Press Release

Grande River Vineyards, one of Colorado’s oldest and largest vineyard/winery operations, will be sold at auction Tuesday, Oct. 24, with J.P. King Auction Company managing the sale.

Owners Stephen and Naomi Smith are retiring from the wine business and will sell the property off Interstate 70 in Palisades in 13 parcels, according to Craig King, president of J.P. King. The vineyard was established by Smith in 1987, and the winery began production in 1990.

The vineyard was the first to begin production of Viognier, and its new plantings include the Rhone varieties Cinsault and Morvedre. Other varieties being produced include Sauvignon Blanc, Semilion, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon.

All the parcels except one will sell absolute, meaning each will go to the highest bidder with no minimum bid or reserve, said King. The winery, which sits on a parcel of approximately five acres, will sell with a reserve. That parcel also includes an amphitheater that has become a popular site for summer concerts.

The winery has a fermentation and storage capacity of approximately 50,000 gallons, including a tank capacity of 26,000 gallons.

Some parcels along Interstate 70 also are zoned to permit such uses as hotel/motel, restaurant or retail.

Individuals interested in additional information about the Grande River auction may contact J.P. King at 800.558.5464 or visit the company’s web site at www.jpking.com.

Posted: 09|8|06 at 8:16 am. Filed under: US News.