WHAT WE DO

Encourage, Support

The Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE) is Colorado’s only non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the state’s grape growers and winemakers. As a member-based organization, CAVE exists to advance Colorado’s wine and grape industry through advocacy, education, and community. We represent the interests of our members in legislative and political matters, provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, and share best practices in viticulture and enology. By building connections with regional and statewide partners, we work to strengthen and grow Colorado’s vibrant wine industry.

CAVE MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

Winery/Vinyard

For commercially licensed wineries and vineyards.

Join the only nonprofit dedicated entirely to Colorado’s wineries and vineyards. CAVE’s Winery & Vineyard Membership provides producers and growers with the tools, exposure, and community support they need to thrive. Membership is tiered based on production size—small, medium, or large—so that every operation, from boutique vineyards to large wineries, receives appropriate benefits. All members get a dedicated profile on WineColorado.org, access to post events and classifieds, and discounts on VinCO, Winefest, and other educational programming. Additional perks include discounts on industry supplies and advertising, plus free quarterly retraining sessions to keep your team sharp. This membership ensures you’re plugged into a strong, supportive network while amplifying your presence in Colorado’s growing wine market.

Price

Small – $150/year
(Wineries: <5,000 gallons | Vineyards: 1–19 acres)

Medium – $400/year
(Wineries: 5,000–19,000 gallons | Vineyards: 20–59 acres)

Large – $600/year
(Wineries: 19,001+ gallons | Vineyards: 60+ acres)

Allied Trade Partner

For businesses supporting Colorado’s wine industry.

CAVE’s Allied Trade Partner Membership is the perfect way for businesses to connect with over 100 wineries and grape growers across Colorado. Whether you provide products, services, or expertise that supports the wine industry, this membership opens doors to visibility, marketing, and direct engagement. All tiers include a dedicated business profile on WineColorado.org and the ability to post events and classifieds. Choose the level that aligns with your marketing goals—from foundational exposure to premium recognition—and let your business grow alongside Colorado’s thriving wine scene.

Price

Tier 1 – $300/year
Designed for businesses seeking entry-level engagement.

Tier 2 – $600/year
For those seeking a greater marketing presence.

Tier 3 – $1,200/year
Tier 3 offers maximum exposure for businesses looking to establish themselves as leaders in the industry.

Amateur Winemaker

For home winemakers and wine hobbyists
Whether you’re just starting out or refining your own vintages, the Amateur Winemaker Membership supports your wine-making journey with education, community, and opportunity. Members receive a profile on WineColorado.org, access to post events and classifieds, and discounted entry to industry events, including VinCO. Enjoy discounted registration to the popular Amateur Winemakers Workshop and exclusive rates to enter your wines into competition! It’s a chance to hone your craft while gaining insights and feedback from professionals in the Colorado wine community.
Price

$95/yr

Colorado Wine Ambassador

For wine lovers and local supporters

Support Colorado’s wine industry and enjoy exclusive perks:

  • Early access to 2025 Winefest tickets
  • $5 discount to CAVE Wine Events
  • Monthly insider emails with news, offers & events
  • Help grow and celebrate local wine culture
Price

$25/yr

Student Membership

For students in wine-related programs

If you’re pursuing a degree or certification in enology, viticulture, or a related discipline, the CAVE Student Membership offers invaluable access to real-world experience and mentorship. Members receive free registration to VinCO and other educational workshops, plus access to a dedicated job board tailored to the wine industry. Students are also eligible for scholarship and mentorship opportunities through CAVE, providing a strong foundation for professional growth and connection with over 100 industry members throughout Colorado.
Price

$10

CAVE'S VISION

Founded in 1987, CAVE was originally known as the Rocky Mountain Association of Vintners and Viticulturists. The organization was created to give a voice to the growing winemaking industry in Colorado. In 2010, the name of the organization was changed to its current name, which allowed for the organization to be more inclusive of all wineries across the state, rather than a certain region. The Colorado Mountain Winefest began in September of 1992 as the main fundraiser for the organization. VinCO was founded in 2011 as a trade event to bring winemakers and grape growers across the state together in an educational atmosphere.

CAVE produces two major Colorado wine events

Winefest

Colorado Mountain Winefest

Colorado Mountain Winefest is the state’s premiere wine festival in Septermber, receiving national acclaim from USA Today and the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference! Welcoming thousands of wine enthusiasts from around the world each year, Winefest is an event not to be missed! Featuring unlimited sips of Colorado wine, live music, educational seminars and chef demos, a grape stomp, ice carving, and shopping from hand-crafted, artisan vendors. Taking place the third weekend of September in Palisade, CO, Winefest is CAVE’s largest fundraiser, bringing together thousands of wine enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the latest vintages.

Conference & Trade Show

Every January, CAVE coordinates the VinCO Conference & Trade Show. VinCO is the region’s premier grape growing and winemaking conference, bringing together top experts in enology, viticulture, and business to Grand Junction as well as networking, educational wine tastings, and an interactive trade show. CAVE’s purpose in hosting VinCO is to create a venue to discuss a variety of topics pertinent to our emerging wine region. As a CAVE member, you receive discounted conference registration and/or exhibitor booth registration for this event!

VinCO

The Next Generation

Each year, our Amateur Winemaker Competition reaches dozens of aspiring winemakers across Colorado and beyond. The competition is judged by a panel of wine experts, educators, and winemakers who share their knowledge, expertise, and notes with entrants. Many amateur competition entrants have gone on to open successful commercially licensed wineries right here in Colorado.

