Canon City Wineries Tour: A Half-Day Self-Guided Plan (2026)
Canon City has Colorado's lesser-known wine country. Here is the honest 2026 self-guided tour plan with the wineries worth visiting and the lunch stops between.
You searched the Canon City wineries. Here is the honest 2026 self-guided tour plan.
The Quick Answer
Canon City sits in Colorado's lesser-known but well-respected Arkansas Valley wine country. The Holy Cross Abbey Winery is the local anchor. Plan a half-day (4-5 hours) to visit one to two wineries, eat lunch, and explore.
Recommended order:
- Start at Holy Cross Abbey Winery (tasting room, historic abbey grounds)
- Lunch downtown at Whitewater Rooftop Social or 1887 Historic Eatery
- Visit a smaller secondary winery if time permits
- End with coffee or dessert downtown
Holy Cross Abbey Winery
The flagship Canon City winery. Located on the historic grounds of the former Holy Cross Abbey monastery (founded 1886). Tasting room, vineyard tours, special events.
What to expect:
- Tasting flight ($10-$15 per person)
- Wines crafted with Colorado-grown grapes plus blends
- Indoor and outdoor tasting areas
- Self-guided abbey grounds walk (free)
- Gift shop with wine, glassware, local goods
Hours: Generally open Wednesday through Sunday. Check their website for current hours and special events.
Best for: First-time Colorado wine country visitors, history fans, photographers.
Recommended Half-Day Plan
11:00 AM: Arrive Holy Cross Abbey Winery
Beat the lunchtime crowd. Allow 1.5 hours for tasting plus abbey grounds walk.
12:30 PM: Lunch downtown
Two strong picks for after-tasting lunch:
- Whitewater Rooftop Social - elevated American comfort food, craft cocktails (continue the wine theme with the Aperol Spritz). Sangre de Cristo mountain views from the rooftop patio.
- 1887 Historic Eatery - historic-building dining, scratch kitchen, well-paced lunch service.
2:30 PM: Visit a secondary winery or local tasting room
Several smaller wineries and tasting rooms operate in the broader Fremont County area. Check current hours before driving (some are appointment-only).
4:00 PM: Coffee or dessert downtown
Happy Endings Caboose Cafe (coffee in a converted train caboose) or downtown ice cream shops.
What to Pair
| Wine | Lunch Pairing at WW Rooftop Social |
|---|---|
| Holy Cross Abbey Riesling or white blend | Wedge Salad ($17), Caprese Panini ($15), Burrata ($15) |
| Holy Cross Abbey Cabernet or red blend | Italian Panini ($17), Vodka Sauce Meatballs ($16), Reuben ($16) |
| Holy Cross Abbey Rosé | Pesto Caprese Salad ($16), Hot Honey Chopped Italian ($17) |
Beyond the Tasting Room
If you want to extend the wine day:
- Drive Phantom Canyon Road to Cripple Creek (free 35-mile scenic dirt road). Slow, photogenic, no cell service.
- Skyline Drive at sunset (free 2.6-mile scenic ridge drive)
- Dinner at Whitewater Rooftop Social with a glass of wine on the rooftop
Wine Country Lodging
For overnight wine country stays:
- River vacation rentals - Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals (cabins, yurts, Airstreams along the Arkansas River). 10-15 minutes from downtown.
- Downtown hotels - within walking distance of restaurants and the rooftop bar.
What to Avoid
- Driving Phantom Canyon Road after sunset (no cell service, narrow tunnels)
- Trying to fit 3 plus wineries plus lunch in one day (you will run out of palate)
- Tasting on an empty stomach
- Skipping the abbey grounds walk at Holy Cross Abbey - it is part of the experience
FAQ
How many wineries are in Canon City?
Holy Cross Abbey Winery is the largest and most established. Several smaller wineries and tasting rooms operate in the broader Fremont County area; most by appointment.
Is Holy Cross Abbey actually a winery?
Yes. The abbey ceased monastic operations decades ago, and the grounds were repurposed into a winery and event venue. Wine production happens on-site.
Can I bring kids to Holy Cross Abbey Winery?
Yes. The grounds are family-friendly. The tasting room itself is 21 plus.
How much is a tasting flight?Generally $10-$15 per person. Confirm current pricing on the winery website.Can I buy wine to take home?
Yes. The gift shop sells bottles to take home. Most Colorado wineries also ship to most US states (check current laws).
Should I make a reservation for tasting?
Recommended on weekends or for groups of 4 plus. Walk-in often available on weekdays.
What is the best month for Canon City wine country?
September. Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds. Mid-summer (July) also works for indoor tasting room visits.
Are there wine tours from Denver?Some operators run wine country tours that include Holy Cross Abbey as part of a multi-stop itinerary. DIY self-driven is more flexible.The Bottom Line
Canon City wine country is small but real. Holy Cross Abbey Winery is the anchor experience. Plan a half-day, visit one or two wineries, eat lunch downtown at Whitewater Rooftop Social or 1887 Historic Eatery, and continue with Skyline Drive or downtown exploration. A full day with wine tasting plus the rooftop sunset dinner is one of the better food-and-drink days in southern Colorado.
Dining guide | Itineraries | Things to do | Whitewater Rooftop Social
Visit Canon City, visitcanoncity.net. Updated April 2026.
Sources
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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