Viva Vino! That’s the upbeat rallying cry of the New Mexico Wine Growers Association, created in 1991 and capably led by Executive Director Christopher Goblet to promote, protect, and educate the state’s industry and consumers. The organization hosts two major festivals in Las Cruces and Albuquerque and was able to secure a Vineyard Restoration Fund (“Vine Fund”) to help growers plant, replant, and restore wine grape acreage around the state.
The state’s winegrowing history dates back to 1629, when Spanish missionaries smuggled vines from Spain and planted them along the Rio Grande River. However, the modern industry began in the 1970s after the state government provided some funding for research.
New Mexico has three AVAs—Middle Rio Grande Valley, Mimbres Valley, and Mesilla Valley—all at relatively high altitudes (up to 6,000 feet). More than 100 varietals are planted in the state, but the most common are Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Zinfandel.
Noisy Water Winery, with noted winemaker Jasper Riddle at the helm, is a fifth-generation operation in Ruidoso. It has tasting rooms in four other New Mexico locations and broad national distribution. It offers an eclectic range of wines, supplemented with gourmet foods reflecting regional specialties like chiles.
Great Grapes: Viognier
Most commonly associated with France’s northern Rhone region but increasingly popular in wine regions worldwide, Viognier wines have full, spicy flavors reminiscent of the Muscat grape and violets. Depending on the production method, they can resemble Riesling or Chardonnay and are best consumed when young.
