Discover New Mexico's wineries, breweries on tasting tours starting August

Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times
·2 min read

Imagine being able to tour some of New Mexico's finest wineries or breweries with your friends to celebrate a birthday, upcoming wedding or just a fun get together.

That tour is now possible thanks to the opening of the Mesilla Valley Wine & Brews Tours, which will pick up groups in El Paso or Las Cruces. The tours will take about five hours, from pick up to drop off.

"I have really seen a huge opportunity for people to learn about the history of wine in New Mexico, especially down here in southern New Mexico. There's over 400 years of history. It's the oldest wine-growing region in the country.

The Mesilla Valley Wine & Brews Tours will open for business Aug. 1. It will be able to pick up groups in El Paso or Las Cruces. The tours will take about five hours, from pick up to drop-off.
The Mesilla Valley Wine & Brews Tours will open for business Aug. 1. It will be able to pick up groups in El Paso or Las Cruces. The tours will take about five hours, from pick up to drop-off.

"It's a great opportunity for people to learn and also enjoy that special thing we have here," said Stephanie Hawkins, owner of the Las Cruces-based company.

Hawkins added that she is filling an entertainment niche for wine enthusiasts, much like the tour companies do in Napa Valley.

New Mexico is home to over 50 wineries, a dozen of which sit in the Rio Grande flood plain in the Mesilla Valley between Radium Springs and Canutillo, Texas, she said.

Hawkins said the tour company opens Aug. 1 and the first public tour will be Aug. 12. Tours will be available Saturdays and Sundays. For private tours, customers can choose which wineries they want to include.

Tours include transportation, wine-tasting fees at three wineries, a tour guide, and reservations. Guests may schedule a private tour for groups of up to 14 people or join a prearranged public tour.

"We offer a wide range of experiences that cater to every palate and foster a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking and craft brewing," Hawkins said. In some cases, visitors will also be able to shop in the Mesilla shops as part of their tour.

Hawkins said she is looking to connect the tours with the New Mexico Wine Festival.

The Mesilla Valley Wine & Brews Tours will take about five hours, including stops at three wineries or breweries starting in August.
The Mesilla Valley Wine & Brews Tours will take about five hours, including stops at three wineries or breweries starting in August.

New Mexico wineries included on tour:

  • Zin Valle, Mesa Vista Winery Tasting Room

  • Rio Grande Winery

  • Sombra Antigua Vineyard and Winery

  • La Vina Winery

  • Amaro Winery

  • Lescombes Winery and Bistro

  • Luna Rossa Winery & Pizzeria

  • Heart of the Desert in Mesilla

  • New Mexico Vintage Wines

Las Cruces breweries included on tour:

  • Public House 28

  • Spotted Dog Brewery

  • Icebox Brewing Co.

  • Bosque Brewing Co.

  • Truth or Consequences Brewing Co.

  • Picacho Peak Brewing Co.

  • Little Toad Creek

Public tours cost $175 per person; private tours are $145 per person. Also, 20% discounts are offered for active military and spouses on private group tours. Registration is required and available online at mvwineandbrewtours.com or by phone, 575-323-1825. Or email at info@mvwineandbrewtours.com.

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María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com and @EPTMaria on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Mesilla Valley Wine & Brews Tours to offer winery, brewery tastings