Sipping in the Land of Enchantment: Exploring New Mexico’s Wine Country

New Mexico Wines & Wineries

Here’s a 2-day itinerary for exploring New Mexico’s wine country, including winery visits, dining options, and local attractions to enhance your experience.

Day 1: Albuquerque and Surrounding Wineries

Morning:

• Arrival in Albuquerque, NM

  • Check into your accommodation. Consider staying at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town for its charming atmosphere and central location.
    • Website: Hotel Albuquerque

• **Breakfast at The Grove Cafe & Market

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this local favorite known for its fresh ingredients and casual atmosphere.
    • Website: The Grove Cafe & Market

Late Morning:

• Visit Gruet Winery
  • Begin your wine adventure at Gruet Winery. Enjoy a guided tasting of their renowned sparkling wines and explore their beautiful tasting room.
    • Address: 8400 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
    • Website: Gruet Winery

Afternoon:

• **Lunch at Nob Hill Bar & Grill

  • Enjoy lunch at this popular spot in Albuquerque, known for its American cuisine and inviting atmosphere.
    • Website: Nob Hill Bar & Grill

• Visit Sandia Peak Vineyards

  • After lunch, head to Sandia Peak Vineyards, located just outside Albuquerque. Sample their wines while enjoying stunning views of the Sandia Mountains.
    • Address: 5301 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
    • Website: Sandia Peak Vineyards

Evening:

• **Dinner at El Pinto

  • Savor authentic New Mexican cuisine at El Pinto, a local favorite known for its green chile and beautiful outdoor dining area.
    • Website: El Pinto

• Overnight in Albuquerque

Day 2: Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico

Morning:

• **Breakfast at Cafe Pasqual’s

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this beloved Santa Fe café, known for its vibrant atmosphere and organic ingredients.
    • Website: Cafe Pasqual’s

• Drive to Santa Fe Vineyards

  • Head to Santa Fe Vineyards for a tasting of their locally sourced wines. Enjoy the beautiful vineyard setting and learn about their winemaking process.
    • Address: 2nd Street, Santa Fe, NM 87507
    • Website: Santa Fe Vineyards

Afternoon:

• **Lunch at The Shed

  • Enjoy a traditional New Mexican lunch at The Shed, known for its delicious enchiladas and vibrant atmosphere.
    • Website: The Shed

• Visit Black Snout Brewhouse & Winery

  • After lunch, make your way to Black Snout in Farmington, where you can sample their wines and craft beers. This unique venue often hosts events and has a cozy tasting room.
    • Address: 912 E Main St, Farmington, NM 87401
    • Website: Black Snout Brewhouse & Winery

Evening:

• **Dinner at Blue Heron Brewery & Winery

  • Wrap up your wine journey with dinner at Blue Heron Brewery & Winery in Taos. Enjoy a meal crafted with local ingredients and pair it with their wines or craft beers.
    • Address: 226 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571
    • Website: Blue Heron Brewery & Winery

• Return to Hotel or Overnight in Taos

This itinerary provides a well-rounded experience of New Mexico’s wine country, combining winery visits with delicious dining and exploration of the local culture and landscapes. Enjoy your adventure through the unique flavors and beautiful scenery of New Mexico!

Positive Things In New Mexico

Here’s a list of fun activities and attractions you can enjoy while you’re exploring New Mexico, especially in areas around wineries and popular destinations:

1. Explore the Great Outdoors

• Visit Bandelier National Monument

  • Explore ancient cliff dwellings and hiking trails set amidst stunning canyon scenery. The main trail leads to impressive archaeological sites, including the famous Tyuonyi Pueblo.
  • Website: Bandelier National Monument

• Hike the Sandia Mountains

  • Take a hike or ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for breathtaking views of Albuquerque and the surrounding areas. There are various trails suitable for all skill levels.
  • Website: Sandia Peak Tramway

2. Cultural Experiences

• Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

  • Located in Santa Fe, this museum is dedicated to the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, one of America’s most significant artists. It features a large collection of her paintings and offers insight into her life and work.
  • Website: Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

• Explore the New Mexico History Museum

  • In Santa Fe, this museum offers exhibits showcasing the rich history and culture of New Mexico, including Native American art and Spanish colonial history.
  • Website: New Mexico History Museum

