabins sit among orchards within easy reach of the trail.
A few basics help the ride go smoothly. The valley’s dry air means hydration and sunscreen are essential even on overcast days. If you plan to taste widely, consider an e-bike or arrange a shuttle so you can relax between stops. Roads are calm but open to traffic, so a helmet, bright clothing, and single-file riding keep you safe. Treat it like any scenic country road, be alert but unhurried.
Late summer and early fall paint the valley at its best. August peaches perfume the air, September brings harvest festivals and the celebrated Colorado Mountain Winefest, and the light softens across the mesas. Pedaling here during these months feels like entering a postcard, with golden fields, cool riverside breezes, and glasses raised in easy company. Let the miles unfold and the flavors linger, because Palisade’s Byway invites you to make the journey your own.
Based on reporting by Tiffany Nieslanik for National Geographic, September 3, 2025.