Wineries and Food Classes

The land that now comprises New Mexico may very well lay claim to the longest history of wine production in the United States. In 1629, a Franciscan friar and a Capuchin monk, Garcia de Zuniga and Antonio de Arteaga, reportedly planted the first wine grapes in southern New Mexico’s Rio Grande valley. In the intervening centuries floods, prohibition, and agricultural challenges took a toll on what was a historically respected winemaking region. Fortunately for all of us today, viticulture, the cultivation of grapes, and viniculture, the art and science of winemaking, are once again thriving in New Mexico, especially northern New Mexico.

Since 1978, when New Mexico vintners planted hybrid French grapes, New Mexico wines have begun garnering national and international attention and awards. Northern New Mexico is home to three of these present-day vintners: Estrella Del Norte, Black Mesa Winery, and Santa Fe Vineyards.

Estrella Del Norte Vineyard is in Nambe, just 15 minutes north of Santa Fe. Owners Richard and Eileen Reinders welcome visitors to sample their outstanding wines in their tasting room. Have an upcoming event? The vineyard is a wonderful venue that can be booked for weddings, wine dinners, corporate picnics and dinners, and holiday parties. It can be a do-ityourself event, or the vineyard’s event planner partners can see to every detail. And on your calendar mark June 12-13, the dates of the first annual Estrella Del Norte Vineyards Wine Festival. The 2010 festival features wines from its own vineyard, Santa Fe Vineyards, Black Mesa Winery, Wines of the San Juan, Falcon Meadery and Winery, Don Quixote, Jacona Valley Vineyard, and Vino de Corazon.

Situated near Velarde, between Espanola and Taos, on Highway 68, is Black Mesa Winery. Owners Jerry and Lynda Burd welcome visitors to their tasting room year round. Their varietal wines include Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel. Black Mesa’s fancifully named blends‚ Coyote, Antelope, Conejito White, and Black Beauty‚ have achieved national, and international recognition.

Since 2007, they have won more than 80 medals.

Jerry Burd (Black Mesa) and Richard Reinders (Estrella Del Norte) have recently partnered with Santa Fe Vineyards, which was established in 1982. Former Oregonian Burd is now the wine maker for Santa Fe Vineyards, and its tasting room is now at Estrella Del Norte.

What if you’re among the many who love both wine and food? Throughout the summer and into early fall, Estrella Del Norte Vineyard offers cooking classes in which guests watch one of their chefs prepare a fine meal. Classes are held outdoors in the cool vineyard, with the meal prepared with an outdoor oven or wood-fired grill. Enjoy the meal, paired with a just-right New Mexico wine, while a local winemaker fills you in on the history of viticulture in New Mexico.

If your passion is to learn to create cuisine in a hands-on class, visit Comida de Campos cooking school and organic farm in Embudo. Embudo is 41 miles north of Santa Fe, just off the Hwy 68, on the banks of the Rio Grande. Owners Margaret Campos and her mother, Eremita, serve students a hearty, exquisitely fresh breakfast that typically includes blue corn scones with fresh cream butter. Later, after a tour of the chemical-free, sustainable family farm, students prepare and enjoy a delectable lunch. The dishes capitalize on the farm’s delectable bounty of just-harvested vegetables, fruits, and berries, and eggs and milk.

Interested in food, but not in cooking classes, on your day north of Santa Fe? Try Embudo Station Restaurant in Embudo. Savor peaceful, relaxing patio dining with a river view while you dine on farmto- table fresh comfort food and locally brewed New Mexico beers and wines.

The area between Santa Fe and Taos merits an unhurried visit from visitors. For food and wine lovers, it beckons year round.