If you’ve overlooked New Mexico as a destination for wine and food, it’s time to reconsider. The Mesilla Valley has produced wine grapes for more than 400 years, and today visitors can explore a growing culinary and viticulture scene that blends history, local ingredients, and modern winemaking.
“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
Start your visit at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum to gain context on farming and food production in the region. Interactive exhibits and artwork trace Las Cruces’ role in the state’s cattle industry, highlight women’s contributions to agriculture, and celebrate millennia-old local farming traditions. Nearby, the Chile Pepper Institute Teaching Garden at New Mexico State University cultivates more than 150 varieties of peppers annually, offering a vivid look at one of the area’s signature crops.
For wine enthusiasts, La Viña Winery — the state’s oldest winery — is a must-see; arrange a tour to learn about its long history. D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro pairs award-winning wines with a bistro menu that showcases local flavors, making it ideal for a relaxed tasting and meal.
The Las Cruces Wine Trail highlights these and other local producers, including Fort Selden Winery, Amaro Winery, Luna Rossa Winery & Pizzeria, NM Vintage Wines, Rio Grande Vineyard & Winery, and Sombra Antigua Vineyard and Winery. The wine trail makes it easy to plan tastings and visits along a scenic route through the Mesilla Valley.
Beyond wineries, the region offers a rich farm-to-table culture. Farmers markets, family-owned orchards, and artisan producers supply fresh ingredients to local restaurants, while annual food and wine events celebrate regional specialties such as chile, warm breads, and Southwestern-inspired cuisine. Whether you follow the wine trail, tour agricultural sites, or sample dishes at local eateries, Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley present a distinctive blend of history, terroir, and culinary creativity that rewards curious travelers.