New Mexico

Wines & Vines, Feb, 1991 by Esteban Herrera

For the first time in three years, 1990 grape production all over the state was excellent, especially in northern New Mexico. Hot temperatures early in the summer set all-time records all around. For 16 days in June temperatures were over 100[degrees]F in the southern area. It was not that hot in the northern half but temperatures were often around in the 100s. Total rainfall exceeded normal but came either before or after harvest. Prices for grapes ranged from $500 to $850/ton. Chardonnay and White Riesling commanded higher prices than Sauvignon blanc, Chenin blanc and Colombard. Hybrid cultivars were $500/ton or lower. New Mexico wineries may soon have financial problems due to taxes on wines consumed in New Mexico. In the past there has been a differential for state versus out-of-state wines. This interstate commerce decision resulted from adverse lawsuits in Florida and Michigan. It would not have been so bad by itself but it has been ruled that it will be retroactive as far back as 1987. New Mexico wineries are not alone in this predicament, because other states had also lower taxes for local wines. The success stories continue to be the wine festivals in Bernalillo (north of Albuquerque), on Labor day weekend and in Mesilla (west of Las Cruces) on Memorial day weekend. These festivals are sponsored by New Mexico's Vine and Wine Society (NMV&WS). Original paintings specifically designed for these festivals are becoming collectors' items. This year R.C. Gorman painted "Gala", the 1990 poster for the New Mexico wine festival at Bernalillo.

Tularosa Vineyard (David Wickham), a small winery with 500-gal capacity opened in Tularosa. Two wineries moved to better locations; Las Nutrias Winery (Ken Kendzierski) moved from Veguita to Corrales, north of Albuquerque. Santa Fe winery (Len Rosingana) moved north, between Santa Fe and Espanola. A colored poster listing all wineries, with phones and addresses as well as road directions to get to their locations was re-printed and is available free of charge from NMV&WS.

There are 19 licensed wineries in New Mexico going from 500 gal. capacity to 450,000 gal capacity. The biggest winery in the state, Montaila del Sol (formerly St. Clair) had not made wine since 1985 except for the 1990 harvest. The 10th Grape Growers and Winemakers Conference is scheduled in the Ramada Classic in Albuquerque, April 18-21. The Southwest Wine competition (Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona) is to occur April 18, the Spring Wine tasting Friday the 19th, the educational program April 20th and the biannual general meeting on Sunday, April 21. The educational program is free for New Mexico Vine and Wine Society members; there is a fee for the Spring Wine Festival. As has been the case the last two years the festival will feature hors d'oeuvres prepared with New Mexico wines. These finger foods are cooked by the chefs of Albuquerque, from the Rio Grande Valley chapter of the American Culinary Federation.