Construction under way on improvements at Palisade hotel

Construction is underway at the Wine Country Inn in Palisade to expand the hotel ballroom and kitchen and add a new space for a restaurant.

The Vineyard Ballroom is scheduled for completion by April 1, in time for the Wine Country Inn to host Edesia, an annual benefit event for the Marillac Clinic.

The bigger ballroom will accommodate up to 200 guests for seated dinners.

“We expect the ballroom renovation to yield sales that we previously had to turn away because of our limited capacity,” said Ian Kelley, general manager of the Wine Country Inn. “We already are seeing increased inquiries for events although we have made no formal announcements.”

Saunders Stewart, sales manager at the hotel, said she’s excited to see a muted palette that will be compatible with most event color schemes. The addition of two adjacent family restrooms will offer more convenience.

“The ivory-on-ivory brocade wall covering is elegant and totally in keeping with our Victorian decor. Our brides are going to be very pleased,” Stewart said. “And opening out onto our beautifully landscaped courtyard is an added bonus.”

Caroline’s Restaurant will move into a newly constructed space on the northeast corner of the reception building. Although seating capacity will be expanded, the restaurant will replicate many of the features of the existing restaurants.

The new Caroline’s  is scheduled to open the week of Aug. 1 to coincide with a 10th anniversary celebration of the Wine Country Inn.

Food service in the existing restaurant and Tapestry Lounge are not expected to be interrupted except for a short period when utility services are connected to the existing kitchen.

Kelley said windows on the north and west in the new Caroline’s Restaurant will offer views of the vineyards and Bookcliffs. The entry near the hotel entrance will allow guests direct access into the restaurant.

The existing Caroline’s will revert to its original meeting room function and name of the Orchard Room. With the new kitchen situated between Caroline’s and the Vineyard Ballroom, the culinary team will have a more efficient arrangement to serve events and restaurant guests

The Wine Country Inn is located at 777 Grande River Drive. For more information, call 464-5777 or visit the website located at www.coloradowinecountryinn.com.