Colterris Collections: A Treasure In The Heart Of Palisade
“Wow!” is the first thing most people say when entering Colterris Collections.
“It happens every time,” says founder and owner Scott High. “This private collection for public viewing is the largest display of these types of objects in the world.”
Over 54 years, High judiciously collected 18,000 antique corkscrews, thousands of other wine-related items and the stories that helped paint a picture about each piece. Collectables include personal articles of kings and queens, a pope, shepherds, warriors, Hollywood actors and famous musicians. A 200 A.D. Roman glass wine vessel in mint condition and 10,000-year-old mammoth ivory handle Laguiole corkscrewknife top the collection’s oldest. Over half of the collection is from Europe and the balance from the United States.
Over 54 years, Scott High judiciously collected 18,000 antique corkscrews, thousands of other wine-related items and the stories that helped paint a picture about each piece. Photo by Bree Bell.
High never intended to display his collection, but with two of his children involved in this huge venture and the desire to share his passion, Colterris Collections opened in June of 2025.
“I would love to spread my gospel about the world of wine,” says High. “I hope the collection will fuel the image and enhance the overall reputation of Western Colorado as a wine producing area.”
Jessica Burford, president and CEO of the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, couldn’t agree more.
“Colterris Collections is a wonderfully unique treasure in the heart of our region. Their commitment to excellence, collaboration and creativity enriches the visitor and community experience. I would say this is another incredible, don’t-miss Palisade spot for wine lovers and history buffs.”
THE COLLECTION BEGINS
Raised in south Denver by parents who were wine merchants, High was drawn to his father’s pontifications about wine at 12 years old. He made a habit of biking to the library to check out books on wine and flooding wine reps and California winemakers with questions.
At 16, a corkscrew topped with a beer logo at an antique store caught his attention. Curious, he learned that before 1900, beer bottles had corks requiring corkscrews as openers. He made his first collection purchase. It was 1971.
High devoured books on wine through college and took summer classes at the esteemed Geisenheim Viticulture Center in Germany.
“The more I learned about wine, the more I found I didn’t know,” says High. “The history, geography, artistry, chemistry, biology, botany, food science.”
His collection grew while globe-trotting during a 35-year career in wine wholesale, falling in love with Palisade and relocating to the Western Slope with his family in 1999. They now own two Palisade Colterris Wineries, 59 acres of peaches and cherries and over 120 acres of wine grapes, as well as Colterris Collections.
THE COLLECTION ON DISPLAY
The monumental task of displaying the collection was a family affair — unpacking 600 boxes, sorting, categorizing and labeling. Over 4,000 corkscrews and a total of 8,000 pieces were selected for display in the 7,480-square-foot showroom. 14,000 more corkscrews and thousands of other items are in storage for future display refreshing and renewing.
“The two questions I hear most often are the ones I’m not going to answer: ‘Where did you get this and how much did you pay for it?’” says High with a grin.
Scott High enjoys answering most questions about his collection. “The two questions I hear most often are the ones I’m not going to answer: ‘Where did you get this and how much did you pay for it?’” says High with a grin. Photo by Dancing in My Head Photography.
What he is passionate about sharing are the stories behind most collection pieces, often including humor. Did you know Napoleon was into Champagne or Queen Elizabeth loved Mateus Rosé? Or that the collection includes examples of how alcohol was hidden during prohibition in fake containers imitating a cigar, salted pretzel, billy club and even a tamale?
Word of the collection is spreading beyond the valley. Aspen and Vail concierges are visiting and referring groups for inspirational day trips. Taking a break from Aspen, 23 doctors from Vietnam recently toured the collection. With separate areas for tasting, seating and gathering, the unique experience attracts family and friend reunions, special events and year-round field trips for intrigued history and wine lovers.
“Colorado Colterris is a distinctive, world-class treasure trove,” says Johanna van Waveren, community engagement director for Eureka! McConnell Science Museum. “The sheer scale of the collection — and its unforgettable view into the history and artistry of wine culture — are captivating.”
High can tout the largest collection of its type in the world, as he’s experienced the others, which pale in comparison. Other influential experts in the field concur.
“I’ve already had people in the Napa Valley wine business ask me to move the collection to Napa Valley because there is nothing like this in California,” says High. “I have no intention of moving it.”
Immersing yourself in Palisade’s Colterris Collections will fill your glass and leave you thirsting to return for more.
Colterris Collections
3708 G Rd.
Palisade, CO
colterris.com/colterris-collections
Originally published in the spring 2026 issue of Spoke+Blossom.