Surprise! New Mexico is home to the oldest wine-growing region in the nation! We’re talking as far back as 1629, 50 years before the first vines were planted in California. At that time, the appetite for the fermented grape lay squarely with the ruling Spaniards, who were devout Catholics. Sacramental wine was central to their daily masses and it was in short supply.
A pair of friars to the rescue: Fray Garcîa de Zuñiga and Antonio de Arteaga smuggled vines out of Spain and planted them in the fertile soil along the Rio Grande. The variety was aptly named the Mission grape and is still grown in New Mexico.
Discover the rich history of wine in Northern New Mexico (photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)Today there are more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms across the state, many of which are in Santa Fe or just a short day trip away. Explore the lore behind every one with your discerning palate. Here’s a non-exhaustive roundup or do your own research via the New Mexico Wine & Grape Growers Association.
Santa Fe Tasting Rooms
Ahymo Wine Garden
Masquerading as a gallery on historic Canyon Road is the hidden gem of Ahymo Wine Garden. Wander through the art space to the shady, flower-forward back patio for a wine menu that’s distinctly New Mexican (serving Vivác and Gruet) and refreshingly creative. Sandwiches, salads, and sweets, too.
Crafted Tasting Room
Located in the iconic Inn and Spa at Loretto, Crafted Cafe is the spot for exclusive tastings of New Mexico’s premier wines, including Casa Rondeña, Gruet, Milagro, Sheehan, and Vivác. Sip, savor, and fortify yourself with some light bites in this contemporary vibe.
Gruet Tasting Room
You can try to say no to a sparkling wine-paired caviar flight at Gruet’s Santa Fe Tasting Room, located in the Hotel St. Francis, but good luck with that. Founded in 1984 by Gilbert Gruet, whose Champagne house (Gruet et Fils) has produced fine Champagnes in Bethon, France since 1952, Gruet Winery specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines using grapes grown principally in New Mexico. You can taste in Albuquerque, too, and/or check out whether your visit coincides with one of these fun tasting events.
Hervé Wine Bar
Just steps from the historic Plaza, take the enchanting brick-laid path to the cavernous, yet cozy Hervé Wine Bar to taste the DH Lescombes family wines crafted since 1981 outside of Deming, New Mexico in Pyramid and Mimbres valleys. From Burgundy, France, this winemaking family, six generations deep, pours their expertise into 40 different wines under many labels. There’s a sip for every palate and an extensive food menu, too.
VARA Vinoteca
You can’t miss the street corner-dominating VARA Vinoteca, located right downtown. Sit right down in these bright, contemporary environs for wines crafted in New Mexico from Spanish grape varietals grown in Spain and at various American vineyards, including some in New Mexico. If you are naive about Spanish wines, try a flight or ask for some guidance and make sure to pair your choice with something tasty from their tapas menu. Check out their location in Albuquerque, too, and/or sample an experience!
Day Drinking Day Trips
This itinerary leads you and your crew north toward Taos and into the majestic Rio Grande canyon. Pick a few destinations and make a day of it or just choose one, plus a nearby hike or museum.
El Alamo Winery
Schedule your tasting at El Alamo Winery, located in Alcalde, not far from the banks of the Rio Grande river. Named after a towering, centuries-old cottonwood tree, El Alamo produces wine from grapes grown exclusively in New Mexico. Their Tempranillo (2018) and Baco Noir (2019) won Best of Show at the New Mexico State Fair Wine competition in 2021. The family-owned and operated winery currently offers nine different styles of wine that range from dry reds to crisp whites.
Black Mesa Winery and Cidery
One hundred percent of the 30 wines and five ciders from Black Mesa Winery & Cidery are crafted entirely onsite at the estate in Velarde, and made from 100% New Mexico grapes and local apples. The winemaking team includes sommelier Craig Dunn, who ran the Wine Spectator-winning wine list at Taos Inn for two decades. The tastings of their award-winning wine and cider are inviting and casual, their merch is fun, and you are encouraged to walk their petroglyph trail and labyrinth.
Vivác Winery
Vivác Winery is a full-on family affair. Brothers Chris and Jesse Padberg, who were born and raised on an apple farm just down the road in Dixon, together with their wives Liliana and Michelle are co everything—owners, winemakers, and sommeliers. Their “high altitude refuge,” in other words, Vivác, bustles just off the highway at 6,000 feet, making it one of the highest altitude wineries in the world. Take advantage of a variety of tasting options, some of which include savory treats or Liliana’s Ek.chuah chocolates. This is a gem of a setting, with the gardens, the views, and the adobe tasting room, built by the owners themselves.
Embudo Valley Vineyards and Winery
You’ll find Embudo Valley Vineyards and Winery ensconced on 25 cultivated acres of the Embudo Valley Organics farm along the banks of the Rio Grande river. Award-winning winemaker John Johnson produces crisp whites and fruit-forward reds and recently oversaw the planting of Pinot Noir and Riesling grapes, adding to the Baco Noir contingent. Make a trip to Rinconada for one of their tastings which include the entire wine collection. You can’t beat the bright, open wood-paneled space, charmingly adorned by a grand piano or find a spot on their generous portal.
La Chiripada Winery
You can't help but be charmed by the village that is Dixon, New Mexico, where you’ll find La Chiripada Winery, a family–run operation established 1977. It’s lovingly named “La Chiripada” (a stroke of luck) after the original ranch. The doors of their rambling adobe tasting room are open for tasting their award winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Viognier, Port, and innovative blends like Winemakers’ Select Red and Vintners’ Reserve Red every day from 11 am to 6 pm.
Las Nueve Niñas Winery
Call ahead to schedule your special tasting at Las Nueve Niñas Winery, owned and operated by the fourth generation of Aragons, and located at 7,600 feet in Mora, New Mexico. You will arrive at their doorstep after an enchanting backcountry drive from Santa Fe via the High Road to Taos. Taste their Capulin, Tempranillo, Dona Tulles table reds, and Rieslings.
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