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
© Spaswinefood
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.
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| 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.
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| Gruett Winery, Albuquerque © Spaswinefood |
Gruett Winery produces eight sparkling wines and some still wines (two Chardonnays and two Pinot Noirs).
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| Gruett Winery, Albuquerque © Spaswinefood |
The winery is located near is a small vineyard along I25. Their main vineyards are in southern New Mexico.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Vineyard, Casa Rondeña Winery © Spaswinefood |
When we arrived at the winery we followed the signs to the tasting room.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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)
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| Casa Rondeña Winery, Meritage 2012 © Spaswinefood |
2. 2010 1629, a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo.
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| Casa Rondeña Winery, 1629 2010 © Spaswinefood |
3. 2012 Clarion
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| Casa Rondeña Winery, Clarion 2012 © Spaswinefood |
4. 2013 Viognier
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| Wine Tasting, Casa Rondeña Winery © Spaswinefood |
5. 2013 Cabernet Franc Rosé
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| Casa Rondeña Winery, Rosé 2013 © Spaswinefood |
6. 2013 Serenade (87% Reisling and 13% Gewurztraminer)
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| Casa Rondeña Winery, Serenade 2013 © Spaswinefood |
7. 2006 Animate, a dessert wine made in a port style.
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| Casa Rondeña Winery, Animante 2008 © Spaswinefood |
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| 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.
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| Casa Rondeña Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Casa Rondeña Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| 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
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| Corrales Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Corrales Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Corrales Winery Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
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| Vineyard at Corrales Winery © Spaswinefood |
2. Matheson Winery
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| Matheson Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Wine Love, Matheson Winery © Spaswinefood |
3. Pasando Tiempo Winery & Vineyards.
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| Pasando Tiempo Winery & Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
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| Pasando Tiempo Winery & Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
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| 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
© Spaswinefood
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