Local produce and natural ingredients are often hard to come by, but not in Grand Junction! Regionally grown goods can be found in many of the shops and local markets around town. From flavorful fruits and fresh veggies to aromatic herbs and natural spices – Grand Junction’s agricultural scene is alive and thriving. If you’re looking to get a taste of these farm-fresh products, check out this guide which gives you the inside scoop on the most popular item on the menu, and the most unique.
Two Rivers Winery & Chateau
As the only winery that sits at the base of the Colorado National Monument, Two Rivers Winery & Chateau offers guests the opportunity to wake up to breathtaking views of red rock canyons and lush vineyards across the beautiful 15-acre property. As you approach the chateau, you feel like you have been transported to Napa, with vineyards and a custom-designed villa surrounding you. Their 2017 Cabernet is a crowd favorite, due to its complex flavor profile. For a unique blend, try the Tulip. It’s an unexpected and subtle sweet twist on a rosé.
Highland’s Distillery
Located on the Belli Fiori Lavender Farm, Highlands Distillery produces some of the highest-quality distilled spirits in the area. From rye whiskey to gin and vodka, the level of refinement and expertise that goes into each bottle is evident in every sip. If you’re looking to get a taste prior to buying a bottle, Highlands crafts amazing cocktails onsite - most of which use local ingredients. Their Provence Lemon Lavender Cooler made with vodka, lemon juice, blackberry juice, aquafaba and lavender syrup with onsite lavender garnish is a popular drink. If you prefer the more experiential route, try the Founder's Farewell comprised of rye whiskey, milk oolong tea, oleo saccharum, and garnished with a bay leaf-covered buzz button. Fun tip: chew on the buzz button for a numbing sensation that will blow your mind!
Trail Life Brewery
Trail Life Brewing is located in the heart of Downtown Grand Junction and in true Grand Junction fashion, they share an open glass window with an outdoor retail shop (The Gear Junction) – making it the perfect place to grab a beer and some lunch (there are several vegan options) while you wait for your bike to get a tune-up before getting back out on the trails. Try one of Colorado’s long-time popular beers, Ellie’s Brown Ale, by Avery Brewing Company. For a unique beer quencher, sip on Trail Life’s extra special bitter, named Class LII ESB.
Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough Bakery
Kulina’s story began with a grandpa’s sourdough starter in Paonia, Colorado. His granddaughter, Pam Harsh, grew up enjoying fresh baked goods and is carrying on the tradition in Grand Junction, Colorado with her husband, Shane. They started the bakery and corn farm in Hawaii, before returning home to Colorado in 2021. They only use organic ingredients, local grain, and sustainable methods in their bread-making process and yes, you’ll taste the difference. The Jalapeno-Cheddar Sourdough is a popular favorite, but the classic, not-so-plain “Jane” allows you to taste grandpa’s recipe at its core. There is nothing better than sourdough toast with a generous slab of melting butter. The menu is too extravagant to share here, so you’ll just have to stop by and see what’s baking for the day. On the regular, you’ll find homemade pop tarts, quiche, massive sticky buns, sandwiches, ciabatta, and pizza on Fridays! They are open Tuesday – Saturday, 6 am – 4 pm.
626 on Rood
If you are looking to wine and dine, 626 on Rood is the place to go! They offer amazing wine flights, delicious entrees, and a friendly staff that is always happy to make pairing recommendations. Their extensive wine menu highlights some of the local wineries, like Sauvage Spectrum, and their cuisine is definitely something to rave about. Give your tastebuds a treat with their famously popular Crispy Calamari. Feeling adventurous? Order the Chilean Sea Bass with miso marinade, wasabi sesame slaw, patty pan squash, kimchi chive pancakes, black rice, pea cucumber puree, blood orange carrot puree, and black garlic.
The Winery Restaurant
Bringing upscale dining to Downtown Grand Junction, the Winery Restaurant offers a fine dining experience paired with an extensive wine menu and haute cuisine – perfect for a romantic date night. A fan favorite is the blue cheese-encrusted filet mignon. Feeling salty? Crack into the 9-ounce Canadian Lobster tail to enjoy bayside flavors in Colorado.
Bin 707 Foodbar
Bin 707 Foodbar has been a staple for farm-fresh cuisine and has literally put Grand Junction on the national map with its avant-garde menu. The head chef, Josh Niernberg, has been a recurrent finalist for James Beard Awards, including 2022 semifinalist for Outstanding Chef in the Mountain Category. One of the most requested and popular food items that Bin 707 offers is the Binburger. Yes, we said that; but it is that good! It is made with juicy beef sourced from Fitch Ranch, on a potato bun with white cheddar. For a unique twist, try out the chicken roulade with charred cucumber, squash, Freemont beans, and sumac jus – it’s James Beard noteworthy!
For more ways to immerse yourself in Grand Junction’s food and beverage scene, check out page 19 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.
Photos By:
@rootedgypsyfarms, Visit Grand Junction, @highlandsdistillery, Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough Bakery, @thewineryrestaurantgj