 |
| DaVinci at Riverwalk Yurt |
by Mary Dawn DeBriae
*****
On a quest for an
adventure during the mundane weeks of “off-season” in the typically bustling
resort town of Telluride, Colorado, where we reside, I decided to take myself and my pups,
Valentino and DaVinci, to an area of Colorado we had not yet explored: the
famed Wine Country of Colorado’s
Western Slope.
 |
| View from Terror Creek Winery |
The area we chose to explore was called Garvin Mesa which
overlooks Paonia, a quaint Rocky Mountain town nestled half way between Aspen
and Delta in the North Fork River Valley.
Being a wine enthusiast of both
European and California wines, I was curious to discover what Colorado wineries
had to offer, not to mention their rumored “pet friendly” estates. Visions of
my two enthusiastic Bernese Mountain Dogs romping merrily around a Vineyard
whilst sampling a fine Cuvee, was more than I could imagine of an idyllic wine
tasting experience.
 |
Riverwalk Yurt from its dock
overlooking the Gunnison River |
In search of pet friendly
accommodation, I was given the details of a “Yurt” to try. I had never stayed
in a Yurt before and decided to book the unknown to add to the adventure of our
trip.
RIVERWALK YURT
We arrived at our Yurt after dark on
a chilly November evening and were greeted by a warm fire, soft classical music,
freshly cut flowers, tasty biscuits for the dogs, and locally crafted artisan
cheese and crackers to nibble on.
 |
Valentino and DaVinci eying up their
Welcome Biscuits upon our arrival |
A Yurt is traditionally a large round
tent that the Nomads of Mongolia have used as transportable homes for
centuries. They are easy to assemble, disassemble and transport to accompany
the nomadic way of life of these people.
 |
| Beautifully furnished |
Riverwalk Yurt,
however, has been lovingly converted into more of a permanent residence by its owners, George and
Devon, who have carpeted, decorated, and installed a rather large bathroom,
complete with Burt’s Bees organic soaps and gels. They purposely positioned
their Yurt down a quiet, private lane, next to two great Elm trees on the banks
of the Gunnison River. The Yurt has captivating views of the surrounding
snow-capped mountains and the only sound one hears is the gurgling Gunnison
River rolling merrily on its way down valley.
 |
| Valentino on the Redwood Wrap-around Deck |
Their 700 sf Yurt sits on a large
wrap-around redwood deck, complete with grill, an inviting hot tub, chez
lounges, a hammock and a walkway to a dock peacefully overlooking the river. It
boasts a well-appointed kitchen, books, games, and even a piano to make one
feel right at home. Valentino and DaVinci absolutely loved it, as they could hang
out on the fenced-in deck in the cool evenings, while we cozied up in front of
the warm fireplace inside.
 |
| Valentino and DaVinci enjoying their walk |
The next morning the boys and I went
for a lovely riverside walk meandering through golden tree studded fields on
the Yurt's quarter of a mile long estate.
Riverwalk Yurt makes for a relaxing romantic escape and is only a short drive to the wineries, orchards
and the fabulous restaurants of Paonia, Colorado.
For more information contact:
GARVIN MESA WINERIES
 |
| Stone Cottage Winery |
On Saturday, we visited a handful of
Wineries on Garvin Mesa, to include:
Terror
Creek, the oldest and highest winery boasting delicious Alsatian style
wines, Stone Cottage, with its
handcrafted European-style stone tasting room, and finally the beautiful Azura Winery with its breathtaking
views and relaxing patio overlooking the West Elk Mountains and majestic North
Fork Valley.
 |
| A Garvin Mesa Vineyard near Paonia, Colorado |
I learned that certain grapes thrive
up on Garvin Mesa due to the sunny, warm days and the cool nights of the area.
The white varietals that grow best are Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and
Chardonnay, creating wines that are notably crisper and dryer than their
California cousins - reminiscent of true European wines. The red varietals
grown here make velvety lush Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cab Franc and Merlot
wines.
 |
| Breathtaking views from Azura Cellars |
 |
| Gourmet snacks to "pair" with the wines |
 |
Valentino in the
tasting room at
Azura Cellars |
Unlike the famed Nappa Valley
wineries which are crowded and tend to charge for tastings, these delightful
Colorado “Boutique” Wineries offer free tastings, relaxing conversation and serve scrumptious savory snacks to
achieve the ultimate gastronomic effect of their wines.
 |
Wine tasting at Azura Cellars -
Gentleman with Tyrolean "Alpen Schatz" Hat! |
 |
| Coco showing Valentino and DaVinci "his" Winery |
Two of the wineries had their own
pups who played with Valentino and DaVinci, showing them how nice a dog’s life
is to live on a Colorado Vineyard. All
of the wineries we visited offer decks with tables and chairs, encouraging one
to bring a picnic, purchase a bottle and relax while soaking in the stunning
views all around.
 |
| Exploring the pond on Azura's Estate |
For more information about these and other wineries near Paonia go to:
RECOMMENDED DINING
Paonia – a town with a population of
only 1500 surprisingly boasts a number of commendable dining establishments - most of which offer the locally crafted Colorado wines of which we had grown so fond. The two we chose to experience that weekend were:
The Flying Fork Café and Bakery
 |
Delicious appetizers at
The Flying Fork Cafe |
Mouthwatering Italian cuisine with
its own flavorful twist, using locally sourced, fresh ingredients including
herbs, berries and fruit from their own garden. Freshly baked artisan breads
are offered to start with and are made in their own fabulous bakery.
Backcountry Coffee & Bistro
During the day it is the local’s
coffee shop serving sustainable coffees, but at night it turns into an intimate
dining experience serving European style “small plates” of Mediterranean dips,
homemade soups, salads, pate, pastas, gourmet cheeses and many more tasty
delights.
OTHER THINGS TO DO:
 |
| Colorado's largest Cider Festival |
Visit the many Orchards in the area
and “pick your own” at some of them!
Attend Colorado’s largest Hard Cider
Festival sponsored by Delicious Orchards. We discovered many new apple based "brews" at this fun event!
 |
| Black Welsh Mt Sheep |
Visit one of the Nation’s largest Black Welsh Mountain Sheep farms:
Desert Weyr
 |
| Rebecca - Professional protector of the herd |
and see true working dogs in action.
For more Information go to:
 |
| 'Becca says "Come visit!" |
AN END TO A WONDERFUL WEEKEND
The combination of staying in a
charming riverside Yurt, visiting the great Garvin Mesa Wineries, and the
gourmet cuisine we savored in the quaint town of Paonia, made for a perfect
weekend away from sleepy, off-season Telluride. Valentino, DaVinci and I give
it a thumbs-up for an all-around great holiday getaway and look forward to our
next visit.
See all pictures from this fabulous weekend HERE.
*********
Highlights from this article are to be featured in the "Destinations" section of the DECEMBER 2013 Issue of the award winning FIDOFriendly Magazine - A Dog's Lifestyle Publication.
SUBSCRIBE today to get the best information about: Travel, Health, Wellness, Training, Fashion, Pet Nutrition and reviews of the latest Top Pet Products on the market. FIDO Friendly is the essential guide for the best travel destinations where both you AND your dog are welcome.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL! Subscribe a friend for only $5!
********
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Dawn DeBriae resides in beautiful Telluride Colorado with her two Bernese Mountain Dogs. She loves travelling with her pups and sharing her adventures, tips and recommendations with other pet loving people. She also runs a European "Pet and People" Lifestyle Shop, inspired by her first two Bernese, specializing in Swiss Dog Collars, Cowbells and many other fine "Treasures of the Alps".
for a virtual trip to the Alps!
