The Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology (CAVE) is a member-based, trade non-profit that exists to encourage and support enology and viticulture in Colorado. CAVE promotes the interests of Colorado grape growers and wineries in legislative and political matters, provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, and disseminates current information pertaining to optimum winemaking and agriculture practices for vineyards in the area. CAVE seeks to establish contacts and relationships with other associations, both regional and statewide, to further the development and growth of the industry.
Memberships are $180 per year and are only offered to commercially licensed wineries and vineyards.
Memberships are $300 per year and are open to any other business or organization. This membership will include limited marketing and advertising within the industry as well as a listing on the CAVE website.
Online Presence | Advertising & PR
Additional Benefits:
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Stay up to date in the latest Colorado wine industry news and events!.
Memberships are $180 per year and are only offered to commercially licensed wineries and vineyards.
Online Presence | Advertising PR
Legislation – Dedicated Industry Lobbyist
CAVE employs a full-time lobbyist who is dedicated to monitoring important issues, informing members, facilitating discussion and acts as a liaison to the Colorado wine industry. CAVE also has an active legislative committee. This committee is devoted to navigating the direction of future legislation, giving the membership and the industry a cohesive voice.
VinCO Conference & Trade Show – Discounted Registration
Every January, CAVE coordinates the largest regional trade conference, VinCO in Grand Junction. VinCO is the region’s premier grape growing and winemaking conference, bringing together top experts in enology, viticulture and business to Grand Junction each year. 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 will receive discounted registration to this valuable conference.
Colorado Mountain Winefest – Discounted Registration
Held every September in the heart of Colorado wine country in Palisade, Mountain Winefest is the state’s largest wine festival and was named the Best Wine Festival in the Nation by USA TODAY in 2017! This event is the largest fundraiser for CAVE and is the reason the organization is able to bring our members other benefits such as VinCO and a dedicated
lobbyist as well as additional events throughout the year. As a member, you will receive discounted booth registration to attend this event.
Additional Benefits:
Winery & Vineyard Member Dues
Dues are $180 per year and are assessed on an anniversary basis and are valid for 12 months from the time you join. CAVE members enjoy a 30-day grace period on renewal dues, after which memberships will be canceled for non-payment.
Colorado Wine Branding & Marketing
Online Presence | Advertising & PR
Legislation – Dedicated Industry Lobbyist
CAVE employs a full-time lobbyist who is dedicated to monitoring important issues, informing members, facilitating discussion and acts as a liaison to the Colorado wine industry. CAVE also has an active legislative committee. This committee is devoted to navigating the direction of future legislation, giving the membership and the industry a cohesive voice.
VinCO Conference & Trade Show – Discounted Registration
Every January, CAVE coordinates the largest regional trade conference, VinCO in Grand Junction. VinCO is the region’s premier grape growing and winemaking conference, bringing together top experts in enology, viticulture, and business to Grand Junction each year. 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 will receive discounted trade show registration to this valuable conference.
Allied Trade Partner Benefits
Allied Trade Partner Dues
Dues are $300 per year and are assessed on an anniversary basis and are valid for 12 months from the time you join. CAVE members enjoy a 30-day grace period on renewal dues, after which memberships will be canceled for non-payment.
