Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon

Friday, October 16, 2026

Hot Topic: Northern New Mexico wineries producing volcanic wines

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:

Vivác Winery, 2015 © Spaswinefood

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).

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

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

We loved returning to Vivác Winery and discovering La Chiripada to continue my inquiry into volcanic wines. In Dixon you can also find other Northern New Mexico wineries, like Black Mesa Winery in the Rio Embudo Valley, offering tastings and local food pairings. During our 2015 Taos visit we were first introduced to Northern New Mexican wines not only at Vivác Winery but also, Black Mesa Winery (notes from that 2015 visit below).

Black Mesa Winery
Black Mesa Winery is a fun winery to visit.

Black Mesa Winery, 2015 © Spaswinefood

Located near the winery is their vineyard. I just had to take a look at the grapes.

Entrance to Black Mesa Winery, 2015 © Spaswinefood

Yes, I did take photos of the grapes in the vineyard.

Black Mesa Winery Vineyard, 2015 © Spaswinefood

I so loved the color of the grapes as harvest time approaches.

Black Mesa Winery Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

Black Mesa Winery is proud of its award winning wines.

Black Mesa Winery Wine Display © Spaswinefood

While at the tasting room we tried their Black Mesa Sparkling Wine, Black Mesa Dry Rosé, Sangiovese 2013, Tempranillo 2012 and Zinfandel 2011.

Black Mesa Winery, Dry Rose © Spaswinefood

They had some estate grown wines (Syrah) that I did not taste.

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

Off to Explore New Mexico's Volcanic Wines © Spaswinefood

Volcanic Winery Vineyard, Oregon © Spaswinefood

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Saturday, October 10, 2026

Daou Mountain will wow you with its views, hospitality, and its wine of course

DAOU Vineyards and Winery, in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles Wine Country, is located at 2,200 feet. From their tasting patio, you will not find a better view. It has perhaps the most scenic viewpoint in Paso. Our Paso Robles Wine adventure was at the time of that late summer glow, just before summer's end. We (Ann, Marion, Luisa, Emanuel, Norma, John and I) did on a wine tasting over lunch at Daou. Daou Mountain wowed us with its views, hospitality, and of course its wine.

Wine Tasting and Lunch at Daou Vineyard

Wine enthusiasts head to Dauo Mountain at 2777 Hidden Mountain Road, Paso Robles for one of the best views in town. We came because this mountaintop estate gets high marks for hospitality and views.

Welcome to Daou Montain © Spaswinefood

Daou's 212 acre estate, once part of the historic Hoffman Mountain Ranch Vineyard, was acquired by Daniel and Georges Daou in 2007. They were convinced the terroir met the criteria for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varietals that would compete with the top appellations in the world. Finding the right terroir in such a setting, with world class views, undoubtedly makes Daou a winner.

Welcome to Daou Mountain
Daou Mountain began as Hoffman Mountain Ranch when in 1961, Dr. Stanley Hoffman, a Beverly Hills cardiologist, moved his family to Paso Robles to follow his dream of becoming a winemaker. The property would become known for producing notable wines, and the birthplace of Paso Robles modern winemaking. Hoffman hired André Tchelistcheff as a consultant, and together, they developed the Hoffman Mountain Ranch vineyard and winery, the first gravity-flow winery in America and first commercial-scale winery in Paso Robles. After the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, acquired the original Hoffman Mountain Ranch property, they restored the original winery preserving a vital part of Paso Robles history. Today it is one of the must visit wineries in Paso Robles.

After the scenic drive up the mountain we were welcomed with a glass of rosé wine.

A Daou Montain Welcome © Spaswinefood

Daou Vineyards, Rose Reserve, Adelaida District, Paso Robles 2024 © Spaswinefood

We for lunch chose a table inside.

Welcome to Daou Montain © Spaswinefood

Our lunch began with appetizers and wines.

Wine & Appetizers, Daou Montain © Spaswinefood

Appetizering Moments Daou Montain © Spaswinefood

More Appetizering Moments, Daou Montain © Spaswinefood

We loved these vegetable, cheese and charchuterie platters. Our lunch plates were so very delicious.

Most Delicious Salad, Daou © Spaswinefood

Of course for those who like there is desert!

Daou Desert Time © Spaswinefood

Time for Chocolate, Daou © Spaswinefood

Daou produces some of the finest Bordeaux style wines. Included in the wines we tasted were Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bordeaux style blends.

