The Middle Rio Grande Valley AVA spans north to south through much of central New Mexico enlisting 278,400 acres between Santa Fe and Belen, just south of Albuquerque. It is a long slender path that follows the Rio Grande river.

Established in 1988, this is high desert, from 4,000 to 6,500 feet and graced by the water of the Rio Grande itself. Dry-warm days are contrasted by cool night. Winter months present sub freezing temps that are highly difficult to vinifera in the north.

While cooler days prevail in the northern portion it has a shorter growing season. Due to winter temps many vineyards are planted to hybrid grapes that can handle the seasonal cold. Vineyards to the south and directly on the river itself fair better with Cabernet Franc and Riesling suited.

Production requires some wineries to purchase grapes from southern New Mexico vineyards or even from out of state.


Art "Envisioning the Scared" Sam Pillsbury and Ramona Teo