Colorado Cru is a winemaker-led collection of 100% Colorado-grown blends, intentionally crafted and evaluated for quality, showcasing the depth and credibility of Colorado wine today.
Colorado Cru invites individual Colorado wineries to craft a unique wine blend that highlights the distinctive character of Colorado’s viticultural landscape and signature winemaking style. This initiative was developed to strengthen the quality and identity of Colorado wine by carefully selecting grape varieties through extensive industry outreach, historical grower data, and research conducted in partnership with Colorado State University (CSU).
The selected varieties—Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chambourcin, Riesling, Traminette, and Chardonnay—were identified through conversations with Colorado grape growers and analysis of vineyard acreage and production data. These grapes best represent Colorado’s ability to produce expressive, high-quality wines that showcase the state’s unique terroir.
Colorado Cru aims to elevate the recognition of Colorado wine, strengthen the region’s wine identity, and foster pride in Colorado’s rich viticultural heritage through the creation of the state’s signature red and white blends.
To ensure an impartial selection process, each wine is assigned a unique identification number and evaluated through a fully blind process.
Each submission undergoes:
The panel determines whether each submission meets the quality standards and stylistic vision established for the Colorado Cru program.
Wineries with accepted Colorado Cru blends will be invoiced according to the following schedule:
| Winery Status | Participation Fee |
|---|---|
| CAVE Members | $2.00 per case, with a maximum annual fee of $500 |
| Non-CAVE Members | $4.00 per case, with no maximum cap |
Colorado Cru submissions are accepted during designated submission periods throughout the year.
Please check back for upcoming submission deadlines, program updates, and participation details. We look forward to showcasing the next generation of Colorado’s signature wines.
The Colorado Cru project, created by the Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE), invites Colorado winemakers to participate in a first-of-its-kind initiative to define our state’s signature red and white blends—made entirely from Colorado-grown grapes. For this initial submission round, we are seeking finished wines that already meet the Colorado Cru blending guidelines. While future vintages may inspire winemakers to craft blends specifically for the program, this first phase is focused on identifying existing wines that naturally reflect the intended style.
This initiative is designed to increase wine quality, drive tourism, build consumer awareness, and expand market share for Colorado wineries.
All wines submitted—whether accepted or not—will receive a comprehensive chemical panel from ETS Laboratories along with education and support to help interpret the results. This makes participation a valuable technical opportunity for any winemaker looking to elevate their craft through data-driven insights.
Wineries whose blends are selected for inclusion in the Colorado Cru program will receive usage rights to the official Colorado Cru logo, award stickers, digital assets, and professionally designed marketing materials including shelf talkers and point-of-sale templates. Selected wines will also be featured in statewide and national campaigns tied to Colorado agriculture, heritage, and tourism—including participation in America 250 – Colorado 150 commemorative events. The official launch of the Colorado Cru blends will take place in March 2026, with broad exposure through CAVE promotions, media outreach, retail and restaurant partnerships, and national visibility tied to the U.S. Semiquincentennial.
Colorado Cru Blend Specifications
Red Blend: At least 55% of the blend must be composed of one or more of the following grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Syrah, or Chambourcin. Any single variety must be less than 75% of the total blend (wines cannot be labeled as a single varietal). The remaining percentage may include any other grape variety, provided all grapes are grown in Colorado.
White Blend: At least 55% of the blend must be composed of one or more of the following grape varieties: Riesling, Traminette, or Chardonnay. Any single variety must be less than 75% of the total blend (wines cannot be labeled as a single varietal). The remaining percentage may include any other grape variety, provided all grapes are grown in Colorado.
To participate, wineries must submit three (3) 750ml bottles per entry, along with a $10 submission fee per wine. There are two submission deadlines to accommodate different production schedules:
Round 1 Submission Deadline: October 10, 2025
Round 2 Submission Deadline: January 28, 2026
Wines may be delivered in person at the VinCO Conference (for the January deadline) or shipped/dropped off at the CAVE office:
CAVE – 124 W. 3rd St, Palisade, CO 81526 | ATTN: Colorado Cru
All wines will be evaluated blind by a seven-member panel of wine writers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and retailers. Wines will be assessed for overall quality and how well they reflect the intended style of the Colorado Cru blends. Participants will be notified of their status within one week of the evaluation. Chemistry panel results will be provided alongside acceptance notifications.
Accepted wineries will pay a per-case promotional fee: $2.00 per case for CAVE members (capped at $500) and $4.00 per case for non-members (no cap). In submitting a wine, participants agree to the terms of the program and allow their winery name and image to be used in future Colorado Cru promotional efforts.
Think you already have a qualifying blend?
Fill out the submission form to get started!