Daou Vineyards, Chardonnay 2022

Daou Vineyards, Chardonnay Paso Robles 2022 © Spaswinefood

In the Glass: Daou Vineyards, Chardonnay © Spaswinefood

Daou Vineyards, Rose Reserve, Adelaida District, Paso Robles 2024

In the Glass: Daou Vineyards, Rose © Spaswinefood

Daou Vineyards, Reserve Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap Sonoma, 2024

Daou Vineyards, Reserve Pinot Noir Petaluma Gap 2024 © Spaswinefood

This limited edition Daou Pinot Noir is sourced from cool-climate grapes grown at the Petaluma Gap in Sonoma AVA.

Daou Vineyards, Reserve Eye of the Falcon, Paso Robles 2023

Daou Vineyards, Reserve Eye of the Falcon, Paso Robles 2023 © Spaswinefood

Reserve Eye of the Falcon 2023 is Daou's Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. After tasting this wine I can see why it gets top reviews.

Daou Vineyards, Three Sisters, Paso Robles 2022

Daou Vineyards, Three Sisters, Paso Robles 2022 © Spaswinefood

This wine was produced for one vintage only, 2022. The Three Sisters Limited Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is available exclusively only at DAOU Mountain. Fortunately for us, it was featured in the Discover DAOU Flight this September and October. Given we were there in September we got to taste it. Hence we were in the right place at the right time.

Over lunch I appreciated the opportunity to try these wines.

CHEERS to Lunch at Daou Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Daou has continuously produced some of the finest Bordeaux style wines in Paso. Though their flagship wines are in the triple-digit range, they also have excellent, more moderately priced offerings.

Beyond the fantastic lunch with great wines, the views from Daou Mountain are world class. From their tasting patio, it is hard to find a better view of Paso Robles Wine Country.

Wine Country Heaven: Daou Montain © Spaswinefood

After lunch we toured the outside patio area to take in the spectacular views.

Wine Country Heaven: Daou Montain © Spaswinefood

Wine Country Heaven a tDaou Montain © Spaswinefood

There was also some time to take pictures of this welcoming place.

Daou Thank you for the Memories © Spaswinefood

After a little exploration of the patio views it was time to leave the mountain to head back down.

Leaving Daou Mountain © Spaswinefood

Off we went to continue our explorations of Paso Robles Wine Country,

Paso Robles Wine Country

Daou Vineyards is located in Adelaida District of Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA), San Luis Obispo County, California's third largest wine region. Maybe you have heard that Paso Robles Wine Country has 11 Viticultural Areas. When you say that Paso Robles Wine Country has 11 Viticultural Areas (sub-appellations) what does that mean? First, Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA) was established in 1983. Since the wine region was established it has grown significantly. Paso Robles, home to so much diversity in wine, is now a large and very diverse wine region, with over 200 wineries in the appellation. Over the years I have been introduced to the amazing diversity of Paso Robles 11 sub-appellations that showcase the uniqueness within Paso Robles Wine Country. Daou has its own unique niche. Moreover, if you are interested in checking out some of Paso Robles's greener wineries, then put Daou at 2777 Hidden Mountain Road, Paso Robles on your list. The winery offers a number of wine tasting options. You can also take a tour of the winery to learn more about 's wine production.

Daou Mountain, Paso Robles Wine Country © Spaswinefood

If you are looking for great views, delicious wines and food, and hospitality then Dao Vineyards is a must. Daou life is indeed beautiful! It is hard to beat summer's end in Paso Robles with so many wonderful wineries and a vibrant culinary scene. We were treated so well at the Paso Robles wineries and restaurants we visited. I invite you to join me in my travels in Paso Robles, California, and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.

CHEERS!!

Sharon

Summer's End at Daou Mountain, September 2026

Paso Robles, California

Daou's a California Sustainable Vineyard & Winery © Spaswinefood

Daou Vineyard & Winery's Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

Daou Wine Tasting with Friends, Paso Robles © Spaswinefood

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NOTES from Earlier Visit: I still remember a mid-summer evening 2014 with the Paso Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective at Daou Vineyards was an event filled with so many good wines. Even though our #WBC14 Pre-conference wine blogger tour arrived, as the sun was setting, the view from Daou Mountain (as the locals affectionately call it) was stunning. Daou, once part of the historic Hoffman Mountain Ranch Vineyard, was acquired by Daniel and Georges Daou in 2007. They were convinced the terroir met the criteria for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varietals that would compete with the top appellations in the world. Finding the right terroir in such a setting, with world class views, undoubtedly makes it a winner. It was in this beautiful setting that we were introduced to wines from the Paso Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective.

In fact as we entered the Daou's Tasting Room we were welcomed with some wines from the CAB Collective.

The first two wines included:
1. Justin Paso Robles Rose 2013, and
2. Daou Vineyards & Winery, Paso Robles Seventeen Forty Reserve 2011.

