We Grow Things In Western Colorado

Hot summer days and cool mountain breezes during the summer evenings create excellent sugar content and flavorful juice in the fruit raised in Delta County. The producers here have discovered that the dry climate mixed with a good water flow make this an ideal area for growing grapes, apples, cherries and a wide variety of other fruits. Cooler soils help keep a perfect acid balance providing fruity and intense juices, leading to delightful wines. It just isn't summer without the juice from a tree ripened peach dripping down your chin and into your bowl of ice cream! It is no surprise that Delta County farms are fast becoming a favorite marketplace for many visitors and residents. Farm, ranch and winery tours have been developed, giving you an opportunity to be a part of the growing experience!

If you are craving some fresh-from-the-farm tastes, our roadside stands offer the fresh goodness from the earth and labors of our farmers. Many roadside fruit stands have fresh produce from late June through October. Cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, pears, apples plus vegetables and herbs can be found throughout the county's stands. Many of the farms have value added products, i.e. Fire Mountain Fruit (jellies, jams and syrups), Green Valley Herbal (herbal teas and lotions), Leroux Creek (applesauce). Many crops are organically grown and ripened to perfection. VOGA (Valley Organic Growers Association) is a local group dedicated to the production of fine organic crops, and has the largest membership of any organic association in the State of Colorado.

Grape harvests in Delta County occur between Mid-August to Mid October with most of the harvests occurring in September. Harvest is followed immediately by the crush. This is an interesting process and many wineries will allow you to come and observe. Don't expect to see women stomping grapes in big barrels as in the popular scene from an "I Love Lucy" episode, but you will be able to observe this unique part of the winemaking business.

The high mountain meadows are filled with nutrient rich grasses and fresh air necessary to produce high quality meat products that you can purchase direct from the producers. Several marketing co-ops have been formed by ranchers to sell branded beef. National awards have been won by cattlemen for their conservation efforts in the North Fork Valley. Bison, ostrich and elk are also raised in Delta County with the meat being sold in various stores. Homestead Beef located in Paonia carries products from many of these ranches, including elk, lamb, beef and salsas made from local fruit orchards.

Home to one of the highest elevation apple orchards in the world, Delta County produces large crops of apples, cherries, peaches, pears and apricot. Several varieties of these delicious fruits are available during the peak seasons for each. These delectable treats, apparently from the Gods, are available here at roadside stands, from the growers themselves and in our local markets.

Call or Contact Greg Stratman now to find a home, land, ranch or farm in Western Colorado!

Greg Stratman, ABR, GRI, CRS, SRES, Managing Broker/Owner

RE/MAX® Mountain West, 975 S. Grand Mesa Dr., Cedaredge, CO 81413

1-888-221-8394 (Toll Free) -- 1-970-856-7350 (Direct) -- 1-970-234-4734 (Cell)

E-Mail: greg@gregstratman.com

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