ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A new space that will showcase New Mexico wines and how they’re made is set to open in Albuquerque’s Old Town this fall.
“People can come in. They can learn how to taste wines. They can learn what makes different wines unique, or what makes them special, their flavor profiles. But then, if they really want to dive into the experience, they can do some preliminary winemaking classes,” said Chris Goblet, executive director of New Mexico Wine Growers Association.
The association’s Viva Vino Wine Studio is located at 303 Romero Street, on the second floor of the Plaza Don Luis. The association will soon begin renovating and furnishing the space and plans to open its doors in October, before The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 5.
Apart from tastings and educating people about wine in New Mexico, Goblet hopes the studio will also encourage people to enter the winemaking industry.
“We need to build this industry. If people come into our studio, and they get an understanding of basic winemaking, and it inspires them to plant some grapes at their house, or maybe they want to start to read some books, this facility will help steer people towards other educational opportunities,” Goblet said.
The Viva Vino Wine Studio is funded in part by a 2021 grant from the USDA. Goblet said they chose to open the studio in Old Town due to its “vibrant location.”
“It’s a great tourist and local destination. And we want to showcase New Mexico wine here, where we can reach the most number of people,” he said.
The opening of the wine studio in Old Town can also be linked to Goblet’s efforts in 2018 when he pitched a proposal to former City Councilor Issac Benton to allow wineries and breweries to open storefronts in Old Town.
The plan was approved and City Council altered the zoning in the area in 2019.
