VinCO 2027 registration opens for 17th conference in Grand Junction
The Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology will bring VinCO back to Grand Junction in January 2027 for three days focused on the state’s winemakers, grape growers and industry partners. Registration closes on January 4.
A growing industry with limited local share
The Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE) has opened ticket sales for the 17th VinCO conference, scheduled for January 2027 in Grand Junction. The three-day gathering is expected to draw winemakers, grape growers and other industry partners from across Colorado.1
Colorado’s annual wine production has nearly doubled over the past 20 years, reaching 145,635 cases. CAVE also points to stronger perceptions of the state’s wines and their recent critical performance: in 2026, James Suckling awarded scores of at least 90 points to 36 Colorado wines, Wine Enthusiast gave 90-plus scores to 31, and two received Double Gold recognition from the San Francisco Chronicle.1
Despite that progress, Colorado wine brands account for only 2% of wine sales within the state. CAVE’s board recently appointed a new executive director, Ali Mize, as the organization seeks to strengthen Colorado’s standing as a distinctive American wine region.1
Conference priorities
The agenda is set to address legislative reforms intended to help Colorado’s small wine businesses compete; collaboration with wholesalers, restaurants and off-premise retailers; and consumer trends involving sustainability, packaging and low- or no-alcohol drinks. Other sessions will focus on improving Colorado’s wine-tourism experience and supporting the state’s grape growers.1
Mize said VinCO is designed to bring education, community and opportunity together, supporting Colorado wine professionals while connecting them with people, products and ideas relevant to the industry’s next phase.1
Trade show and established programs
VinCO’s trade show plans to host more national exhibitors than in previous years, giving participants broader access to suppliers serving wineries and vineyards in other established US wine regions. The conference will also retain programming linked to CAVE initiatives including Colorado Cru, the Amateur Winemaker Competition and the Awards of Excellence, as well as networking receptions for winemakers, growers and other industry partners.1
Online registration for VinCO 2027 is available through Eventbrite and closes January 4. Further conference and trade-show information is available from CAVE’s Wine Colorado website.1
Sources
Written by the Dionysus editors from the sources above.