Denver may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of wine, but it’s actually a surprisingly good destination for wine lovers. Thanks to its mix of urban wineries, innovative tasting rooms, and a lively food scene, Denver offers a variety of wine tours that fit many interests and budgets. Whether you want a casual afternoon, a guided tasting with food pairings, or a private experience, Denver has something to suit your style. We particularly enjoy the Denver Wine Walking Tour for its combination of urban exploration and food tastings, especially since it takes you through iconic neighborhoods like LoDo and Dairy Block, with visits to top wine bars and local restaurants. It’s a fantastic way to experience Denver’s vibrant city life while enjoying quality wines.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, the Guided Downtown Denver Walking Wine Tour offers a longer, more comprehensive look at the city’s wine scene, including tutored tastings and a nice lunch. For a private, tailored experience, the Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting in Colorado provides personalized insights into Colorado wines, making it ideal for those who want a deeper understanding of local and regional wines. No matter your budget or schedule, Denver’s wine tours deliver a mix of education, flavor, and local charm.
1. Denver Wine Walking Tour
This lively 2.5-hour walk takes you through downtown Denver’s top wine bars and restaurants, pairing wines from local urban wineries with delicious bites. Starting at a cozy European bistro on the 16th Street Mall, you’ll enjoy French Asian fusion dishes paired with wines from some of Denver’s best urban wineries. Your journey then passes through the historic Union Station, where you’ll visit a James Beard award-winning wine bar right on the train platform, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for tasting and mingling. The tour continues into Denver’s oldest neighborhood, LoDo, with a stop at Dairy Block, a colorful, bustling hub of food and drink, culminating at Blanchard Family Wines with a flight paired with locally-made chocolates. The guide, Rob, gets rave reviews for his engaging personality and local knowledge, making this tour a fun and flavorful way to explore Denver’s food scene.
This tour is ideal if you want an easy-to-join experience that combines walking with wine and food, all set in the heart of Denver. It’s particularly good for those who want to sample several venues without committing to a full day. The small-group setting (rated 5 stars) ensures a personal touch, plus the price of $58 makes it affordable for most travelers. Bottom line: A fantastic way to enjoy Denver’s urban wine scene while exploring its downtown neighborhoods.
2. Guided Downtown Denver Walking Wine Tour
At number two, this 4-hour guided tour offers a more extensive look at Denver’s wine options, with a focus on tutored tastings and a relaxed lunch. It begins in the LoDo district at a family-owned winery, where you get to taste wines from California and Colorado, paired with gourmet chocolates. From there, the guide leads you to two more wineries, including Attimo Wine, which features wines born in Italy but raised in Colorado—an example of the unique fusion of regional and international winemaking. The tour concludes at Deep Roots Winery & Bistro, giving you a chance to continue tasting wines or enjoy a meal if you wish.
The tour’s strength lies in its educational approach—you’ll learn about different wine regions and winemaking techniques, making it perfect for those eager to deepen their wine knowledge. The included lunch adds extra value, and the small group size (rated 5 stars) offers a more personalized experience. The price of $205 per person reflects the length and quality of this guided experience, suited for wine enthusiasts who want a comprehensive, in-depth exploration of Denver’s wine culture.
Bottom line: For a longer, more educational day that combines tasting, learning, and eating, this tour is hard to beat, especially if you enjoy guided experiences with a focus on quality.
3. Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado
This 1.5-hour private tasting offers an intimate look into Colorado’s wine scene. Hosted by a local winery producing award-winning wines from Colorado and California, it allows you to taste a variety of products and learn about the differences between local and larger wine regions. The private format means personalized attention and in-depth stories about the winemaking process, making it a good choice for those wanting a more relaxed, one-on-one experience. The guide shares insights about regional wine styles, giving you a taste of Colorado’s unique offerings.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable host and the quality of the wines, calling it a “great time” and highlighting the helpfulness of the host, Joe. At just $40 per person, it’s a budget-friendly option that delivers a deeper understanding of Colorado wines without a lengthy commitment. Plus, the focus on local wines makes it especially appealing if you want to support Colorado’s wine industry.
