The Top 2 Wine Tours In Denver

Denver offers a surprisingly rich wine scene, with options that go beyond the typical wine country experience. While Colorado may be better known for its ski resorts and craft breweries, Denver’s wine scene is thriving. Several local wineries produce award-winning wines, and the city’s proximity to California wine regions makes it possible to explore diverse styles without leaving town. To help you navigate this flavorful landscape, I’ve curated a list of the best wine tours in Denver based on factors like reviews, value, and the uniqueness of the experiences offered. Whether you want a private tasting experience that dives into Colorado’s wine identity or a comparative tasting that highlights differences between California and Colorado wines, this guide is for you.

Each tour listed here offers a distinct perspective on wine, from engaging educational sessions to small-batch boutique tastings. I’ve included details about what each experience involves, the value for money, and who it’s best suited for—so you can pick the one that matches your interests and style. For example, the Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting Experience offers a deep dive into Colorado and California wines, while the California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting provides a curated comparison of two distinct wine worlds. For more insights, check out the detailed descriptions below and visit the tour links for booking.

Quick Overview

This list features two top-rated wine experiences in Denver. The Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting Experience highlights award-winning wines produced locally in Colorado and California, perfect for those interested in learning about regional wine differences. The California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting offers a family-owned, boutique-style tasting that compares wines from two different states, ideal for enthusiasts wanting a comparative perspective. Both tours are relatively short, around 1 to 1.5 hours, and are priced affordably at $30 to $40 per person.

1. Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado

The Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting Experience in Denver stands out for its focus on award-winning wines crafted in both Colorado and California. This tour typically lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and costs $40 per person, making it a great value for those eager to expand their wine knowledge without a lengthy commitment. The winery produces wines renowned in Colorado and California, offering an excellent opportunity to compare the nuances of two distinct wine regions.

What makes this experience truly unique is the opportunity to taste multiple different products and learn about the differences between local Colorado wines and their California counterparts. The guide is praised for being very knowledgeable and helpful, and guests often leave with new insights into regional wine production. One reviewer mentioned, “Very knowledgeable and helpful. We had a great time! And the wine was delicious. We will definitely be back.” The setting is intimate, and the focus on educating visitors makes this suitable for wine enthusiasts who want a deeper understanding of regional variations.

This tour is best suited for those interested in award-winning wines and keen to learn about the local wine industry as well as California’s larger wine culture. It’s a perfect choice for couples or small groups who appreciate a relaxed, educational atmosphere. The price point covers several tastings, giving good value for the experience.

Bottom Line: A highly rated, educational tasting experience that highlights Colorado’s emerging wine scene alongside California, with friendly hosts eager to explain their craft.

2. California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting

This family-owned winery run by brothers James and Mark Blanchard offers a California vs. Colorado comparative tasting that lasts about 1 hour at a cost of $30 per person. Based out of Healdsburg, California, the Blanchard Family Wines label produces small-batch, artisan wines that reflect a sense of place and boutique wine-making techniques. During this tasting, you’ll sample wines from both California and Colorado, with a focus on limited-production, exclusive releases.

What makes this experience stand out is the boutique nature of the wines—each bottle is crafted in small quantities, making their availability limited. Guests enjoy tasting hand-crafted wines that showcase the differences between the two regions, from the fruit-forward style of California wines to the more nuanced Colorado blends. Guests frequently comment on the delicious wines and the knowledgeable guide, with one reviewer noting, “Wine was delicious, guide was great and knowledgeable. We even purchased a bottle at the end of the tasting.”

The tour appeals to those interested in artisan wines and the story behind limited-production labels. The tasting’s comparative format offers an educational twist, helping visitors understand regional influences on wine style. It’s ideal for wine lovers wanting to identify subtle regional differences and enjoy boutique wines unavailable elsewhere.

Bottom Line: A small, boutique winery experience perfect for those interested in artisan, limited-release wines from California and Colorado, with the added fun of comparison.

How to Choose

When selecting between these Denver wine tours, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to dedicate. The Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting provides a more comprehensive dive into Colorado and California wines within 1 hour 30 minutes, making it suitable for those who want a deeper understanding of regional differences. Its $40 price reflects the more extensive tasting experience and the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals.

In contrast, the California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting is shorter and more casual, at just $30 for an hour, focusing on artisan, small-batch wines from boutique wineries. It’s great for visitors who want a quick, focused tasting with a bit of educational value. Both tours are excellent choices but serve different interests—one for those wanting depth, the other for quick comparison.

If you’re interested in booking, check the links to see availability and consider visiting during weekdays or less busy seasons to get more personalized attention. Early reservation helps ensure you secure your spot, especially for the more popular private experience.

Final Thoughts

Denver’s wine scene is surprisingly diverse, with options ranging from private tastings at award-winning wineries to intimate comparisons of regional styles. For a comprehensive experience, the Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting offers a detailed look at Colorado and California wines, perfect for those wanting to expand their wine knowledge. Meanwhile, the California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting provides a lively, boutique experience that highlights the differences between two iconic wine regions.

For travelers with a keen interest in wine, these tours deliver authentic experiences at accessible prices. If you’re visiting Denver and want to include a wine tasting, I recommend booking early, especially during peak seasons. Whether you choose the in-depth private tasting or the boutique comparison, you’ll leave with new favorites and a better understanding of what makes Colorado’s wine scene unique.

Enjoy your wine adventure in Denver—cheers to discovering new flavors and stories behind every glass!