Labor Day Wine, Chile, and More
Agriculture is New Mexico’s third largest industry and has played a major role in the history and development of the state. Celebrate this rich history by exploring some of the surprising agricultural offerings of the Mesilla Valley and taste the unique flavors that Southern New Mexico has to offer.
Friday
Begin the day with a guided tour of the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. This 47-acre interactive museum brings to life the 4,000 history of farming and ranching in New Mexico.
Next, head to the New Mexico State University Chile Pepper Institute. Guided tours through the teaching garden highlight facts about the surprising history, production, uses and nutritional value of chile peppers.
Stop for lunch at any of the many local restaurants on the “Walk of Flame” that offer up a delicious chile dish.
Take a guided tour of the Worthington Pecan Farm and learn everything about pecans – from cultivation to harvest, before stopping by the New Mexico Pecan Company to grab some souvenirs and snacks at their gift shop.
Head to historic Mesilla to explore the locally owned shops, galleries, unique architecture and the state’s newest historic property, the Taylor – Mesilla Historic Site. Several options for a real, southern New Mexico dinner can be found there, including the historic La Posta de Mesilla and Double Eagle restaurants.
Saturday
Get up early and head to Downtown Las Cruces. For over 50 years, the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market has featured hundreds of vendors selling locally-made food, crafts, produce and art that allows visitors to experience the culture of the Mesilla Valley. Plenty of options for breakfast and lunch abound – from food trucks to cafes and restaurants. In addition to the market, visitors can experience free museums, shops and entertainment.
Take a short, 40 minute drive to Hatch, New Mexico to experience the one and only Hatch Chile Festival. From chile roasts to live music, parades, and family fun, the Hatch Chile Festival is packed with can’t-miss moments. The festival stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and agricultural traditions of the Hatch Valley.
Sunday
Start the day off with a stop at the Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts. This outdoor show takes place on the beautiful grounds of the Holy Cross Retreat Center, surrounded by pecan orchards. The festival features 80-90 artists who display a variety of fine arts, including paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, wood works, jewelry, and more. The show also features food vendors, live music and a beer/wine garden.
Next, head to the Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds for the New Mexico Harvest Wine and Music Festival. Celebrate Labor Day weekend with the perfect pairing of music and wine. Savor exceptional wines from award-winning vineyards and boutique wineries while soaking in the rhythms of New Mexico’s best bands. Stroll the scenic festival grounds, indulge in gourmet eats, shop handcrafted products, and unwind in our lively, laid-back atmosphere. It’s the ultimate end-of-summer escape.
Monday
After breakfast, head east to White Sands National Park where you can experience the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Explore the exhibits and the visitors center, walk, sled, and picnic. Knowledgeable rangers help visitors learn about the hardy ecosystem through a variety of interpretive programs that are suitable for visitors of all ages.
Next, head to Heart of the Desert Pistachios for an orchard tour and wine tasting and grab lunch at DH Lescombes Winery and Bistro before heading home!