Bottom line: This private tasting provides excellent value, especially if you prefer a personalized experience and want to learn about Colorado’s wine offerings in a relaxed setting.
$40.00 per person
4. Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert
For lovers of flavor combinations, this 1-hour tasting combines four varietals from a family-owned vineyard with an assortment of cheeses, charcuterie, and desserts. Held in Denver, this experience emphasizes the high-elevation wines that bring powerful flavors, paired with carefully selected accompaniments that enhance each sip. The setting is intimate and relaxed, making it perfect for date night or small groups. The wines are explained in detail, including the nuances of their terroir, which adds educational value.
Reviewers mention the friendly staff and the quality of both the wines and the food, with many appreciating the personalized attention. The $74 price includes tastings, a charcuterie plate, and desserts, offering a comprehensive tasting experience that balances flavor and education.
Bottom line: If you enjoy pairing wine with food and want a cozy, informative experience, this tasting offers a lot of value in a short time, ideal for a special evening out.
5. Vintner’s Personalized Wine Tasting Experience
This 1.5-hour personalized experience allows you to explore Colorado and California wines with a knowledgeable host. It’s similar to the private tasting but offers a keen focus on tailored insights into the differences between regional wines. The host, Yana, provides a friendly environment where you can ask questions and learn about the wines and tasting techniques. It’s especially suited for those who want a more customized, educational experience and enjoy a relaxed setting.
Reviews highlight the attentiveness of the host and the quality of the wines, with one noting it was “one of the best wine tastings” they’ve experienced. At $60 per person, it offers good value for a more private, detailed exploration. Note that while the description mentions charcuterie, it’s not included in the price, so plan to bring your own snacks if desired.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine aficionados looking for a personalized, educational tasting with insightful commentary and flexible pacing.
6. California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting
Rounding out our list, this 1-hour tasting compares wines from California and Colorado, all from Blanchard Family Wines, a small family-owned vineyard. For $30, you sample limited-production wines that showcase the different styles and terroirs of these regions. The guide shares insights into boutique winemaking techniques and the unique qualities of each state’s wines, making it ideal for those curious about regional differences.
Guests have praised the delicious wines and the knowledgeable guide, with one noting they even purchased a bottle at the end. The tasting is straightforward but packed with interesting facts, making it a good choice for a quick but informative experience.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly option for wine lovers eager to compare regional styles, especially if you’re interested in small-batch, artisanal wines.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Denver
Choosing the right wine tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. For a casual afternoon that combines sightseeing and tastings, the Denver Wine Walking Tour offers a relaxed, food-filled experience in downtown Denver. If you prefer a more in-depth, guided exploration, the Guided Downtown Denver Walking Wine Tour provides tutored tastings and a longer itinerary. For private, educational insights, the Private Vintner’s Wine Tasting and Vintner’s Personalized Experience are excellent choices, especially if you want a more tailored experience.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the California vs. Colorado tasting, which offers a quick comparison at a lower price point. Meanwhile, those seeking a wine and food pairing in a cozy setting should consider the Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert.
Book early, especially for guided or private tours, as they tend to fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Denver’s wine scene is more dynamic than many realize, with options ranging from casual urban walks to private tastings. For a balanced experience, the Denver Wine Walking Tour is perfect for those wanting to explore neighborhoods and sample food and wine in a relaxed setting. If you’re looking for a longer, more educational journey, the guided tour offers an immersive day. Private tastings are best suited for those wanting expert insights or a customized experience.
No matter which tour you choose, you’ll discover that Denver’s blend of urban charm and regional winemaking makes it a surprisingly good destination for wine lovers. To ensure you get your spot, especially during busy times, consider booking early. Cheers to your wine adventure in Denver!