Everyone might be analyzing who’ll win the Super Bowl based on offense, defense, and everything else. Here at grapefriend, we analyze who’ll win based on the wine each of their states produces.

denver broncos

Colorado’s grape growing regions are some of the highest elevation vineyards in the world (most are 4000-7000 feet!). There are about 100 wineries and two AVAs in the state: Grand Valley and West Elks.

Out of the 750 acres of wine grapes, it’s mostly Merlot and Chardonnay. Other popular red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, and other whites are Riesling and Viognier.  I’ve never had a wine from Colorado, so I have to take others’ words for it for now: Last August, Wine Spectator noted that the Merlot and Chardonnay don’t seem to be what the state does best – they liked the Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc. 

seattle seahawks

I have, on the other hand, had a lot of Washington state wine which is pretty good. It’s a wayyy bigger grape-growing region than Colorado, with 43,000 acres planted and 13 AVAs. Some of the well-known AVAs are the Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Yakima Valley, and Walla Walla.

Known mostly for Riesling, some Syrah, and full-bodied (and sometimes bulk-produced) Cab and Merlot, there are also lots of wineries who are now producing really nicely balanced wines. For one of the bigger Cabs, I like Sleight of Hand’s Illusionist Cab (the one with Neil Patrick Harris on the label). Also love L’Ecole No 41 and realllly love the rosés from Trust Cellars and Charles & Charles. Here are a few other good ones.

GRAPEY WINNER:

I have to hand this one to Seattle if I’m going by grapes (even though I’m actually rooting for the Broncos – go Eli’s brother!).

If you’re looking for wines that pair with Peyton, Russell Wilson, and all types of game food, check out my picks in Parade.

Good luck, players and fans! Who’s everyone rooting for?