Local Wineries in Santa Fe NM

Santa Fe, N.M., offers a distinct experience for wine enthusiasts. The region's unique climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, coupled with specific soil compositions, contributes to unique grape characteristics. This environment allows local vintners to craft wines with flavors and aromas reflecting northern New Mexico's distinct terroir.

The tradition of winemaking in New Mexico extends back centuries, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in North America. Modern wineries in the Santa Fe area continue this legacy, integrating traditional methods with contemporary winemaking techniques. Visitors discover a range of styles, from robust reds to crisp whites and innovative blends, often showcasing grapes specifically adapted to the high-desert environment. Exploring these local establishments allows one to taste wines genuinely rooted in the landscapes surrounding Santa Fe.

Black Mesa Winery and Cidery is situated alongside the Rio Grande, approximately halfway between Santa Fe and Taos, offering a scenic drive to its location in Velarde. This establishment distinguishes itself by producing wines and hard ciders crafted from New Mexico-grown grapes and apples. The winery celebrates over two decades of operation, having established itself as a consistent stop for travelers exploring the northern part of the state.

Visitors to Black Mesa can enjoy their wines and ciders in a setting with petroglyphs and a labyrinth. The petroglyphs, some dating back 1500 years, feature small Kokopeli figures marking each rock, providing a unique historical element to the wine-tasting experience. The labyrinth behind the winery and adjacent to the petroglyph trail offers a meditative walk through the landscape. The vineyard cultivates specific grape varietals such as Pinot Grigio, Syrah, Montepulciano, and Riesling while sourcing other New Mexico grapes to create a comprehensive selection.

El Alamo Winery is located in Alcalde, a community positioned near the banks of the Rio Grande, north of Santa Fe. The winery's name, "The Cottonwood," references a towering, centuries-old cottonwood tree that casts its shadow over the vineyard, a prominent landmark on the property. Joseph Martinez, the winemaker and founder, has applied a science-based approach to winemaking since 2005, drawing on his background as a retired weapons engineer from Los Alamos National Laboratory.

El Alamo Winery cultivates Baco Noir and Riesling grapes within its two-acre vineyard, which began planting in 2012. In addition to estate-grown grapes, El Alamo also sources fruit from other New Mexico vineyards, including those in Deming, to expand its offering. The winery provides a portfolio of over twenty wine styles, ranging from dry reds to crisp whites. A notable and unique offering is their Bourbon-Aged Baco Noir, a varietal matured in bourbon barrels, providing a distinctive flavor profile not commonly found elsewhere in New Mexico.

Embudo Valley Vineyards is nestled in the picturesque Embudo Valley, along Highway 68 in the Rio Grande Canyon, a route often referred to as the Low Road to Taos. This winery represents a partnership that emerged from Embudo Valley Organics, a farm with a long history in the region. The setting provides a contemporary-rustic ambiance where visitors can relax and enjoy sustainably made wines.

The vineyards are between the Rio Grande and a geological formation from a three-million-year-old volcanic field. The soil, characterized by sandy loam, benefits from the warmth of surrounding basalt boulders, creating an optimal environment for growing specific grape varietals. The vineyard's history includes an initial planting of Baco Noir along the Rio Grande in 1997, leading to the farm's first homegrown wine in 1999. More recently, in 2020, 1200 new vines of Riesling and Pinot Noir were planted, expanding the vineyard to two acres with plans for incremental growth.

La Chiripada Winery, established in 1977, is a family-owned and operated establishment located in the Embudo Valley of northern New Mexico, specifically in Dixon. The name "La Chiripada," meaning "a stroke of luck" or "a lucky fluke," was adopted from the original ranch where the winery is situated. The winery building was constructed in 1981 in the traditional Southwest style, utilizing indigenous materials such as adobe bricks, vigas, and latillas.

La Chiripada concentrates on two varietals for its estate vineyards: Millot, a French-American hybrid, and Vidal Blanc, a cross with Ugni Blanc. These varietals are key for their signature blends, Rio Embudo Red and Winemakers' Select White. The winery also collaborates with other New Mexico vineyards to produce a broad selection of over 20 wine varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Port.

Noisy Water Winery, with its origins in Ruidoso, has expanded its presence to include a tasting room in Santa Fe. Founded in 2009 by the Riddle Family, the winery has garnered recognition for its wines, including multiple awards at national and international competitions. The Santa Fe tasting room provides an accessible location for visitors to experience their diverse range of wines.

The winery offers an extensive menu featuring over 30 wines, alongside their own Uncle Dick's Hard Ciders available on tap. Their selection includes unique and popular blends such as Jo Mamma's Mango Tango and Besito Caliente Green Chile wine, catering to various palates. The Santa Fe location provides a welcoming environment for wine tasting, where guests can enjoy wines by the glass or bottle, and explore artisanal cheese selections and other charcuterie offerings.

Vivac Winery, located in Dixon, is one of the highest-altitude wineries in the world, with its vineyards situated at approximately 6,000 feet. The name "Vivac" is a mountaineering term meaning "high altitude refuge," reflecting its unique geographical placement. The winery, established in 1998, emphasizes a commitment to quality and sustainability in its winemaking process, utilizing locally sourced grapes that express the regional terroir.

The tasting room is an adobe structure adorned with enchanting flower beds and meandering pathways leading to a flagstone courtyard. Visitors find a spacious showroom featuring dynamic blown glass art by Shel Neymark and other contemporary New Mexico artists. Vivac Winery offers a comprehensive wine list that includes crisp, dry white wines, sumptuous red wines, decadent dessert wines, and delightful sweet wines. Beyond wine, the tasting room also features an in-house chocolatier specializing in painted mold truffles, handmade wine pasta, and honey from the vineyard beehives.

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