Colorado vineyards range from roughly 4,500 to more than 7,000 feet above sea level. Very low humidity, strongly alkaline soils, day-to-night swings of 25 to 30°F, and a frost-free season of about 150 to 182 days shape the growing conditions. The state has two federally designated AVAs: Grand Valley and West Elks. West Elks is cooler and has a shorter season, favouring Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Colorado's first grape industry began in Grand Valley during the 1880s and 1890s, before Prohibition interrupted early winemaking. An AVA is a defined American grape-growing area.
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Elsewhere in Mountain & Southwest
- ArizonaNo producers listed yetArizona's three AVAs are Willcox, Verde Valley and Sonoita. Willcox leads the state in grape production, and growers work with almost 80 varieties.
- HawaiiNo producers listed yetHawaii includes the listed appellation of Ulupalakua. On Maui, MauiWine makes sparkling grape wine from vines grown on the island's largest volcano.
- IdahoNo producers listed yetIdaho includes Snake River Valley, Lewis-Clark Valley and Eagle Foothills. Microclimates in the two valleys can ripen late-maturing red grapes, while Viognier can be lush and soft.
- New MexicoNo producers listed yetNew Mexico's AVAs are Middle Rio Grande Valley, Mimbres Valley and Mesilla Valley. High-altitude vineyards and a mix of European varieties, hybrids and newer influences mean there is no single regional style.