If you’ve overlooked New Mexico as a destination for wine and food, it’s high time to reconsider. The state’s Mesilla Valley has produced wine grapes for more than 400 years, and today’s travelers can enjoy plenty of ways to explore the nuances of the area’s variety of delectable offerings.

“Visitors from across the globe travel to Las Cruces for the unparalleled flavors found in Southern New Mexico,” said Rochelle Miller-Hernandez, director, Visit Las Cruces. “Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or a gardener looking to grow your own Chile, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in our agricultural wealth.”

© Rio Grande Vineyard & Winery

Begin your journey at New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum for an overview of farming and food production through interactive exhibits and artwork documenting Las Cruces’ part in the state’s cattle industry, women’s vital role in agriculture, and the 4,000-year-old legacy of local agricultural practices. Explore the Chile Pepper Institute Teaching Garden, located at New Mexico State University, where more than 150 kinds of peppers are grown each year.

Make an appointment for a tour of La Viña Winery — the oldest winery in the state — and plan time for a visit and tasting at D.H. Lescombes Winery &  Bistro, where visitors can sample award-winning wines and tasty dishes served in the bistro.

The dedicated Las Cruces Wine Trail showcases these wineries and others, including Fort Selden Winery, Amaro Winery, Luna Rossa Winery & Pizzeria, NM Vintage Wines, Rio Grande Vineyard & Winery and Sombra Antigua Vineyard and Winery. A printable map of the wine route is available here.