Story and photography © Kathryn Retzler

Cañon City, Colorado

If you haven’t tried a Colorado wine recently, you’re in for a pleasurable surprise. Colorado’s award-winning wines now rival their competitive “C” state’s famous vintages (and many of us think they are even better). Made from native grapes grown in some of the highest vineyards (4,000-7,000 feet) in the world, Colorado wines are richly flavored and delightfully smooth with heady, pleasing  bouquets.

To help educate our palates, the Royal Gorge Route has launched the Colorado Wine Train Winemaker’s Dinners. Each special evening will offer a five-course gourmet dinner designed by our Executive Chef, Jeff McGlothin and paired with five outstanding Colorado wines. Award-winning wines for the 2007 wine trains will be provided by Plum Creek Winery, Grande River Vineyards, and Canyon Wind Cellars, all of Palisade, Colorado, and Boulder Creek Winery, Boulder, Colorado. Winemakers from each winery will be on-board to help answer questions and discuss the wines being served.

Guests who wish to purchase any of the vintages served on their trip will find them at Jewett’s, 121 N. 16th St., Cañon City. Featured wineries also invite you to visit their tasting rooms, where wine may also be purchased. For details on each
winery, please visit their websites. See web links below.

Royal Gorge Route Gourmet Lunch & Dinner Trains depart from the Santa Fe Depot, 401 Water St., Cañon City. 888-RAILS4U. www.royalgorgereservations.com. Gourmet dining aboard the train as it travels through the spectacular Royal Gorge. Reservations required.