So you say there are wineries in New Mexico? Why yes, there are! From the Rio Grande Vineyards to the Ponderosa Valley Vineyards, from the Mesilla Valley to Alamogordo, vineyards and tasting rooms are popping up across the state. But what makes New Mexico wine unique or even special? I know you’ll be shocked, but on a recent trip to Santa Fe, I made it my mission to figure that out!
Here are five key reasons you need to make exploring wineries in New Mexico a “must-do” adventure for your next trip to the American Southwest:
1. New Mexico’s Winemaking History
- New Mexico boasts one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the United States. The first vineyards date back to the early 1600s. Spanish missionaries entered present-day New Mexico through El Paso, TX, via Mexico and planted grapevines along the Rio Grande River.
- The dry climate and high elevation proved ideal for growing grapes. Long, sunny days paired with cool, dry nights mimicked wine regions in the explorer’s native countries and provided the perfect environment for communal wine.
(Note: As a Texan, we challenge the New Mexican folklore and claim we have data proving Texas was first. How very Texan of us! I’ll leave it to you to make your own assessment!)
Let’s explore wineries in New Mexico
2. High Elevation Viticulture
- Many of New Mexico’s vineyards sit at altitudes of 4,000 to 6,000 feet. This high elevation means warm days and cool nights, which promotes better acidity and complexity in the wines. This elevation influence sets New Mexico wines apart from those grown in lower-elevation regions, especially in a state where extremely high summer temperatures are the norm.
- Southern New Mexico possesses a significant portion of the state’s vineyard property from the Mesilla Valley AVA around Las Cruces and the Mimbres Valley AVA to the west. Central New Mexico contains the Middle Rio Grande Valley AVA running south from Albuquerque.
3. Signature Grape Varietals
- New Mexico wineries excel in growing both traditional European grapes and less common varietals. Some standout wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling, but you’ll also find Tempranillo and Sangiovese doing well in the climate, offering a diverse tasting experience.
Gruet, the widely known Sparkling Wine producer, takes cues from Champagne with Pinot Munier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Don’t miss their tasting rooms in downtown Santa Fe and old town Albuquerque!
A visit to Vivac is all it took!
4. Vivac Winery – A Family-Run Gem
- Vivac Winery in Dixon, 45 minutes northeast of Santa Fe and 2 hours from Albuquerque, is known for producing high-quality wines in an artistic setting. Run by brothers Jesse and Chris Padberg, Vivac focuses on sustainable winemaking and uses handpicked grapes to craft their wine.
- The tasting room is set in a beautiful, scenic location near the Rio Embudo, making it a perfect destination for wine lovers looking for an authentic experience.Vivac’s picturesque property of 11 acres sits along the banks of the Embudo Creek.
- While not the Rio Grande River or Rio Grande Valley, it’s a prime source for irrigation when needed and keeps the air flowing through the vineyards even during the hot summer heat. The vineyards are a few miles down the road from their winery tasting room off the main highway.
- Wine isn’t the only delicacy at the tasting room! If you’re like me and crave chocolate with your Merlot, you’re in luck! Liliana, Chris’s wife, is a Chocolatier! Her Ek.Chuah Chocolates are serendipitously sold in the tasting room!
Art & Culture bring it all together
5. The Influence of Art and Local Culture
- The cultural influence of New Mexico’s local art scene and indigenous history is often reflected in the wineries. Vivac, for instance, celebrates its surroundings with a strong connection to the land and a focus on craftsmanship.
- Many wineries celebrate the state’s heritage with names like Black Mesa Winery, Noisy Water Winery, and LesCombes Winery. Few weeks go by during the year when an art festival, a wine festival, or an art and wine festival can’t be found. New Mexico wine is an integral part of the State’s culture.
If this isn’t enough to convince you a trip to New Mexico should include a wine focus, I obviously haven’t done a good job telling the story! Spending a day with Jesse and Chris at Vivac Winery was a reminder of how inspiring winemaking can be. A little vision, a lot of passion, and a ton of hard work go into each and every bottle they produce. I’m certain the same is true for any of the other wineries in New Mexico I mentioned! They’ll be on my next New Mexico itinerary. That, my friends, you can count on!
For more adventures to off the beaten path wineries, here are a few posts for inspiration: