Northern New Mexico wineries were at the top of my list when I visited Taos this summer. New Mexico, which has a long tradition of wine making dates back to 1629, now has over 60 wineries. I returned this time with a focus on its volcanic wines. Northern New Mexico has some of the state's oldest and highest-elevation wineries, including La Chiripada Winery and Vivac Winery at 6,000 feet. During our visit we dropped by these two Dixon wineries that produce wines grown in volcanic soils.
Vivác Winery, Northern New Mexico, July 2026 © Spaswinefood
It was such a delight to continue my volcanic wines inquiry in Northern New Mexico.
New Mexico Wine Country
New Mexico's three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) Middle Rio Grande Valley, Mimbres Valley and Mesilla Valley are all at higher altitudes. New Mexico's arid climate and fertile Rio Grande Valley provides ideal growing conditions for wine grapes. Given such an ideal environment it is not surprising to discover that New Mexico has had a long history of wine making, dating back to 1629. The wine production in New Mexico continued to grow until the later part of the 19th century when the industry went through a major decline. Flooding problems with the Rio Grande; later Prohibition wiped out New Mexico's wine production. The wine industry however was revived in 1978 when the government promoted the planting of French hybrid grapes. New Mexico produces wines from both vinifera varieties and hybrids. The state's diverse geology and past history of volcanic activity have created terroir for producing volcanic wines.
During our visit to Northern New Mexico I dropped by two Dixon wineries. Vivác Winery and Chiripada Winery, both of which produce wines grown in volcanic soils. Given the increasing popularity Volcanic Wines, wines grown in volcanic soils, it is appropriate to view them through a volcanic wines lens.
Viewing New Mexico's Wines through a Volcanic Lens
Volcanic wines are made from grapes grown in volcanic soils. Northern New Mexico's wines are excellent examples of wines born in volcanic soils. Volcanic wines regions around the world are found in Italy, France, Greece, Chile, Argentina, and the United States. Exploring US volcanic wines became a hot topic for me after visits to the Canary Islands peeked my interest. Besides our visit to New Mexico, a Southern Oregon roadtrip in May included Volcanic Winery in Klamath County, east of the Cascade Mountains. The winery produces small batch estate wines from American Hybrid grapes grown in Klamath Basin's volcanic soil at high elevation. Similarly, given its high-elevation climate, Northern New Mexico wineries also rely on resilient, experimental varietals. For me it was a perfect opportunity to continue my inquiry into volcanic wines in New Mexico.
Northern New Mexico, July 2026 © Spaswinefood
It was a pleasant drive from Taos to Dixon.
Arriving at Vivác Winery, July 2026 © Spaswinefood
Vivác Winery, July 2026 © Spaswinefood
Our winery stops included:
1. Vivác Winery
Vivác Winery, a family winery, obtained licensing in 1998. The Padberg brothers Chris (Co-Owner/ Co-Winemaker/ Sommelier) and Jesse (Co-Owner/ Co-Winemaker/ Advanced Sommelier) along with their wives Liliana (Co-Owner/ Co-Business Management Team/ Sommelier) and Michele Co-Owner/ Co-Business Management Team/ Advanced Sommelier) have created an inviting winery. Vivác means high altitude refuge.
Vivác Winery, July 2026 © Spaswinefood
Their adobe tasting room was built by the wine makers themselves in 2003.
Vivác Winery Tasting Room © Spaswinefood
Welcome to Vivác © Spaswinefood
The tasting room is surrounded by flower beds and meandering pathways. After we selected a wine flight enjoyed it in the flagstone courtyard. We also had some tasty snacks to go along with the wines.Wine Flight in the Courtyard © Spaswinefood
Our wine flight included:
1. Gruner Veltliner
2. Rose of Sangiovese
3. Cabernet Franc
4. Diavolo (Bordeaux-style blend made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Aglianico)
We enjoyed tasting these wines, and tried a few extras before leaving, such as their Montepulciano.
On my way out I did not forget to check out some rows of late June vines in the nearby vineyard.Arandell Clone 01-1 (Row 10) in the Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Arandell clone caught my attention. It was developed by Cornell University from a cross between two interspecific hybrids.
Some early grapes also caught my attention.
End June Grapes, Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Given that Riesling does well in New Mexico it is not surprising to see rows of Riesling clone 9.Riesling Clone 9 (Row 13) in the Vineyard © Spaswinefood
Riesling Clone 9 (Row 16) in the Vineyard © Spaswinefood
I always can not resist viewing a vineyard when I visit a winery.
I still remember that 2015 Taos visit when we were first introduced to Northern New Mexican wines. Vivác Winery was one of the local wineries we visited at that time, and the other was Black Mesa Winery. Below are a few notes from that earlier visit:
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| Vivác Winery, 2015 © Spaswinefood |
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| Vivác Winery Vineyard, 2015 © Spaswinefood |
Vivác Winery prides itself on using 100% New Mexico grapes. During our visit I tried the following wines: Rosé of Dolcetto 2013, Nebbiolo V. Series 2012, Pinot Noir 2010, Tempranillo 2012, Fire Vineyard Estate Wine 2011 and Cabernet Sauvignon V. Series 2012. We also tried their Amante 2009 (Port style red wine).
