New Mexico Wine Festival: Is It Worth It?
As we head into a new season, that means fall activities are starting to pop up, and there’s a lot more to the season than pumpkin carving and colorful leaves. The 2026 New Mexico Wine Festival took place September 5 through September 7 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. General admission tickets started at $35, but Vivo Vino NM also offered early bird specials, including two tickets for $45.
One thing I thought was a nice touch was that every guest received a complimentary wine glass to use throughout the festival for tastings. Each ticket also came with a coupon for $5 off the purchase of a bottle of wine, which definitely came in handy after finding a few favorites.
Whether you were looking for an affordable bottle around $13 or wanted to splurge on a $50 reserve selection, there was something for just about every budget. I attended for the first time this year, and I wanted to let everyone who may have missed it know why it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re 21 or older and looking for a fun date night or honestly, just an excuse to drink wine all Afternoon.
From wine tastings and local vendors to food trucks and even a silent disco, There was something happening around every corner. Wineries from all across New Mexico made the trip, from Deming to Santa Fe. Some of the featured wineries included D.H. Lescombes, Luna Rossa Winery, Tularosa Vineyards, Amaro Winery, and plenty of others. The best part? The wine, of course.
Most wineries offered classics like moscato and pinot grigio, but they also brought some creative flavors that you probably won’t find at your local grocery store. Some of my favorites were pineapple mimosa, wine margarita, cranberry lime, mocha, and honey nut. I wasn’t expecting to like some of the more unique flavors as much as I did, but that’s kind of the fun of it. You get to try things you normally wouldn’t order.
One thing I wish I had known beforehand is that while you may have to wait in a few lines, don’t make the mistake of trying just one sample and walking away. Each winery encourages you to sample multiple wines before moving on to the next booth. It makes the wait worth it, and you’ll get a much better idea of what each winery has to offer before deciding which bottle deserves that $5 discount ticket.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend outing, the festival is a great excuse to relax and spend time with friends, family, or your significant others. And yes, if you’re wondering, it does feel a little like an open bar since many of the wineries offer unlimited samples. Just don’t let that fool you into trying to hit every booth in an hour.
If your goal is to sample as many wineries as possible, I’d definitely recommend getting there early or even attending more than one day. There are a lot of tents to make your way through, and trust me, you’ll thank yourself later if you pace yourself and drink a lot of water. The future you will appreciate that decision.
There are also a few things I’d recommend bringing if you’re planning on attending next year’s festival. Don’t worry if you missed this one. The New Mexico Wine Festival happens twice a year, once in May and again in September.
Since the afternoon sun can still be pretty intense, it’s worth packing sunscreen, a handheld fan, and maybe even a sun parasol if you’re determined to stay cool. Comfortable shoes are also a must because you’ll be walking from tent to tent all afternoon. Most importantly, don’t forget to drink water in between tastings. Your head will thank you the next morning. So, is the New Mexico Wine Festival worth it?
I’d say absolutely. Between the wine, local vendors, live entertainment, food trucks, and the overall atmosphere, it’s one of those events that’s easy to spend an entire afternoon without realizing how much time has passed. Whether you’re planning a date night, a girls’ day out, or just looking to support local New Mexico wineries, this festival is definitely worth adding to your fall calendar.
You’ll leave with a souvenir wine glass, probably a new favorite winery, and if you’re like me, you’ll already be planning your trip back next year. Just remember to pace yourself because those tiny sample pours start adding up a lot faster than you’d think.