To go along with the above wines there were tasty appetizers as well.

After appetizers and a sample of the welcoming wines I tasted more wines from the Paso Robles CAB Collective (PRCC) wineries. Founded in 2012 the PRCC mission is to (1) provide education on the quality of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals, and (2) promote and globally market Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux (BDX) varietals. The event's focus on wineries engaged in the production Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals provided me with a value lens for tasting Paso wines.

Tasting Paso Robles CAB Collective Wines
Over the course of the next 2-3 hours I was able to do a representative sampling from the participating wineries.

1. Justin Winery founded in 1981 with a primary goal of creating world-class Bordeaux style blends. Based wine critics' reviews it has achieved its goal. The first wine from Justin's was a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2012.

The second Justin Winery wine was a Paso Robles Isosceles 2011 (a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc).

Justin Winery is well known for their Isosceles wines that they have been producing since 1987. Many vintages of this Bordeaux style blend has received great reviews from wine critics.

2. Le Vigne Winery's story began in 1982 with grape growing starting. Soon the high quality of grapes produced in their vineyard lead to the Filippini family to start making wine in 1989. They established a state of the art winery in 1995. Vigne, Italian for vineyard, sounds like an appropriate name for a winery that had its origins, as a vineyard. Vigne's goal is to make wines that display the characteristics of the vineyard and the vintage.

The first Le Vigne Winery wine was a Cabernet Sauvignon 2011.

The second Le Vigne Winery wine was a Nikiari 2011.

3. Parish Family Vineyard is a boutique winery that began wine production in 2004, opened a tasting room in 2011. However, 70 years ago David Parish's grandfather was unable to achieve his dream to establish a commercial winery because of Prohibition and the Great Depression. Today the Parish family have been able to realized that dream. The first Parish Family Vineyard wine that I tasted was a Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009.

The second wine was a Parish Family Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2010.

4. Red Soles Winery is a small, family owned winery. Owners, Randy and Cheryl Phillips have been not only successful in growing grapes for their own winery but for other large wineries in the area. Their wine story began with them crushing their first barrel of wine with their own feet; hence the name Red Soles. This passion for wine making still continues. In fact you will find them happily pouring wines in their tasting room. I was most fortunate to have Randy pour the Red Soles wines I tasted.

The Red Soles Winery, Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 was the first wine I tasted.

The Red Soles Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2011 was the second wine I tasted.

My next tastings were from Vina Robles.

5. Vina Robles was founded in 1997 by Han Nef (proprietor) and Hans R. Michel (managing partner). They brought their Swiss heritage to Paso Robles wine making. Vina Robles wines capture the uniqueness of their estate vineyards while bridging the best of the Old world and New world wine styles. The first Vina Robles wine that I tasted was a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2011.

The second Vina Robles wine that I tasted was a Paso Robles Estate Suendero 2010.

6. Villa San-Juliette Vineyard & Winery is a beautiful 168-acre SIP Certified vineyard and winery. Located in the hills of San Miguel it is the perfect setting to enjoy their award winning wines and 180 degree views of Paso Robles Wine Country.

From Villa San-Juliette I tasted four wines. The first wine was a Villa San-Juliette, Petit Verdot Reserve 2011.

The second wine was a Villa San-Juliette, Cabernet Sauvigon Reserve 2010.

Villa San-Juliette, Cabernet Sauvigon Reserve 2010

The third wine was a Villa San-Juliette, Cabernet Franc Reserve 2010.

This time there was a fourth wine, a Villa San-Juliette Romantique Reserve 2010.

The wines that I tasted that evening were a great introduction to Paso Robles BDX varieties. Above all meeting the representatives from our host wineries was a great introduction to Paso Robles Wine Country. It was indeed a delightful evening on Daou Mountain.

A buffet dinner was also available during our visit.

As we left Daou Mountain that evening, I left with special memories of that beautiful place and the awesome Paso Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective wines.

Needless to say, with so many CAB Collective wonderful wines to taste, you can see why Paso Robles Wine Country is a wine taster's delight. California's third largest and fastest growing wine region, with over 200 wineries. Paso Robles Wine Country is a good source for further information on Paso Robles wineries. The California Winery Advisor is a great source for overall information on California wineries and Paso Robles in particular. I invite you to join me in my travels in Paso Robles in search of the best in Spaswinefood.

Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon

Friday, October 16, 2026

Hot Topic: Northern New Mexico wineries producing volcanic wines

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Daou Mountain will wow you with its views, hospitality, and its wine of course

Hot Topic: Northern New Mexico wineries producing volcanic wines

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