The Governor's Cup Reveals Standout Bottles.
Warm days, cool nights, abundant sunshine, and high altitude give Colorado wines a distinct — and delicious — terroir. Each year, the Centennial State’s best reds, whites, and rosés are crowned at the Governor’s Cup, a wine contest judged by a panel of sommeliers, chefs, writers, and wine experts from across the country. These are a few standout bottles from 2024.
2021 Chambourcin, Carboy Winery
Pair this sultry red wine from Carboy Winery in Palisade with your favorite nut butter for nostalgic, peanut butter and jelly sandwich vibes. carboywinery.com
2023 Moscato, Whitewater Hill Vineyards
This fragrant, sweet white wine from Whitewater Hill Vineyards in Grand Junction has notes of melon, honeysuckle, and pear. Try it with fresh fruit for a perfectly balanced treat. whitewaterhill.com
2023 Gewürztraminer, Restoration Vineyards
The name may be hard to say, but this slightly spicy German-style white wine from Restoration Vineyards in Palisade is easy to drink. Each sip delivers subtle flavors and aromas, ranging from lychee to ginger to fresh rose petals. restorationvineyards.com
2023 Teroldego, Sauvage Spectrum
This innovative wine from Sauvage Spectrum in Palisade is made with teroldego, a hardy grape that hails from northern Italy. It offers hints of vanilla, prickly pear, and raspberry, as well as subtle flavors of dried mission figs. sauvagespectrum.com
2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir, The Storm Cellar
Tart, bright, and dry, this pinot noir rosé from The Storm Cellar in Hotchkiss offers hints of red fruit and citrus — perfect for sipping on a warm, sunny afternoon. stormcellarwine.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: courtesy vineyards
From our July 2025 issue
