Friday, August 7, 2026

New Mexico Wine Country: Where chiles and wine is always the perfect adventure

Returning to New Mexico this summer brought back memories of my introduction to New Mexico wine country in 2014-2015. At that time New Mexico had around 20 wineries whereas now it has about 50 wineries. I love New Mexican cuisine, which can be described as a fusion cuisine, influenced by Native American, Mexican and Spanish ingredients and techniques. Many of New Mexican dishes include a red or green chile sauce, or a combination of red and green, known as Christmas tree. Chiles not only play an important part in New Mexico's cuisine but are an important part of its cultural traditions. Obviously, returning last month, I was excited to not only to revisit the wines but also to enjoy New Mexico's chiles (hot peppers) as well.

Chile Rellenos, Orlandos, Taos © Spaswinefood

This time we stayed in Taos, a perfect base for a New Mexico wines and chiles adventure.

Chiles & Wine

The good news is New Mexican's not only love their hot chiles but they also love their wines. 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". It is considered the correct way to spell it according to die-hard hot pepper fans. 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 there is much to discover.

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.

During our recent visit to Northern New Mexico I dropped by two wineries in Dixon. 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. I discussed this in an earlier post on Northern New Mexico's volcanic wines.

Vivác Winery, July 2026 © Spaswinefood

La Chiripada Winery, July 2026 © Spaswinefood

I plan to do future post on both of the above wineries.

Of course it was great to return to Taos for a chiles and wine adventure.

Taos, New Mexico © Spaswinefood

Indeed New Mexico Wine Country, is where chiles and wine, is the perfect adventure. I first encountered New Mexico wines was over 10 years ago (see below). 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

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Edited Post: Earlier Visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Albuquerque area in particular has wineries and wine bars for wine enthusiasts to explore. A recent visit to Albuquerque was perfect timing to sample some of the local wine and food scene. New Mexico's cuisine can be described as a fusion cuisine, influenced by Native American, Mexican and Spanish ingredients and techniques. Many of the dishes often includes a red or green chile sauce, or a combination of red and green, known as Christmas tree. Chiles not only play an important part in New Mexico's cuisine but are an important part of its cultural traditions. The good news is New Mexican's not only love their chiles but they also love their wines. Most of the wines produced in the state are consumed there.

Dried Chiles, Hacienda Del Rio, Albuquerque © Spaswinefood

After sampling some of the local dishes smothered in chile sauce it was time to explore the local wine scene. Here are a few highlights from Spaswinefood's Albuquerque winery discoveries.

Gruett Winery
Gruett Winery, a family winery is known for its sparkling wines. They first established their vineyard in southern New Mexico in 1984. Gilbert Gruett who produced Champagne under Gruett et Fils label in Bethon, France since 1952 relocated to New Mexico with his family. They established their first vineyard by planting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. In 1989 the first sparkling wine was produced via Methode Champenoise. Gruett's first vintage received great reviews from critics. This put New Mexico wine on the map. Today Gilbert Gruett's son, Laurent and daughter Nathalie continued the family business, which now markets their wines to 48 states.

Gruett Winery, Albuquerque © Spaswinefood

Gruett Winery produces eight sparkling wines and some still wines (two Chardonnays and two Pinot Noirs).

Gruett Winery, Albuquerque © Spaswinefood

The winery is located near is a small vineyard along I25. Their main vineyards are in southern New Mexico.

Gruett Winery Vineyard, Albuquerque © Spaswinefood

Casa Rondeña Winery
Casa Rondeña Winery located in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is a very popular winery. It has been voted the best local winery and John Calvin, best vintner the last three years in a row. The vineyard was established in 1990 and the winery in 1995, with its tasting room opening in 1997.

Casa Rondeña Winery Entrance © Spaswinefood

It was just after a late February snowfall when we dropped by Casa Rondeña Winery. However given Albuquerque's unique climate snow melts fast. Even in late winter the vineyard was quite stunning.

Vineyard, Casa Rondeña Winery © Spaswinefood

When we arrived at the winery we followed the signs to the tasting room.

Tasting Room, Casa Rondeña Winery © Spaswinefood

Before you enter the tasting room you will notice a special New Mexico touch. Yes, there were chilies hanging at the entrance.

Casa Rondeña Winery Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

The chilies, the architecture, the tiles showing New Mexico's wine history all remind me that I was about to taste New Mexican wine.

Tile Work, Casa Rondeña Winery © Spaswinefood

During our visit I tasted the following wines;
1. 2012 Meritage, a brodeaux style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon)

Casa Rondeña Winery, Meritage 2012 © Spaswinefood

2. 2010 1629, a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo.

