Vineyard and Orchard Properties in Palisade CO

Let’s Talk Palisade!

Orchard Properties in Palisade CO Palisade Sunday Farmers Market

I absolutely love attending the Palisade Sunday Farmers Market

Are you looking for a orchard properties in Palisade CO or maybe a vineyard in East Orchard Mesa? Dreaming of owning a few acres or a larger property? Start your inquiry here! In Palisade, “It’s all about the experience”. There’s so much to enjoy!

Palisade, Colorado is a stunning community within the Grand Valley on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. It is an ideal environment for several varieties of orchard and vineyard cultivation. Palisade is known as the “Peach Capital of Colorado” because of its fertile soil and favorable climate for fruit-bearing trees. Palisade Peaches are some of the sweetest, juiciest peaches you will ever taste! It’s a prominent wine-producing region in Colorado, known for its vineyards and wineries specializing in a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling. These attributes extend into East Orchard Mesa, CO too.

Because we get an average of 300 sunny days per year, along with low humidity, Palisade has optimal conditions for orchard farming, ensuring robust growth and high-quality fruit production. The canyon of the Colorado River that enters Palisade from the east is De Beque Canyon. It is a scenic stretch of the Colorado River characterized by towering cliffs and rugged terrain, providing a picturesque backdrop to the town of Palisade and the entrance of the Grand Valley from the east. The unique microclimate created when the air blows in from the canyon is amazing for growers in this region.

Palisade Geography

Geography is important. Palisade is at the base of the Grand Mesa and the Book Cliff mountains. They provide protection from harsh weather conditions, such as late spring frosts, which can be detrimental to fruit crops. Additionally, the Colorado River runs through here and provides ample irrigation for orchards and vineyards, ensuring consistent water supply for optimal growth.

If you’d like to own a vineyard or orchard properties in Palisade CO, big or small, it’s essential to assess the soil quality, as different fruit varieties thrive in different soil types. Palisade and East Orchard Mesa’s diverse soil compositions, ranging from sandy loam to clay, offer opportunities for cultivating various fruits, including peaches, cherries, apples, plums, apricots, and grapes, lots of grapes!

Population and Property Locations

While Palisade is a small community with a population under 3,000, it has many amenities such as local markets, shops, dining, and agricultural resources. Plus, the famous Palisade Sunday Farmers Market during growing season! And it’s just minutes from larger Grand Junction and all it has to offer.

Depending on where a property is located in Palisade may demand a higher value. Properties are located close to the Colorado River, in downtown Palisade and some within eyesight from I-70. Many of them are along the famous scenic Palisade Fruit and Wine Byway that runs from Palisade into East Orchard Mesa and Grand Junction. I have a map of the byway on my Move to Palisade post.

Property owners will appreciate Palisade’s well-maintained infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities, which can streamline operations and increase a property’s appeal. Engaging with the local Palisade grower community and seeking guidance from experienced orchardists or vintners can provide valuable insights into the intricacies of orchard and vineyard management in Palisade. By conducting thorough research and working closely with a knowledgeable Realtor® team, you can identify a property that aligns with your goals and maximizes your investment in Palisade’s thriving orchard and vineyard industry. There are over 25 vineyards in Palisade, let me take you on a wine tasting tour! And remember, not every property for sale is listed on the MLS or found online. I work with a team of real estate professionals and I often know of properties coming up on the MLS well in advance of them being marketing online.

Vibrant Community

If you want to research more about Palisade or East Orchard Mesa for orchard properties, I recommend you hop on Facebook, if you use that platform. There are many business pages, community pages, civic pages and lots of Groups that focus on Palisade and the community it serves. There are many events published and opportunities for engagement throughout the year. I mention more about this on my Move to Palisade post. Strong communities have strong identities. Palisade fits that bill. The community leaders in Palisade focus on balance between community (residents and businesses) and tourism (guests), with the community being their number one priority. There are over 3,000 hotel rooms in the Grand Valley and over 270 vacation home rentals available. Come visit! VisitPalisade.com for things to do, getting around, places to stay, wineries to visit and food to eat.

Resources for Palisade Growers

Understanding local regulations and zoning laws related to orchard farming is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding common pitfalls of orchard or vineyard ownership. If you want to purchase a large or small vineyard or orchard in Palisade, Colorado, it’s essential to engage with various local organizations and authorities to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with relevant regulations. Here are some key entities to contact:

Town of Palisade: Start by reaching out to the town of Palisade government office. They can provide information on zoning regulations, land use permits, and any ordinances specific to agricultural properties.
Mesa County Planning Department: Mesa County oversees land use planning and development regulations in the region. Contacting the planning department can help you understand zoning requirements, property taxes, and any proposed developments that may impact your orchard or vineyard.
Palisade Chamber of Commerce: The very active Palisade Chamber of Commerce can offer insights into our local business community, networking opportunities with other property owners, and information on economic development initiatives in Palisade. Plus, a variety of events and opportunities for business owners and the community. Again, can’t say enough good things about the Palisade Sunday Farmers Market, yum!
Colorado State University Extension Office – Mesa County: The Extension Office provides agricultural resources, educational programs, and assistance to farmers and orchardists in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray Counties. They can offer guidance on soil testing, crop management practices, pest control, and other agricultural concerns specific to the Palisade area or Mesa County in general.
Colorado Department of Agriculture: As the state agency responsible for promoting and regulating agriculture, the Colorado Department of Agriculture can provide information on state-level regulations, agricultural grants or programs, and certification requirements for certain crops.
Water Authorities: Since water rights are crucial for orchard irrigation, it’s important to understand the water rights associated with the property. Contact the Palisade Irrigation District to learn about water availability, rights, and any associated fees or regulations.
Colorado Agritourism: What is agritourism? Agritourism covers a wide variety of recreational, educational and other leisure activities and services, provided by farmers and ranchers and experienced by consumers who value the activity or service they receive and seek it out. Agritourism may be defined as activities, events and services related to agriculture that take place on or off the farm or ranch, and that connect consumers with the heritage, natural resource or culinary experience they value. There are three general classifications of agritourism activities: on-farm/ranch, food-based, and heritage activities. Learn more at Colorado.gov.

By engaging with these local organizations and authorities, you can gain valuable insights, navigate regulatory requirements, and foster connections within the Palisade community as you embark on your orchard or vineyard buying journey.

Learn more from my post about living in Grand Junction and Fruita too!

Call me if you’d like to own an orchard or vineyard property in Mesa County, big or small! Allow me to bring years of experience in the search for just the right property.

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
About Paul Aspelin
Text/Call me with your questions 612-306-9558

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