3. Unique Attractions

• Take a Balloon Ride

  • Experience Albuquerque’s famous International Balloon Fiesta (if visiting in October) or take a hot air balloon ride for stunning aerial views of the landscape.
  • Website: Albuquerque Balloon Rides

• Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park

  • Discover stunning limestone caves and explore the vast underground chambers. Don’t miss the Bat Flight Program, where you can see thousands of bats emerge at sunset.
  • Website: Carlsbad Caverns

4. Local Food and Drink

• Dine at Local Restaurants

  • Enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine at local favorites like The Shed in Santa Fe or El Pinto in Albuquerque, known for their delicious green chiles and enchiladas.

• Visit Local Breweries and Distilleries

  • New Mexico has a growing craft beer scene. Visit places like Marble Brewery in Albuquerque or Santa Fe Brewing Company for local brews.
  • Website: Marble Brewery

5. Festivals and Events

• Attend the Santa Fe Indian Market

  • If you’re visiting in August, don’t miss this renowned event showcasing Native American art, crafts, and performances. It’s a fantastic way to experience local culture and art.
  • Website: Santa Fe Indian Market

• Check out the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

  • Held every October, this is one of the most photographed events in the world. Enjoy breathtaking balloon displays, competitions, and food vendors.
  • Website: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

6. Relaxation and Leisure

• Visit a Spa

  • Treat yourself to a day of relaxation at one of New Mexico’s spas. Many resorts offer services that incorporate local ingredients and healing traditions.

• Enjoy the Hot Springs

  • Soak in natural hot springs in places like Ojo Caliente or Glenwood for a relaxing experience surrounded by beautiful scenery.
  • Website: Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs

7. Family-Friendly Activities

• Visit the Albuquerque BioPark

  • This expansive park includes a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, making it a great destination for families. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and activities for kids.
  • Website: Albuquerque BioPark

• Explore the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

  • Located in Albuquerque, this museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and the natural history of New Mexico, providing a fun and educational experience for families.
  • Website: New Mexico Museum of Natural History

Positive Things In New Mexico

With a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, unique attractions, and delicious local cuisine, New Mexico offers a rich variety of activities to enjoy during your visit. Have fun exploring all that this beautiful state has to offer!

1. New Mexico Wine & Food Festival

• Location: Albuquerque, NM
• Description: Typically held in the spring, this festival showcases the best of New Mexico’s wines and culinary delights. Visitors can enjoy tastings from local wineries, cooking demonstrations, and gourmet food pairings.
• Website: New Mexico Wine & Food Festival

2. Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

• Location: Santa Fe, NM
• Description: This popular annual event, usually held in September, features tastings from New Mexico wineries alongside gourmet food from local restaurants. The festival includes cooking classes, wine dinners, and a grand tasting event.
• Website: Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

3. New Mexico Wine Harvest Festival

• Location: Los Lunas, NM
• Description: Held in late September, this festival celebrates the grape harvest with wine tastings, live music, local artisans, and delicious food options. It’s a fun event for all ages, featuring activities for families.
• Website: Check local tourism sites for specific dates and events.

4. Albuquerque Wine Festival

• Location: Albuquerque, NM
• Description: This festival typically takes place in the summer and features tastings from various local wineries, food vendors, and live entertainment. It’s a great way to sample a wide range of wines in a festive atmosphere.
• Website: Check local event listings for details.

5. Grape Stomp Festivals

• Location: Various Wineries Across New Mexico
• Description: Many wineries in New Mexico host grape stomp festivals in the fall, where visitors can participate in the traditional grape stomping while enjoying live music, food, and wine tastings.
• Example Winery: La Viña Winery often hosts such events.

6. Sipping Under the Stars

• Location: Ponderosa Winery, New Mexico
• Description: This unique event combines wine tasting with stargazing, allowing guests to enjoy local wines while taking in the beautiful night sky. Typically held in the summer, it features educational talks about the stars.
• Website: Ponderosa Winery

These festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to experience New Mexico’s vibrant wine culture, sample local wines, and enjoy food pairings and entertainment. Be sure to check the respective websites for specific dates, ticket information, and any updates related to the events!