New Mexico's wine country tour centers on the Rio Grande Valley wine region, one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the United States, with roots tracing back to Spanish missionaries who planted vineyards here in the sixteenth century. Today the middle Rio Grande corridor between Albuquerque and the southern Mesilla Valley supports more than forty wineries, several of which are clustered close enough to Albuquerque to form a half-day to full-day tasting itinerary. The anchor of an Albuquerque-based wine tour is typically Casa Rondena Winery at 733 Chavez Rd NW, a Moorish-style estate in the North Valley neighborhood that produces award-winning blends including Meritage, Tempranillo, and its signature Flamenco. Tastings at Casa Rondena run approximately $15 to $20 per person and include several pours in an architecturally distinctive tasting room set amid cottonwood trees along the Rio Grande bosque. Other popular stops include Gruet Winery, founded by a Champagne-producing family from France and known nationally for its methode champenoise sparkling wines, and Corrales Winery to the north, a family-owned operation producing small-batch reds and whites in the agricultural village of Corrales. Guided wine country tours are available through Southwest Wine Tours at +1-505-217-2222, offering curated itineraries covering two to four wineries with transportation from Albuquerque hotels included in package pricing starting from approximately $75 per person. Self-guided visitors can follow the New Mexico Wine Trail, a state-promoted route with winery listings at nmwine.com, driving independently between properties. Individual tasting fees typically run $15 to $30 per winery; purchasing a bottle often waives the tasting fee. The scenic Rio Grande Valley drive crosses cottonwood-lined bosque terrain with the Sandia Mountains visible to the east. The wine region is accessible year-round, with harvest events and outdoor festivals in September and October providing additional programming. Most tasting rooms are open Wednesday through Sunday, and checking individual winery hours before a self-guided outing is advised.
What is included
- Tastings at 2-4 wineries
- Scenic Rio Grande Valley drive
- Wine education from local vintners
Good to know
- Operator
- Self-guided wine trail; group tours via Southwest Wine Tours (+1-505-217-2222)
Location
Casa Rondena Winery, 733 Chavez Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107
35.1518, -106.6756 View on map
Highlights
- Casa Rondena Winery in Albuquerque's North Valley -- a Moorish-style estate producing Meritage, Tempranillo, and Flamenco blends
- Gruet Winery methode champenoise sparkling wines produced by a French Champagne family using New Mexico grapes
- Guided wine country packages from Southwest Wine Tours covering 2-4 wineries with hotel pickup included
- Self-guided New Mexico Wine Trail following the Rio Grande Valley through Albuquerque, Corrales, and the Mesilla Valley
- Harvest season events in September-October with vineyard access and outdoor festivals at multiple properties
Tips for visiting
- Designate a driver or pre-arrange rideshare if self-guiding; most winery clusters are not served by public transit.
- Book guided tours with Southwest Wine Tours at least a week in advance for weekend itineraries as slots fill quickly in October.
- Ask each winery if a bottle purchase waives the tasting fee -- the policy varies but can save $15-30 per person.
- Confirm individual winery hours before departing on a self-guided route; smaller operations like Corrales Winery keep limited schedules.
- Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience; weekend afternoons in the bosque can be crowded, especially during autumn harvest.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in a guided wine tour package?
Guided packages from Southwest Wine Tours typically include hotel pickup, transportation between wineries, tastings at two to four properties, and wine education from local vintners. Meals and additional purchases are not included in base pricing.
Is New Mexico wine worth trying for serious wine enthusiasts?
New Mexico produces notable sparkling wines from Gruet, as well as Tempranillo, Rhone-style blends, and Meritage that have earned national recognition. The high-altitude, high-desert terroir yields wines with good acidity and distinct regional character.
Can visitors do the wine trail without a car?
A car is effectively required for the Rio Grande Valley wine trail. Rideshare services operate in Albuquerque but coverage to rural winery locations like Corrales can be inconsistent. Guided tour packages that include transportation are a practical alternative for non-drivers.
When is harvest season in New Mexico wine country?
Grape harvest in the Rio Grande Valley runs from late August through October depending on the varietal. Harvest festivals and special events are most common in September and October, making those months the most festive time to visit.
Are non-alcoholic options available at tastings?
Most wineries offer water and some non-alcoholic beverages on request. Designated drivers or non-drinkers can typically join tour groups and enjoy the scenic drive and food pairings without participating in wine tastings.