Our neighbors southeast of us in Texas have a bigger reputation for wine, but New Mexico wineries are actually part of the oldest wine-growing region in the country. When you think about it, that shouldn’t be too surprising, given the long and diverse history of cities like Santa Fe, once a major point of cultural convergence and an epicenter of trade.
There are some big names among New Mexico wineries, like Gruet, a famed sparkling wine producer. But for every winery you’ve heard of, there are at least a few you haven’t – and discovering these hidden gems makes a trip to New Mexico wineries so wonderful. You can enjoy delicious afternoon tastings without the huge crowds you’d encounter in more popular wine destinations like Texas and California.
Wine tasting certainly is one of the more delicious things to do in New Mexico this winter, but it’s definitely not the only thing waiting in the Land of Enchantment. Unlike some parts of the country, winter is a fantastic time to visit us. The only thing we haven’t mentioned that will make your trip even better is staying at our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast. Our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast is located on six scenic acres in Chimayó.
We’re far enough away from the crowds visiting Santa Fe and Taos but close enough for you to enjoy all this incredible region has to offer. With gorgeous views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains, it won’t take you long to fall in love with this incredible place. Take in the views, slow down, and enjoy the surrounding beauty at our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast. Book your stay with us today!
Tasting at the Best New Mexico Wineries
Anytime is a good time to go wine tasting, particularly when it involves these five delicious New Mexico wineries. This winter, however, is a unique and especially enjoyable time. Why is winter a more enjoyable time to visit New Mexico wineries?
Because there are far fewer people here, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the delicious flavors poured into your glass. Also, with fewer people in tasting rooms at these New Mexico wineries, you have more time to learn in-depth about each winery and what makes them unique. What you learn may surprise you, and we have no doubt you’ll leave northern New Mexico with a new favorite wine.
In every glass of wine, you’ll be able to taste the distinct history of Santa Fe. Winemaking started in this region when Spanish Settlers came here in the 1600s. Below are five top New Mexico wineries to visit while you stay with us at our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast.
- We already mentioned Gruet Winery, a world-class producer of sparkling wines. They have more than one tasting room, but the closest one to our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast is in Santa Fe. Gruet is the only one among New Mexico wineries listed as one of Wine Spectator’s top 100 wineries. Their tasting room is within walking distance of the Santa Fe Plaza and open daily.
- Another highly acclaimed option among New Mexico wineries is Vivac Winery, also in Santa Fe. Here, you can genuinely taste the distinguished history of New Mexico wines. This winery is situated at 6,000 feet, making it one of the highest-elevation wineries in New Mexico. This, of course, affects the grapes grown here and the resultant flavors in your glass.
- One of the closest New Mexico wineries to our Bed and Breakfast is Black Mesa Winery. The wines produced here are made using only grapes grown in New Mexico, whereas others bring grapes from other wine-growing regions. Black Mesa Winery is a small-batch winery that also produces cider and beer.
- If you’re a fan of traditional Spanish wines, then don’t miss the chance to sip and swirl the delicious wines at Casa Abril Vineyards and Winery. They have deep family ties to Spain, and the wine is made with Spanish and Argentinean grapes. The result is a range of old and new-world wines that are simply delicious.
- Finally, one of the more unique New Mexico wineries is Don Quixote Distillery and Winery. Aside from tasting wine, you can also sample their spirits using local New Mexico ingredients where possible!
More Things to Do in New Mexico This Winter
Who can argue with a wintry tasting at the top New Mexico wineries? We certainly won’t stop you – but there are still so many more fantastic things to do in New Mexico in the winter. Winters in New Mexico are a far cry from other parts of the country – especially those in northern states! Though it can get quite cold (and snowy) in northern New Mexico, we enjoy over 300 days of gorgeous blue skies every year.
Those beautiful blue-sky days make it a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts, even in the winter. There are plenty of great options for winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and, of course, downhill skiing and snowboarding. Below, we’ve listed a few of our favorite recommendations for things to do in New Mexico in the winter.
- We’re surrounded by mountains here in northern New Mexico, so it’s no surprise that excellent skiing is nearby. One of our favorites is Taos Ski Valley, but there’s also great skiing at Ski Santa Fe and Sandia Peak.
- Do you want to play in the snow but don’t want to go downhill skiing? You’re in luck! Many of the top hiking trails are also perfect for snowshoeing in the winter. Valles Caldera National Preserve is one of our favorites!
- For a quick and fun way to view northern New Mexico’s winter wonderland, we recommend snowmobiling through the scenic Carson National Forest. There are also great trails here for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
- This list has included a lot of time outdoors, so why not plan a bit of rejuvenation at New Mexico hot springs? Visiting the sacred waters at places like Ojo Caliente Mineral Hot Springs is one of the most relaxing things to do in New Mexico in the winter.
- For extensive mountain views in the winter, take a stunning ride up the Sandia Peak Tramway – easily one of the most beautiful things to do in New Mexico in the winter!
- If you want to keep warm and out of the elements, one of the best things to do in New Mexico in the winter is to visit all of the fantastic Santa Fe museums.
- When you’re done at the museums, grab a bite to eat at the best Santa Fe restaurants. More of the city’s top tables will be available with fewer crowds in town!
- We covered some of the best New Mexico wineries – but how about breweries? There are plenty of those in town, too!
Whatever this winter has in store for you, New Mexico will offer you the relaxing change of scenery you crave. With so many fantastic things to do in New Mexico this winter, you’ll need a great home base. That’s where our New Mexico Bed and Breakfast comes in! We’re located on the High Road to Taos between Santa Fe and Taos, near the historic Santuario de Chimayó. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the best of northern New Mexico this winter. Book your room today!