Casa Rondeña Winery, 1629 2010 © Spaswinefood

3. 2012 Clarion

Casa Rondeña Winery, Clarion 2012 © Spaswinefood

4. 2013 Viognier

Wine Tasting, Casa Rondeña Winery © Spaswinefood

5. 2013 Cabernet Franc Rosé

Casa Rondeña Winery, Rosé 2013 © Spaswinefood

6. 2013 Serenade (87% Reisling and 13% Gewurztraminer)

Casa Rondeña Winery, Serenade 2013 © Spaswinefood

7. 2006 Animate, a dessert wine made in a port style.

Casa Rondeña Winery, Animante 2008 © Spaswinefood

As we left the winery I could not resist taking a closer look at the vineyards. These are stunning vineyards.

Casa Rondeña Winery © Spaswinefood

Casa Rondeña Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Corrales Wine Loop
Later we toured the Corrales Wine Loop. While none of the wineries were open for tasting it did give a sense of an active wine growing area. Some of the wineries located on this loop included the Corrales Winery, Matheson Winery and Pasando Tiempo Winery & Vineyards.

1. Corrales Winery

Corrales Winery © Spaswinefood

Corrales Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Vineyard at Corrales Winery © Spaswinefood

2. Matheson Winery

Matheson Winery © Spaswinefood

Wine Love, Matheson Winery © Spaswinefood

3. Pasando Tiempo Winery & Vineyards.

Pasando Tiempo Winery & Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Albuquerque is a fun place to check out the wine scene. While on the wine trail make sure you sample some of the chili dishes. I look forward to more New Mexican adventures. I invite you to join me in my travels in New Mexico and elsewhere in search of the best .

Sharon

Albuquerque, New Mexico

February 2015

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Friday, July 31, 2026

Cinque Terre: A tourist favorite and one of Italy's oldest winemaking regions

Cinque Terre, on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, is home to five historic towns (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore). Its coastline villages with pastel colored home perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, and the surrounding historic terraced vineyards on hillsides, are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park (established in October 1999) which, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site two years later. During our Mediterranean cruise last spring I took a one day tour of Cinque Terre. The tour included visiting three of those villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore). Ideally you need more time however, even on a tight time line, it was a good intro to Monterosso, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore.

Cinque Terre, Italy © Spaswinefood

Cinque Terre a top tourist attraction is one of Italy’s oldest winemaking regions. This region produces wine following a painstaking process, which has not changed much since Roman times. I loved the fact that the tour included a wine tasting, and some time on your own to enjoy some of the local cuisine.

During my March visit the weather was ideal. I would recommend visiting Cinque Terre in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when the weather is generally good because there are fewer tourists. In this post I will share some vignettes from my brief tour.

Off to Visit Cinque Terre's Villages

We traveled from Livorno's port to La Spezia where we continued onto Monterosso, the western most village in Cinque Terre. Since vehicles can not travel beyond Monterosso visitors to Cinque Terre villages they must visit by train or boat to reach destinations beyond this point. For those with more time to explore Cinque Terre there are cliffside hiking trail links the villages, and offers sweeping sea vistas. For sure visitors delight in seeing its seaside villages with colorful houses and vineyards clinging to steep terraces. The harbors of Cinque Terra villages are filled with fishing boats. Its trattorias offer seafood specialties, and pastas with Liguria region’s famous sauce, pesto.

Since Monterosso al Mare was the first village that we toured I will begin there, followed by Vernazza, and Riomaggiore.

Monterosso al Mare

As soon as we arrived we were off the bus, and walking down the cliffside to our first village stopover.

Monterosso is the largest of the five villages.

Arriving at Monterosso © Spaswinefood

As our local guide who took us on a tour of the village, she explained details along the way. Our first encounter was with a retired professor, a friend of the guide, who lives in the village.

Meeting a Friend, Monterosso © Spaswinefood

We were introduced to how the local vineyards are managed in a steep terrace environment. The village is known for its white wines, grapes, and olives. Many lemon trees can be seen throughout Monterosso.

While touring Old Town we stopped by a tower.

Monterosso Old Town Tower © Spaswinefood

In the same plaza there was a church.

Church, Monterosso © Spaswinefood

After a very brief introduction we continued onto the harbor to take in views of Old Town and the ocean.

Touring Monterosso © Spaswinefood

During our walk we visited an overlook point where I enjoyed taking in views Old Town and the ocean.

Sea View: Monterosso © Spaswinefood

After our walkabout I went back to an area, not far from the meet up point.

Old Town, Monterosso © Spaswinefood

Monterosso is the only town that allows vehicles in town.

Street View, Monterosso © Spaswinefood

I had time to enjoy coffee and a snack at a local cafe.