Education, Outreach and Advocacy

CAVE works hand in hand with a dedicated lobbyist who monitors on behalf of the Colorado wine industry, running legislation when it makes sense for our industry as a whole. Our dedicated and committed Legislative Committee meets regularly to keep a finger on the pulse of the ever-changing world of licensing, permitting, and regulation for our members. CAVE also works closely with our state viticulture extension specialist as well as our viticulture & enology department at CMU Tech, both offering additional education opportunities and training throughout the year.

Why join CAVE?

Members of CAVE get access to a variety of benefits including:

  • Exclusive access to industry promotions and marketing efforts such as:
    -Print and digital advertisements promoting events and tourism in regional and national markets
    Monthly newsletters filled with important CAVE member and wine industry information
    Invitation to Colorado Mountain Winefest & VinCO
  • Representation on state and federal levels regarding issues impacting our industry
  • WineAmerica Membership
  • Access to discounts to attend educational opportunities and workshops
  • Opportunities to network with others in the industry at statewide events
  • Exclusive listings for buying and selling industry tools, equipment, grapes, and land
  • Ability to post upcoming events on our Event Calendar
  • Opportunity to vote for Board of Directors, run for the board, and participate on CAVE subcommittees as well as offer input and have a voice on CAVE programs and policy
  • Discounts on CAVE/Colorado Mountain Winefest merchandise (totes, wine glasses, posters, etc…).

Winery & Vineyard Membership Benefits & Dues

For commercial producers and growers

Join the only nonprofit dedicated entirely to Colorado’s wineries and vineyards. CAVE’s Winery & Vineyard Membership provides producers and growers with the tools, exposure, and community support they need to thrive. Membership is tiered based on production size—small, medium, or large—so that every operation, from boutique vineyards to large wineries, receives appropriate benefits. All members get a dedicated profile on WineColorado.org, access to post events and classifieds, and discounts on VinCO, Winefest, and other educational programming. Additional perks include discounts on industry supplies and advertising, plus free quarterly retraining sessions to keep your team sharp. This membership ensures you’re plugged into a strong, supportive network while amplifying your presence in Colorado’s growing wine market.

Choose a tier based on your production size:

Small – $150/year

For wineries producing less than 5,000 gallons or vineyards with 1–19 acres.
If your business operates as both a winery and a vineyard, your tier is determined by whichever is greater (gallons produced or vineyard acreage).

Medium – $400/year

For wineries producing 5,000–19,000 gallons or vineyards with 20–59 acres.
If your business operates as both a winery and a vineyard, your tier is determined by whichever is greater.

Large – $600/year

For wineries producing 19,001+ gallons or vineyards with 60+ acres.
If your business operates as both a winery and a vineyard, your tier is determined by whichever is greater.

All tiers include:

Allied Trade Partner Benefits & Dues

For businesses supporting Colorado's wine industry

CAVE’s Allied Trade Partner Membership is the perfect way for businesses to connect with over 100 wineries and grape growers across Colorado. Whether you provide products, services, or expertise that supports the wine industry, this membership opens doors to visibility, marketing, and direct engagement. All tiers include a dedicated business profile on WineColorado.org and the ability to post events and classifieds. Choose the level that aligns with your marketing goals—from foundational exposure to premium recognition—and let your business grow alongside Colorado’s thriving wine scene.

Tier 1 – $300/year
Designed for businesses seeking entry-level engagement, Tier 1 offers a cost-effective way to gain visibility within the industry. With a directory listing, event and classifieds access, and discounted admission to workshops and events, this tier is a great place to start. You’ll also receive one dedicated email feature to CAVE members and the opportunity to host an educational workshop annually.

Tier 2 – $600/year
For those seeking a greater marketing presence, Tier 2 builds on the benefits of Tier 1 with two dedicated email newsletters and banner ad placements on WineColorado.org—amplifying your brand’s reach and visibility to key stakeholders in Colorado’s wine industry.

Tier 3 – $1,200/year
Tier 3 offers maximum exposure for businesses looking to establish themselves as leaders in the industry. In addition to all benefits from Tiers 1 and 2, you’ll receive a complimentary booth at VinCO (a $400 value) and be recognized as a Preferred Partner—positioning your business as a trusted, top-tier supporter of Colorado wine.

Connect with over 100 Colorado wineries and grape growers while promoting your brand on WineColorado.org. Choose from three levels of visibility and benefits:

Tier 1 – $300/yearEntry-level engagement with strong exposure.

Tier 2 – $600/yearIncreased marketing and visibility.

Tier 3 – $1,200/yearPremium exposure and recognition.

Amateur Winemaker Membership Benefits & Dues

For home winemakers and wine hobbyists
Membership Fee: $95/year
Whether you’re just starting out or refining your own vintages, the Amateur Winemaker Membership supports your wine-making journey with education, community, and opportunity. Members receive a profile on WineColorado.org, access to post events and classifieds, and discounted entry to industry events, including VinCO. Enjoy discounted registration to the popular Amateur Winemakers Workshop and exclusive rates to enter your wines into competition! It’s a chance to hone your craft while gaining insights and feedback from professionals in the Colorado wine community.
Take your passion to the next level with industry insights and connections:

Colorado Wine Ambassador Membership Benefits & Dues

For wine lovers and local supporters
Membership Fee: $25/year

Support Colorado’s wine industry and enjoy exclusive perks:

Student Membership Benefits and Dues

For students in wine-related programs

Membership Fee: $10/year

If you’re pursuing a degree or certification in enology, viticulture, or a related discipline, the CAVE Student Membership offers invaluable access to real-world experience and mentorship. Members receive free registration to VinCO and other educational workshops, plus access to a dedicated job board tailored to the wine industry. Students are also eligible for scholarship and mentorship opportunities through CAVE, providing a strong foundation for professional growth and connection with over 100 industry members throughout Colorado.

Gain hands-on experience and industry connections while pursuing your studies: