Tasting New Mexico with VARA Wines
New Mexico is one of the world’s most unexpected wine destinations, especially for lovers of the unbeatable pairing of all things Southwestern and sparkling wine.
New Mexico is known for its majestic desert landscapes, hot air balloon adventures, and rich cultural heritage, from its original Indigenous peoples to its creative trailblazers. Arts hub Santa Fe was recently named Travel & Leisure’s No. 1 US travel destination—but it’s also home to one of the oldest wine growing regions in the country. At the forefront of N.M. winemaking today is VARA Winery & Distillery, led by Laurent Gruet (formerly with Gruet Winery) and Sofian Humeur, a third-generation New Mexico winemaker.
We were familiar with Gruet, which is widely recognized as one of the best American-produced sparkling wines utilizing the traditional méthode champenoise. So we were delighted to learn about VARA, which offers this and much more.
“Laurent Gruet and Gruet Winery paved the way for sparkling wine in New Mexico and showed the world that this terroir could produce wines on par with the best,” explains Jon Murray, General Manager at VARA Wines, when we asked him about what makes New Mexico and wine production a good match.
“At VARA, we’ve been inspired by that pioneering spirit, but our vision is distinct—blending Old World tradition with New World innovation across both sparkling and still wines. We are lucky enough to have both Laurent Gruet and his nephew, Sofian Himeur, as our winemakers. Laurent joined the VARA team after leaving Gruet, following its sale to Precept. Sofian spent time as a winemaker at Iron Horse in California before returning to NM and joining his uncle at VARA.”
Southwest Sparklers with a French Touch
VARA is earning an equally impressive reputation for crafting award-winning wines and spirits—including their New Mexico Sparkling Brut, which recently earned the highest score ever awarded to a New Mexico Wine. Made by Laurent Gruet with local grapes and crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise style, this is a crisp and refreshing gem that absolutely deserves the 98 points and Double Gold Medal awarded to it at the 2024 San Francisco International Wine Competition. This wine boasts ultra-fine bubbles and mousse, along with a flavor profile that includes notes of green apple, citrus such as grapefruit and Meyer lemon, and toasted almond, with a hint of minerality. It’s a great aperitif that pairs splendidly with deviled eggs, smoked salmon dip, and an insider told us to try it with caviar on top of a Pringles.
If you like your bubbles pink and pretty but still dry, you cannot say no to VARA’s Silverhead Brut Rosé. This is a bright and fruity choice (abundant notes of raspberries and wild strawberries) that avoids being overly sweet through its crisp, refreshing finish. You can enjoy it for happy hour or to toast, but it’s also meal-worthy, pairing beautifully with soft cheeses, charcuterie, mushroom risotto, veal scallopini, and roast game such as duck and quail.
And if you prefer your sparkling wine bone dry, so that it pairs perfectly with a dozen freshly shucked briny oysters, try the Silverhead Zero Dosage, an elegant and zingy Champagne-style wine with tiny bubbles and aromas of citrus blossom, green apple, and lemon.
VARA Tasting Rooms
With thoughtfully designed and attractive tasting rooms—located in Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe—VARA is an easy way to taste the spirit of New Mexico in the most convivial and community-centered way.
When visiting either of these locations, guests can explore the full range of VARA’s creations, along with curated wine and food pairings, seasonal tasting flights, and specialty cocktail classes and workshops. Due to the experience and care taken by VARA’s winemakers, there is a wealth of flavors and styles to explore, in part, built upon the magnificent and underappreciated terroir offered by New Mexico itself.
“New Mexico’s high desert is actually an incredible environment for sparkling wine,” says Jon Murray. “Our vineyards sit at high elevation, where warm, sunny days are followed by cool nights. That diurnal shift preserves acidity in the grapes, which is essential for making elegant, Champagne-style sparkling wines. Combine that with mineral-rich soils and a long history of winemaking in the region, and you get wines with both freshness and depth of character that rival the great sparkling wines of the world.”
When you visit VARA’s Santa Fe and Balloon Fiesta Park tasting rooms, you can try a delicious menu of tapas at the Santa Fe rooms or even bring takeout or a picnic to Balloon Fiesta Park.
Providing you don’t fill up on those delicacies, VARA recommends other dining options nearby to each location that serve the best of the region. And of course, don’t forget to order some VARA wines to go with your meal! VARA’s wines are priced below European wines of the same style, and these are appropriate times to buy local.
A Taste of New Mexico with Jon Murray
Jon Murray, General Manager at VARA, kindly shared his insights and picks of beautiful New Mexico for you to add to your itinerary when planning your visit—including where to eat, things to do, and where to stay.
New Mexican cuisine is characterized by its distinctive use of local red and green chile peppers, resulting in bold, earthy flavors that set it apart from traditional Mexican food. It is a blend of Native American and Spanish traditions, featuring dishes like sopapillas, carne adovada, and green chile stew, made with local staples such as corn, beans, squash, and chile. The signature “red or green?” question refers to the choice between these two flavorful chili preparations, which are staples of the cuisine. In addition to its fusion of Pueblo Native American cuisine, Hispanic, and Mexican culinary traditions, New Mexico serves up a wide range of other types of food, depending on the restaurant. Here are Jon’s picks at the two VARA locations: Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
Santa Fe Dining
La Boca – A tapas experience with bold Spanish flavors.
Dinner for Two – Intimate dining with a touch of old-school charm.
Coyote Café – Iconic fine dining with a New Mexican twist.
Bistro 315 – A French-inspired hideaway with a cozy courtyard.
The Compound – Timeless elegance and culinary artistry.
Albuquerque Dining
Rio’s Tacos – Street-style flavor, fresh and lively.
Tin Can Alley – A modern food hall with something for every craving.
Sadie’s of New Mexico – A local institution, famous for fiery chile and hearty plates.
Don Choche Tacos y Cervezas – A casual stop for tacos and other Mexican specialties done right.
Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza – Crisp, smoky pies paired perfectly with a glass of wine. (The VARA Silverhead Brut would work well, especially if you have a cheesy pizza!)
Top 5 Things to Do
New Mexico offers a wealth of activities due to its vast federally protected public lands, numerous national parks and monuments, rich cultural heritage, diverse history, and varied natural landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and canyons. This combination of natural beauty and historical sites creates opportunities for activities ranging from exploring ancient pueblos and underground caves to enjoying modern art installations and outdoor adventures. Here are Jon’s top five favorites:
Soar Above It All: Take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway and watch the desert unfold beneath you. At the summit, reward yourself with a glass of VARA Brut at Ten 3, where the views are as sparkling as the wine.
Cruise Route 66: Roll the top down on a convertible and chase the neon history of Route 66. Along the way, taste your way through New Mexico’s green chile cheeseburger scene—a spicy, juicy rite of passage.
Stroll Canyon Road: Wander through Santa Fe’s Canyon Road, where adobe-lined streets overflow with world-class galleries and irresistible bites. Art, food, and culture collide in the most enchanting way.
Step Into Another World: The original Meow Wolf in Santa Fe is a kaleidoscopic playground for the imagination. After a few hours of mind-bending exploration, head to the Santa Fe Plaza for a delicious bite and a return to “this” reality.
Soak & Escape: Down south, slip into the natural hot springs of the town of Truth or Consequences, then cool off at Elephant Butte Lake. Together, they make for the perfect desert retreat—equal parts rejuvenation and adventure.
Where to Stay
Finding the right place to stay can shape your New Mexico adventure—and these hotels bring comfort, character, and a sense of place, says Jon. Here’s his top five in each VARA location. And don’t forget to put a bottle of Laurent Gruet’s signature VARA Blanc de blancs in an ice bucket to celebrate your stay!
Santa Fe
Inn of Vanessie – Boutique charm with live music and warm hospitality.
Eldorado Hotel – Southwestern luxury in the heart of the city.
Inn of the Five Graces – Opulent, one-of-a-kind suites brimming with artistry.
Inn and Spa at Loretto – Adobe elegance just steps from the Plaza.
Hotel St. Francis – A serene retreat inspired by New Mexico’s rich history.
Albuquerque
Nativo Lodge – Artistic, bold, and uniquely New Mexican.
Hotel Chaco – Contemporary design with ancient inspiration.
Hotel Albuquerque – Classic comfort near Old Town.
Andaluz Hotel – Historic charm with modern sophistication.
Hotel Parq Central – A boutique gem blending history and luxury.