Time for Coffee: Monterosso © Spaswinefood

While in town I noticed an advertisement for wine tasting and a cooking class. The Cinque Terre is know for its pesto.

Experiences offered in Monterosso © Spaswinefood

After touring around town on my own I returned to the designated meet up point, at the tunnel entrance. Then we were off to the Train station on the other side of the tunnel.

Tunnel Entrance to Monterosso Train Station © Spaswinefood

Monterosso Train Station © Spaswinefood

Vernazza

Not long after boarding the train we arrived in Vernazza, an historical fishing village. Vernazza's colorful houses surround its small marina.

Welcome to Vernazza © Spaswinefood

After a brief introduction by our guide off we went on our own to explore. Even on an early spring time morning there were plenty of tourists out and about.

Exploring Vernazza © Spaswinefood

Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, Vernazza © Spaswinefood

The historic Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church (shown in the center of above photo), stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Ligurian Sea, just off the main square, Piazza Guglielmo Marconi. The church was built in 1318 in Gothic-Ligurian style. Its distinctive 40-meter-high octagonal bell tower is topped with an elegant cupola. The church is dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch, the patron saint of Vernazza.

Side Street, Vernazza © Spaswinefood

During my walkout about I spotted plenty of souvenir type shops. Of course there was a wine shop, Enoteca La Cantina Del Molo.

It was recommended to try the gelato and I did.

All too soon it was time to head to the pick up point.

After further explorations, I went to the marine to take a boat to our next village.

Soon we were off to our next stop Riomaggiore.

Riomaggiore al Mare

It was not long before we were arriving in Riomaggiore, the most southern village in Cinque Terre.

The town climbs up along the ridges overlooking the sea.

It is captivating as Riomaggiore's stone houses with colored façades and slate-roofs come into full view.

Upon arrival we disembark, and are off to discover some of the village's delights.

We begin with a stroll through the historic center.

Upon arrival at our third village we had a wine tasting at Enoteca Internazionale. It was my opportunity to sample the local juice, Enoteca Internazionale in Monterosso’s old town, and opt for a flight of five Cinque Terre red or white wines–one from each town.

For our tasting there were two white wines available for tasting.

I took a closer look at one of the wines poured.

Sassarini, Vendemmia Cinque Terre DOC 2024

It was a delight into to Cinque Terre wines. Besides the wines there were some local food samples to try, including its famous pesto sauce. Cinque Terre is the bithplace of pesto.

I did take notice of wine tasting options offered at Enoteca Internazionale. Perhaps you might prefer to opt for a flight of five Cinque Terre red or white wines (one from each town).

After the wine tasting I explored the village a little before lunch.

Part of the charm of exploring Riomaggiore was discovering the best option for lunch. Given I had met up with a few new friends on the tour I joined for lunch at a local restaurant. We ordered a pasta for lunch.

After an awesome lunch I still had a little time to explore the village some more.

One of my stops included a church, Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista (Church of St John the Baptist) located on Piazza don Giovanni Minzoni. Its construction began in the 1200s, and was completed in 1307. While there are a number of churches in Riomaggiore, this two colored stone (striking façade of horizontal dark green and white marble stripes) church is well worth visiting.

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

All too soon, it was time to return to our pickup point.

As I left for the meetup point near the train station, I took another look at those stunning cliffside terraces and ocean views.

Soon we were on the train, and heading back to La Spezia where the bus was waiting to take us to our cruise ship in Livorno's port. I was so exited that I managed to make it to Cinque Terre during our stops in the Mediterranean Sea. For a more in-depth introduction to Cinque Terre I would recommend at least a 2-3 day visit. This would allow for a more in-depth exploration of this historic region, walking the hiking trails, exploration of its gastronomic delights and more. I invite you to join me in my Mediterranean Sea travels and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations.

CHEERS!

Sharon

March, 2026

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cruising Meditteranean

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Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon

Friday, August 7, 2026

New Mexico Wine Country: Where chiles and wine is always the perfect adventure

Friday, July 31, 2026

Cinque Terre: A tourist favorite and one of Italy's oldest winemaking regions

Since Monterosso al Mare was the first village that we toured I will begin there, followed by Vernazza, and Riomaggiore.

Monterosso is the largest of the five villages.

Sea View: Monterosso © Spaswinefood

Old Town, Monterosso © Spaswinefood

Time for Coffee: Monterosso © Spaswinefood

Experiences offered in Monterosso © Spaswinefood

Tunnel Entrance to Monterosso Train Station © Spaswinefood

Monterosso Train Station © Spaswinefood

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

New Mexico Wine Country: Where chiles and wine is always the perfect adventure

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