La Chiripada Winery — Attraction in New Mexico

How can one not do a wine trekking adventure in New Mexico without stopping at the oldest winery in the state? This small family run winery in the Rio Embudo Valley was founded by Michael and Patrick Johnson. Named after the original site ranch meaning “stroke of luck”, they have transformed this ponderosa into a top-notch wine producing winery. Vines were originally planted on the estate in 1977 and the tasting room was opened in 1981. In addition, grapes are also sourced from the Mimbres Valley near Deming, New Mexico. In 2020, the Johnsons gave full winemaking reins to Katie Hagan who had been working there for a while. Yes, that Katie from some of your favorite 90’s movies! She has made an impressive list of wines to choose from and best of all, tastings are free! With at least two dozen wines to choose from (or all of them), there will be a style of wine for you to enjoy. Below was our selection for the day. First up, was the 2021 Chardonnay. With just 3% Muscat in this one, notes of apples will delight your wine senses for this light and crisp wine. The next white was the 2021 Winemakers Select. This blend of Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Chardonel, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Viognier may pack a lot of different varieties, but you’ll be pleased with the fruit forward sensation and mixed palate feel. There is also a great apple wine on the list that you absolutely must try called Embudo Blanco. With 10% field grapes added, you’ll be very pleased with the fruit forward apple freshness and crisp texture of this fruit wine. For the reds, we started off with the 2018 Winemakers Select. This 50/50 blend of Shiraz and Ruby Cabernet has great pepper and raspberry notes along with some smokiness and good tannins. Next up is the Rio Embudo red blend. This mix of Leon Millot, DeChaunac, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz will envelop your wine senses with berry aromas and a smooth mouthfeel. Getting into the bolder reds, the 2020 Vintners’ Reserve is a blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Ruby Cabernet, 25% Tempranillo, and 25% Petite Sirah. What you get for this two year American and Hungarian Oak aged blend are great cherry notes and a super dry feel for you hard core red wine drinkers. Not to be left out, the 2019 Tempranillo also shines with delicious blackberry notes and leather. Petite Sirah fans will be thrilled with the 2019 release. It punches you with rich plums and a good tobacco feel with a bit more tannins than the previous reds. Save their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon for last and relish this old-world style wine with cherries and vanilla to delight your palate. Fear not, port lovers are not left out! First, try the 2019 Vino de Oro. This white dessert wine beast from Muscat grapes is not only fortified with some fine Brandy but will shine with a luscious mouthfeel and great mango and peach flavors. For the finale, dive into the 2018 New Mexico Port. This fortified Ruby Cabernet monster not only reflects its Hungarian oak aging but is also silky smooth. No worries if you missed something during your tasting session, just come back, try again, and don’t forget to retaste your favorites from the last time. You will also be impressed with the lovely native designs on the labels too. Many of these wines have taken top awards at several recognized wine competitions. Currently in the works are a dry Rosé, Merlot, and a Gewurztraminer. Next time you’re on your way up HWY 68 to Taos (or back from), take a quick detour through Dixon and check out this...

We had a great and free wine tasting at the „la chiripada winery“ and it really was hard to reduce my selection of bottles to 14 due to the limitation of our flight baggage ☺️ We will for sure return again and save more luggage space next time for these incredible delicious wine-creations they sell here. It is really worth a visit - I can recommend everyone to taste their wines including ports! Our wine-club will enjoy one of the next evening the topic „New...

The last winery on our 5-stop tour of New Mexico wineries. La Chiripada was an unexpected surprise just down the road from the junction of State Rd 68 and Dixon. The small twist on the normal theme came from subtle variations to the typical wine tastes, including the use of huge amphora for aging a few of the vintages. The sculpture out front and a fun story from one of the owners about their link to Colorado was a great personal touch to end...