Southwest: Grand Valley vs. Snake River Valley

Grand Valley, CO
With its miles of cattle ranches and fruit orchards, the Grand Valley once had a reputation among Coloradoans for being a bit boring. But that rep is on the outs these days as day-trippers from Denver and Boulder drift west along Interstate 70 to discover a drop-dead gorgeous valley that’s a mini Napa-meets-Boulder-meets-Moab. There are more than a dozen wineries to explore, but we love Carlson Vineyards, where the tasting room is a shaded shed overlooking the vineyards; try the tropical-tinged Laughing Cat Gewürztraminer. We also like Canyon Wind Cellars for its crisp, dry rosé, best enjoyed on the tree-shaded lawn with Grand Mesa as a backdrop.