Wine aficionados, come visit the oldest winery in New Mexico and enjoy the fruit of the harvest at La Viña Fall Wine Festival, October 4th and 5th in La Union, New Mexico.
If you prefer red or white, sweet or dry, you will discover some of New Mexico’s finest wines at the festival. The uncorking of bottles begins at noon, Saturday and Sunday, and continues until 7 p.m. each day. The winery is located at 4201 South Highway 28.
Festival goers over 21 receive a souvenir glass and a choice of nine samples or one full glass of wine with their $20 admission ticket. It’s a $10 charge for persons under 21 and kids under 12 years of age get in free.
Each year, the festival draws more than 7000 people to the two-day event, bringing family and friends together to enjoy the wine, camaraderie and festivities. It’s also an opportunity for wine novices to learn the essence of wine, wine-tasting and wine-making in the Mesilla Valley.
La Viña produces more than 20 varieties, depending on the season and they use a variety of grapes to make their wines, including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Merlot, Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Primitivo, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnays. For a list of wines visit lavinawinery.com/pdf/WineList2008.pdf
Besides the wine, patrons can also enjoy some delicious food, desserts and specialty items. There are many choices, barbeque brisket & burritos, biscochitos, bloomin onions, brat, burritos, candied pecans, candy apples, chocolate strawberries, churros, flautas, funnel cake, goat cheese, gorditas, hamburgers, hotdogs, quesadillas, nachos, nut brittles, pecans, pizza, roasted corn, shrimp cocktail, snow cones, tacos, turkey drumsticks, and wings.
The festival also features a variety of hand-crafted and unique items created by talented local artisans. Visitors can find clothing, candles, ceramics, wood-work, soap, hats, paintings, jewelry, purses, leather, iron creations, pottery, baby shower gifts and even back yard patio furniture.
Entertainment will be provided by a trio of bands each day, starting with Salina & the Chuco Soul Project at noon on Saturday, followed by Mosaic at 2:15 p.m., and Slick Reynolds closes out the afternoon with a 4:30 p.m. performance. Sunday’s group includes Frank Zona & Urban Edge at noon, Twisted Hams at 2:15 p.m. and Dusty Low wraps up the festivities at 4:30 p.m.
To get to the winery from I-10, take the Vinton exit (No. 2 in Texas) turn West on Vinton road, drive four miles to Highway 28, then go right one mile to the winery, 4201 S. Highway 28, La Union. There is plenty of parking in the back of the winery, don’t park on the highway. Pets or picnic baskets are not allowed on the premises. The entrance to the festival is in the back. Seating is limited, so bring a folding chair and enjoy the festivities.
For more information call 575-882-7632 or visit lavinawinery.com.