New Mexico Wine Country

There's an old (a very old) saying: "You learn something new everyday!"

Such is the case of what occurred today.

I was browsing through the literature racks at the Manuelito Visitor Center near the New Mexico/Arizona border this morning and I saw a brochure about New Mexico's Wine Country (pictured above). This came as a surprise to me as I am somewhat a wine fan (or some might say, wine snob) as I had made several trips up to California's Napa and Sonoma Valleys and I never heard of wine production in the state of New Mexico.

I started thumbing through the brochure and found that wine production in New Mexico predates any in California.

Above, the Manuelito Visitor Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to NMWine.com (it used to be NMWine.org):

Welcome to New Mexico wine country and the beginning of an incredible journey. Nearly 400 years ago, in 1629, the very first grapes were planted along the banks of the Rio Grande and American viticulture was born. These original vines were smuggled from Spain and planted by monks to produce wines for ceremony and sacrament. What began as a sacred tradition eventually grew into a thriving industry, and by the late 1800’s New Mexico was producing over a million gallons of wine annually. 

New Mexico’s modern day wine industry continues to evolve from traditional European roots, with over 50 wineries and tasting rooms throughout the state. It is not difficult to trace the influence of old Spain in our contemporary wines, but one can also taste the traditions of France, Italy, Germany and Central America in our present day vintages. We invite you to explore Americas most unique and independent winemaking region in the heart of the Southwest. Viva Vino!

The wineries appear to be concentrated in the Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Las Cruces, Los Alamos, Alamogordo, Ruidoso and...Roswell.

I am curious how New Mexico wines compare to those of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys of California. I did read that the grape growing season is of shorter duration in New Mexico due to the climate. This causes New Mexico wines to have less alcohol content (like European wines) than California's.

Looks like I'll have to go on a winery road trip! It would be an easier drive (a lot closer) than Napa and Sonoma Valley are in California.