While we're much better known for our crafty microbrews, Colorado wine has steadily grown over the years, winning several awards and becoming more visible along the Front Range. Local winemaking could become even more established if Steve Menke, an associate professor of enology at Colorado State University, is successful in helping to push the university toward offering a degree in horticulture with a concentration in enology and viticulture, reports the Associated Press.

A proposed agreement between CSU and Grande River Winery could establish a university-run winery at the Western Slope site, taking advantage of a 2008 Colorado law that allows multiple wineries to share winemaking facilities. "I see this as a win-win situation," Menke says. "This will give me a place to take new interns for experience in a commercial setting and also provide a place to do research." That sure beats statistics class. If you're not yet familiar with Colorado offerings, start with a few dessert sips recently recommended by 5280's Shari Caudron.