As we travel to wineries we are surprised at the number of restaurants that do and do not carry local wines. II Bistro Italiano in Grand Junction, Colorado has a six page wine list with many wines from Italy, not surprising for an Italian restaurant. A quarter of a page was a listing of local Colorado wines from Plum Creek Winery, Carlson Winery, Two Rivers Winery and Bookcliff Vineyards.  For dinner we settled on the local wines and I ordered a Cabernet Sauvignon from Two Rivers Winery to pair with Puttanesca, a Southern Italy pasta with a sauce of fresh tomatoes, anchovies, capers and olives. Personally although I can drink and enjoy any wine, frequently I have a Cabernet Sauvignon with meals. This Cabernet didn’t disappoint.

Kathy had the traditional lasagna made with spinach pasta and a meat sauce. She had a glass of Plum Creek Palisade Rosé which was too sweet for my tastes especially with Italian food but the wine did work well as a before dinner wine.

When visiting a restaurant inquire about local wines and local foods. Try to challenge yourselves to taste the place.