New Mexico Wine Country — America's Oldest Wine Region Since 1629
New Mexico is America's oldest wine-producing state — Spanish missionaries planted vines in the Rio Grande Valley in 1629, more than 150 years before California. Gruet Winery produces nationally acclaimed sparkling wine using méthode champenoise at 4,000 ft elevation. Casa Rondena's Spanish Colonial hacienda estate produces acclaimed Cabernet Franc from Rio Grande Valley vineyards. High altitude, warm days, cool nights, and volcanic soils produce wines of genuine distinction. Sip & Summit builds your curated 4-stop New Mexico wine route in under 10 seconds.
Featured Wineries
- Gruet Winery — America's most acclaimed high-altitude sparkling wine producer, producing award-winning Blanc de Blancs and Brut using méthode champenoise at 4,000 ft in Albuquerque.
- Casa Rondena Winery — Albuquerque's most beautiful winery, a Spanish Colonial hacienda estate producing acclaimed Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux blends, and Viognier from Rio Grande Valley vineyards.
- Vivac Winery — A beloved Dixon estate in the Río Grande del Norte AVA producing elegant Tempranillo, Albariño, and rosé from high-altitude northern New Mexico vineyards.
- St. Clair Winery — New Mexico's largest winery with 200+ acres in the Mimbres Valley producing the most extensive range of New Mexico wines.
- Sheehan Winery — A boutique Albuquerque North Valley estate producing elegant Tempranillo, Grenache, and Muscat from Rio Grande floodplain soils.
Why Sip & Summit
- 4-stop curated wine day through America's oldest wine region
- Route built in under 10 seconds
- Minutes from downtown Albuquerque — easy day trip from Santa Fe
- One-tap navigation to each estate
- Swap any stop if it doesn't fit your day
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best wineries in New Mexico?
- Gruet Winery, Casa Rondena, Vivac Winery, St. Clair Winery, and Sheehan Winery — award-winning sparkling wine, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier from high-altitude Rio Grande Valley and Mesilla Valley vineyards.
- Why is New Mexico significant in American wine history?
- New Mexico is America's oldest wine-producing state — Spanish missionaries planted vines in the Rio Grande Valley in 1629, more than 150 years before California. Gruet Winery produces world-class méthode champenoise sparkling wine at 4,000 ft elevation.
- What wine is New Mexico known for?
- Gruet's Blanc de Blancs and Brut sparkling wines are New Mexico's most famous nationally. Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier thrive in the Mesilla Valley and Rio Grande del Norte AVA.
- Is New Mexico wine country good for a trip from Albuquerque or Santa Fe?
- Casa Rondena and Gruet are minutes from downtown Albuquerque. Santa Fe is 60 minutes away. Combine with Old Town Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains, and the museum district for a complete New Mexico wine day.
- How much does wine tasting cost in New Mexico?
- Typically $10–$20 per tasting flight — among the most affordable in any serious American wine region. Walk-ins welcome at most wineries.
- When is the best time to visit New Mexico wine country?
- September through November — harvest season in the Rio Grande Valley with mild desert temperatures. Spring (April–May) is also excellent before summer heat arrives.