Monte Madeira Winery is situated in the middle of the North Fork valley, just 3 miles west of the picturesque town of Hotchkiss, Colorado, and 17 miles east of Delta, on Colorado Hwy 92. At an elevation of 6500 feet on Rogers Mesa (mesa- flat hilltop) on the south side of the magnificent Grand Mesa, there is nearly an aerial view overlooking the North Fork of the Gunnison River. To the east, the West Elk Mountains rise up dramatically and tower over the landscape and further to the south the Gunnison river cuts through the rising plateau to form the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The valley is completely Colorado in scope with the microclimate that has made the area known for its cherries, peaches, apples, and now its grapes and wine. Monte Madeira is a proud member of the West Elks Appellation, home to some of the most outstanding wineries and vineyards in Colorado.

The climate of this incredible valley is ideal to develop the full body character in grapes. Although it has a shorter growing season, the intense high altitude mid-day sun is balanced by cool night breezes as the air off Grand Mesa settles to the valley floor creating temperature changes of 30 degrees or more, which gives the desired complex character in the grapes. Monte Madeira operated originally as an organic apple orchard and still produces some of the premium organic apples in the region, featuring, Gala, Fuji, Jonathan, and Empire varietals.

This scenic Winery and vineyard is also in close proximity to the Scenic Byway Hwy 65, the route from I-70 to Hwy 92 across the Grand Mesa Recreational area (Grand Junction/ Palisade to Cedaredge). Monte Madeira Winery and facilities are a refreshing break whether you are traveling to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, to Colorado's largest body of water, the Blue Mesa Reservoir, or are in route over McClure pass going to the Aspen valley and Glenwood Springs or from there and traveling to Montrose, Ouray or points further south.

Monte Madeira Winery's first vineyard planting is pictured: the acreage consists of Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigo and Riesling. The next 3 years will see additional plantings of up to 20 more acres. The 2005 planting will focus on Merlot, one of our local favorites, with more Riesling and Pinot Grigo.

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