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New Mexico Wine Travel Guide

BY CARPE TRAVEL

Vivo Vino! The state of New Mexico certainly lives up to its nickname as being the Land of Enchantment…including its wine being nothing short of enchanting.

As one of the United States more unique and independent winemaking regions in the heart of the Southwest, New Mexico has a rich and layered wine country just waiting for wine lovers to pour into.

Read on to find out more about this stunning region and a few tips and itineraries to pair with your New Mexico wine country experience.

CLICK TO SEE TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT NEW MEXICO WINE COUNTRY

THE ROOTS OF NEW MEXICO WINE
PLANNING YOUR VISIT

WHERE TO STAY

WHERE TO SIP

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

MORE ON NEW MEXICO

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ABOUT THE NEW MEXICO WINE COUNTRY

New Mexico has a rich wine history that took a lot of twists and turns throughout the years. Although the state didn’t have an easy start when it came to producing wine, today it continues to grow across the region. Today, New Mexico is home to more than 60 wineries and produces 900,000 gallons of wine annually.

Vineyards in the state are located across the north, central and southern regions of New Mexico in five major wine regions. Of these regions, there are currently three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).

Mimbres Valley, AVA

Middle Rio Grande River Valley, AVA

Mesilla Valley, AVA

Tularosa Basin & Northern New Mexico

Wine Fact Icon

New Mexico has been producing grapes for more than 400 years, starting with mission grapes that were brought to the state by Spanish Colonists from New Spain.

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THE ROOTS OF NEW MEXICO WINE

New Mexico has a long history of wine production in the states that dates back to the 17th century. In 1629, a Franciscan friar, García de Zúñiga, and a Capuchín monk named Antonio de Arteaga were the first to plant wine grapes in the Río Grande Valley of southern New Mexico. Viticulture in the valley continued to grow, by 1880, there were 3,000 acres worth of grapes in the region, and wineries produced more than one million gallons of wine. National Prohibition halted the expansion of the wine industry in New Mexico in 1920. The rebirth of the wine industry didn’t flourish again until the 1970’s when a government sponsored study encouraged winegrowers to plant French hybrid grapes. Today, New Mexico has more than 50 wineries and produces 900,000 gallons of wine annually.

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NEW MEXICO WINES

The New Mexico wine regions produces more than 70 different varieties of grapes.

Wine Grapes

Top Wine Produced

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Cabernet

Chardonnay

Riesling

Pinot Noir

Sauvignon Blanc

Zinfandel

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PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Read on to find Carpe Travel’s first-hand travel tips and recommendations to help make your stay in the New Mexican wine country a memorable one.

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WHEN TO VISIT

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summer

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winter

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fall

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spring

WHERE TO STAY

Check In Hotel Review: Sheraton Steamboat Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Carpe Travel's Top Picks

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Middle Rio Grande Valley AVA

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa
Dos Casitas en Socorro Bed and Breakfast

Mimbres Valley AVA

Days Inn Deming

Palace Hotel

Murray Hotel

WHERE TO EAT

Carpe Travel's Top Picks

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Vdara: Non-gaming hotels in Las Vegas
Wine Fact Icon

New Mexico is one of the oldest states to produce wine in the United States. In 1629, A Franciscan friar and Capuchin monk planted the state’s first wine grapes in the Rio Grande Valley.

WHERE TO SIP

There are 50+ wineries in New Mexico, here are a few of our favorites.

Carpe Travel's Top Picks

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Gruet Winery

Luna Rossa Winery

Vivác

wine tasting

New Mexico Interacive Winery Map

GO TO MAP

Getting to the New Mexico Wine Country

If you are flying...

If you are driving...

Getting Around the New Mexico Wine Country

Car Services

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New Mexico Wine Tours

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta
The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta celebrates five days of events featuring 90 national wineries and 75 of Santa Fe’s best restaurants. The festivities include cooking demos, wine seminars, and winery luncheons and dinners. The fiesta culminates with the Grand Tasting at the legendary Santa Fe Opera venue where all participating restaurants and wineries will serve samples. The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is a one-of-a-kind event  and a great way for visitors to get to Santa Fe in the fall season to experience the famous green chile harvest/roasting season as well as the inventive pairings of Santa Fe’s gourmet cuisine with wines from around the country.

Santa Fe Wine Festival
From A to Z: Top Wine Festivals in Every State Not to Miss
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SUGGESTED WINE TASTING ITINERARIES

Santa Fe Tasting Rooms
bottling soon!

SEE ITINERARY

Wine Trails in New Mexico
bottling soon!

COMING SOON!

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BEYOND THE VINES

Things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Village of Ruidoso…a hidden gem in New Mexico
The Village of Ruidoso…a hidden gem in New Mexico
Fun facts regarding New Mexico's Wine History
What Every Wine Lover Should Know About New Mexico Wine & its History
Fun facts regarding New Mexico's Wine History
What Every Wine Lover Should Know About New Mexico Wine & its History
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© 2011-2020 Elaine Schoch/Carpe Travel. All rights reserved. May not use text or photos without permission.

Nice To Meet You!

Elaine Schoch, Carpe Travel

Cheers! I’m Elaine Schoch, the editor and founder of Carpe Travel. I’m an award-winning travel writer, wine judge and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II), one of the world’s leading providers of wine education and certifications and an American Wine Expert. More…

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