Best Colorado wines under $20

Great homegrown Colorado wines to fit any palate and any budget

By Kristin Owens

Do you need a few bottles of good but inexpensive wine for the Thanksgiving table? Don’t fret! Colorado offers not only a delicious wine selection, but many fall into a comfortable price-point. If you are unsure about pairing, I’ve offered a few ideas that will please you and your guests. Below, find your favorite varietal or blend. Not sure which to try? I’ve sampled them all and you can’t lose. Especially at these prices. 

Albarino

Snowy Peaks Winery – Estes Park

This Italian boutique grape provides big aromas and a nutty taste with a grapefruit edge. Crisp, zippy and definitely unique. $19

Chambourcin

Leroux Creek Vineyards – Hotchkiss

 A sophisticated French red offers layered berry flavors aged in American Oak. Pair with French cheeses and baguettes. $20

Chardonnay

Sweet Heart Winery – Loveland

With a pretty golden color, this citrusy white is unoaked with a touch of sweetness. A must to have on-hand for unexpected guests. $18 

Marquette

Ten Bears Winery – Laporte

Big bold flavors, with musky, smokey flavor and a hint of oak. Oxygenate this earthy red for 15 minutes for optimum drinkability. $18.99

Merlot Salute to Warriors

Two Rivers Winery – Grand Junction

A full-flavored red with a surprisingly long rich finish. This pairs nicely with pasta but save it for steak! $15.50

Mourvèdre

Snowy Peaks Winery – Estes Park

The Rhone grape provides strawberry and raspberry flavors with a hint of peppercorn. This delightful light red is a terrific hostess gift. $18

Pinot Gris

Mesa Winds Winery – Hotchkiss

Refreshing when chilled, this light wine is imbued with tropical notes. An unexpected white with attitude. $20

Port

Two Rivers Winery – Grand Junction

Don’t care for port? Try this one. Cocoa and berries combine for a velvety smooth taste. A show-stopper for post-dinner entertaining. $15.50

Red blend Breaker Row Red

Black Bridge Winery – Paonia

This crowd-favorite has a big nose with even bigger clove and honey notes. Pair with barbecued ribs on the grill. $18

Red blend Farmers Ditch

Black Bridge Winery – Paonia

Flavorful with bold dark fruits, an all-around sassy red. Consider storing for a year or two and watch it mellow. $18

Red blend NSFW

Carlson Vineyards – Palisade

A winner at this price, this uncomplicated blend of Noiret, Chambourcin, and Merlot has good tannins and black juicy fruits. $12

Riesling

Two Rivers Winery – Grand Junction

A fresh, clean and crisp halb-trocken, with low acidity and a balanced sweetness. Works well with Asian or Thai food. $14.50

Riesling Alpenglo

Colorado Cellars – Palisade

The most-true-to-form sweet German Riesling, right here in Colorado! Full-bodied with honey touches works as either a delightful aperitif or digestif. $15

Rosé

Mesa Winds Winery – Hotchkiss

Shades of strawberry make this light, bright, wine refreshingly fragrant and easily drinkable. Stock up because it usually in limited supply sells out quickly. $20

Rosé

Bookcliff Vineyards – Palisade

This dry rosé is a pink-hued beauty with a hint of sweetness. Dried fruits and low acidity make it a terrific choice for a spicy-food palate cleanser. $15.99

Sauvignon Blanc

Silver Vines – Arvada

A happy golden color, lemony with bright notes and a snappy finish will pair beautifully with a charcuterie board. $19.99

Syrah

Chill Switch Wines – Cedaredge

Open well before drinking. This big Syrah has high acidity, is sweet and spicey, and ends with a dry peppery finish. $20

Viognier

Sweet Heart Winery – Loveland

A soft wine with big floral aromas, this white sings with well-balanced fruits and minerality. $18

White blend Friday’s Folly

Bookcliff Vineyards – Palisade

Can’t decide on a white? Try this blend of Muscat Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Riesling. A pale straw color, light and easy drinking. Perfect for summer.  $13.99

Zinfandel

Blue Mountain Vineyards – Berthoud

Stock up with this go-to red. A relaxed, mellow blend with red fruit finish will please everyone. $19.99