5 Best New Mexico Wineries Near Santa Fe

At a variety of New Mexico wineries, the clink of a glass, the lush green of the Rio Grande, and the sweet smell of a vino legacy is waiting for you. While on your New Mexico white water rafting adventure, consider taking a tour through history, one glass at a time.

Read on to learn more about five of the best New Mexico wineries near Santa Fe to explore after white water rafting in New Mexico. Want to skip the list and go straight for the sip trip? Explore our Whitewater and Wine Tasting Day Trip!

Four hundred years ago the Spanish brought the first grapevines into the Rio Grande region. Today there is a host of New Mexico wineries that offer tastings, parings, and the pure bliss that comes from a great glass of wine and a spectacular view. Experience the tradition of excellence perfected by New Mexico. We recommend you set aside 2-3 hours per stop to fully enjoy each unique New Mexico winery.

1. Vivác Winery

Tucked into the Dixon Valley foothills, you’ll find a tasting room filled with locals and tourists alike. The heart and soul of the founding brothers and their wives, Jesse and Chris Padberg, have provided the foundation for internationally renowned wines made from the best hand-picked grapes in New Mexico. Their passion for wine extends beyond a simple glass, pouring over into an immersive tasting experience. Vivác’s knowledgeable staff will help pair wines with premium foods and chocolates including Ek.Chuah chocolates, a boutique chocolate with hand-crafted, small-lot truffles.

2. Gruet Winery

The pop of a cork and the wonderfully refreshing bubbles that come with an expert pour of Gruet wine will leave your mind wandering back to the roots of this American dream vineyard. Founder Gilbert Gruet inspired his family to continue their French tradition of Champagne excellence here in New Mexico with excellent Chardonnay, Pino Noir, and sparkling wines. Collecting a host of awards and accolades from the nation’s top sommeliers, Gruet should be on any wine lover’s list. Reservations are preferred at this tasting room.

3. Black Mesa Winery

Farmer’s markets, live music, petroglyphs, wine, and cider….. my oh my. Black Mesa Winery has nearly all you could want from fresh vegetables, local goods, and award-winning ciders and wines. This winery set in the small Rio Grande Valley town of Velarde makes a perfect pit stop on the way back to Santa Fe from a day of adventuring on the Rio Grande. Their Bite Me Hard ciders are also available on tap at a plethora of breweries in the region!

4. Herve Wine Bar

If you’re looking for a carefully crafted dinner menu paired to perfection with award-winning wines, look no further than Herve Wine Bar in Santa Fe. This tasting room a mere block away from the historic Santa Fe plaza transformed a former nightclub into a tranquil and luxurious dining experience. The French-inspired décor and ceiling-wide skylight inspire an ambiance complementing the sophisticated flavors of D.H. Lescombes wine. Finish the evening with locally ground espresso, cappuccino, or pour-over coffee and dessert. Reservations are recommended.

5. La Chiripada Winery

No list would be complete without the oldest New Mexico winery, La Chiripada. This family-run winery began in 1977 in the lush Rio Embudo Valley. Grapes for their specialty wines were carefully selected to handle the high elevation and warm summer day characteristic of the region. They boast a wide range of unique wines ranging from a spicy red Rhone-styled red to a light refreshing Blush wine. Experience the local paring of their Primavera wine with the signature spicy red and green chiles of New Mexican cuisine.

Are you ready for wine and rafting? Explore our Whitewater and Wine Tasting Day Trip to book your next exciting adventure! If you want to skip the rafting and just go wine tasting, we have a wine-tasting day tour offering!

New Mexico River Adventures takes pride in providing a safe yet exhilarating adventure for all. Explore other Santa Fe whitewater rafting trips for additional New Mexico whitewater rafting trips.