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| Vivác Winery, Fire Vineyard Estate Wine 2011 © Spaswinefood |
Vivác's Rosé was my favorite amongst the ones I tasted at that time.
During our most recent visit we loved tasting their Rosé of Sangiovese. We left with a few bottles.
2. La Chiripada Winery
La Chiripada means stroke of good luck, or lucky fluke. Established in 1977, it is the oldest New Mexican winery.
La Chiripada Winery, Northern New Mexico, July 2026 © Spaswinefood
La Chiripada Winery, a small family winery, is located in the beautiful Rio Embudo Valley (50 miles north of Santa Fe and 25 miles south of Taos). The name, La Chiripada, is taken from the original ranch where the winery is located.
Upon arrival you immediately see the white adobe building where the tasting room is housed.
Arriving at La Chiripada Winery, July 2026 © Spaswinefood
La Chiripada has a very welcoming entrance.
La Chiripada Winery, July 2026 © Spaswinefood
Northern New Mexico’s extreme winters and the high elevation (6100 ft, means it is one of the highest commercial grape growing ventures in the world). Hence they chose cultivars capable of withstanding the severe climate and short growing season. Their estate vineyards concentrates on two varietals: Millot, a French–American hybrid developed in France during the phylloxora epidemic, and Vidal Blanc, a cross with the Ugni Blanc, an Italian varietal. These varietals are components of their signature blends: Rio Embudo Red and Winemakers’ Select White. In addition, for this past 25 years La Chiripada, has worked closely with Paolo D’Andrea of New Mexico Vineyards, Mimbres Valley in the south to produce award winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Viognier, Port and innovative
blends (Winemakers’ Select Red and Vintners’ Reserve Red).
It was a welcoming tasting room for tasting wines.
La Chiripada Winery Tasting Room © Spaswinefood
Besides wines produced from its estate vineyards they also offer wines from grapes grown in southern New Mexico.Tasting La Chiripada Wines © Spaswinefood
We enjoyed our wine tasting and left with some interesting bottles. Two of these included:
(1) La Chiripada Amphora Muscat 2025
La Chiripada Amphora Muscat 2025 © Spaswinefood
La Chiripada Amphora Muscat 2025 © Spaswinefood Their back label describes the winery location and tells a story of how it is made in amphora.
Later on our roadtrip we enjoyed their Sorpresa Blanca.
(2) La Chiripada Winery, Sorpresa Blanca 2025
La Chiripada Winery, Sorpresa Blanca 2025 © Spaswinefood
This aromatic dry wine includes 50% Muscat and 50% Riesling. La Chiripada Winery, Sorpresa Blanca 2025 © Spaswinefood
Besides these two wines there was a long list of wine options to taste. For example, the below list was for white wines.
La Chiripada Tasting List © Spaswinefood
It was exciting to visit the oldest New Mexican winery.
La Chiripada Winery, Dixon, New Mexico © Spaswinefood
The good news is New Mexican's not only love their wines grown in volcanic soils but they also, love their hot chiles. To give you an idea of this love, for example Santa Fe hosts a wine and chile festival, which now into its 35th year.
Just in case you are wondering I prefer to use "chile" with an "e". According to die-hard hot pepper fans, it is considered the correct spelling. They believe "chili" only refers to the meat dish while "chile" is the pepper. I have discovered that pairing chiles (wether it is actual chiles, or dishes that include chiles or chile powder) and wine present some challenges. This challenge is due to it spice level. Many wines will not work well with spicy food. While Cabernet Sauvignon typically is a good pairing for a beef dish, the tannins are likely to clash with the spice level. If you are serious about exploring this further. Two articles that I found useful are:
1. Wine-seacher article What wines pair well with chilis and hot spicy foods? 2. Cooking Chats article WINE WITH CHILI: PAIRING TIPS AND PICKS Indeed should you choose to explore chiles and wine in New Mexico there is much to discover.
We loved returning to Vivác Winery and discovering La Chiripada. In the Dixon you will also find other Northern New Mexico wineries, like Black Mesa Winery in the Rio Embudo Valley, offering tastings and local food pairings. I would encourage all wine enthusiasts to checkout New Mexico's volcanic wines. Given volcanic wines have become a hot topic it will continue to be a focus of my inquiries. If you check wineries offering volcanic wines in Taos area then, just maybe you will find that perfect one for you. I invite you to join me in my the sharing of wine adventures in New Mexico and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
Cheers
Sharon
July 2026
Taos, New Mexico
© Spaswinefood
Off to Explore New Mexico's Volcanic Wines © Spaswinefood
Volcanic Winery Vineyard, Oregon © Spaswinefood
