Nestled in the verdant Arkansas River Valley, The Royal Gorge Region has long been known for its vineyards and farms. An area that was once packed with vineyards and grapes had to change with the times when the sale of alcohol became illegal in 1920. Almost overnight, vineyards were converted into apple orchards and other bountiful produce that much of the land consists of today.
Fast forward to the present day, Fremont County has found itself in the middle of an agriculture renaissance with the re-emergence of its vineyards. With more than 100 vine growers now in the area, part of this transformation was sparked by a new county-wide zoning change in late 2019. This law allows residents to grow small-scale vineyards, orchards, and gardens in their backyards. Plus, residents are now allowed to start a limited winery or cidery on small farms.
With ongoing efforts to revitalize the area’s agriculture and winemaking heritage, Fremont County is maturing into a destination for wineries and cideries. The county hub is Cañon City. Discover Colorado’s next wine region with a visit to these wineries and cideries in the Royal Gorge Region.
The Winery at the Holy Cross Abbey
Of course, no list of the wineries in the Royal Gorge Region is complete without a mention of the Winery at the Holy Cross Abbey. What was once a functioning Catholic monastery that closed in 2006, the winery now remains a lucrative business that is one of the largest wineries in the state. Producing nearly 20 different wines and 10,000 cases a year, plus over 100 awards and recognitions, the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey is an exceptional example of Colorado’s wine industry.
With most of their grapes from Colorado, head winemaker, Jeff Stultz, prides himself on guiding the winery and others in the area by producing his own style of award-winning wines. Dedicated to their community, the winery collaborates with other local farms in the area and the local prisons to produce unique vinos like the Wild Canon Harvest – a delightful blend of grapes from Cañon City’s backyard growers.
Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting inside their tasting room or outside on their beautiful garden and patio. With a perfectly curated sampling of reds, whites, and sweet wines, there is something for everyone. The tasting room is open daily.
Treat yourself this summer with their VIP wine and cheese tasting in the park or on the terrace. The admission person and includes your own private host, a sampling of all their wines, and a charcuterie board with artisan cheeses, breads, fruit, and chocolates. Reservations are strongly recommended.
3011 East Highway 50 Cañon City | 719-276-5191 | abbeywinery.com
Apple Valley Cider Company
With the plentiful orchards, Penrose is a natural fit for cideries, like Apple Valley Cider Company. The owner, Kevin Williams opened its doors three years ago after making the conversion from beer brewer and winemaker for the past 20 years.
The award-winning cidery runs with Williams as the head brewer, producing four ciders year-round – a semi-sweet apple, cherry, peach, and black currant, plus a few additional seasonal ciders. His latest concoction is a port, Pommeau, made with an oak brandy flavor and sweetened with apple juice – all at 14% alcohol. Williams’ ciders are made with 100% apple juice with no added sugars or artificial preservatives.
While they don’t serve food at the cidery, you can order pizza from next door at Penrose Pizzeria & Pub and enjoy on their newly expanded outdoor patio. Tastings are from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
103 Broadway #13, Penrose | 719-315-1155 | applevalleycider.com
Let’s raise a glass to these wineries and cideries in the Royal Gorge Region and enjoy a truly unique experience and taste of Colorado! While in town, consider these other things to do in Cañon City.
We also made a list of some of the best places to stay in the Royal Gorge, including the top hotels and glamping near Cañon City.
The Best 9 Urban Wineries in Denver