New Mexico is a diverse state, offering a multitude of recreational and cultural opportunities.
The wide-open spaces lend for sweeping views and incredible sunsets which are some of the reasons people travel to the state and our southeast region has plenty to offer.
Visitors come for the vast outdoor experiences, unique cultural events, delicious food dishes, and the unexpected craft beer and wine scene. New Mexico has the longest history of producing wine, with the first grape vines planted by Franciscan Friars in 1629 for use with holy communion. Brewing beer in New Mexico has a tumultuous history but has staked its claim on the state with approximately 97 breweries and counting.
In the southeastern part of the state, there are at least 8 breweries and 3 wineries which makes for a great weekend trip for a tasting of what they do best; brew beer or make wine. In Carlsbad there is Milton’s Brewing, as well as the Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company and the Balzano Family Vineyard & Pumpkin Patch. Artesia hosts the Wellhead Brew Pub and in Lea County you will find Drylands Brewing Company. Black Cock Brewery and Pecos Flavors Winery are in Roswell. If headed toward Ruidoso, tourists can stop first in Lincoln at Bonito Valley Brewing Company before checking out Lost Hiker Brewing Company, Downshift Brewing Company, and Noisy Water Winery once in the cool pines of Ruidoso.
“Noisy Water Winery began operations in 2011 with one brick and mortar building in Midtown Ruidoso. We have now grown to 6 retail locations across New Mexico; in Red River, Ruidoso, Alto, Albuquerque, and Cloudcroft,” shared Corey Johnston, Director of Distribution for Noisy Water Winery.
Producing 45,000 cases of wine annually and rapidly growing, Noisy Water Winery selections can be found at over 550 on-premises and off-premises locations across the American Southwest. “We don’t make wine for awards or validation, we make wine for people who love it,” Johnston said.
If planning a visit to Ruidoso, Johnston recommends the Winery Tour and Proprietary Tasting. “This experience includes a tour of our 5-acre property, venue, and working production facility at Enchanted Vine in Alto.”
Locals support local, and when venues provide offerings like live music, trivia nights, wine tastings, open jam sessions, and a variety of other quality of life enhancements it is easy to see why there is such a loyal following of the craft scene. People of all ages can be found at breweries around the region. Families come in with young children who play games and enjoy time together. Couples wander in to share an evening out. Friends and co-workers meet up after work, and snowbirds enjoy our temperate climate. All groups migrate to breweries and wineries with one thing in mind: to have a good time with a cold craft brew or nice glass of wine.
Eddie Gutierrez — aka Ed the Brewer — is founder and brewer of Downshift Brewing Company. “The culture of our brewery revolves strongly around the name, and definition of it. Downshift verb — a change in course or perspective. Choosing to celebrate the beauty and brevity of life and embracing the elements that make it great,” he shared.
“Brewing in the heart of Midtown, we do see many fresh faces at our Hidden Tap Location, but it is definitely the local support that keeps the taproom going,” Gutierrez added. In their first year of operations, Downshift is set to have produced around 300 barrels of craft beer for the enjoyment of beer connoisseurs.
Carlsbad’s first brewery, Milton’s Brewing, is in its sixth year of operation and its brew crew crafts approximately 300 barrels of beer each year. This small-town operation offers a hometown feeling to it. When anyone walks in, it feels comfortable and familiar.
“Milton’s has built its own environment. The brewery has grown over time to what it is now,” shared owner and head brewer Lucas Middleton. “We’ve had tourists tell us it feels like home coming into the brewery. The locals that frequent the establishment and our bartenders help in creating that inviting atmosphere,” he added.
Jeff Campbell, Director of Marketing and Business Development for the Carlsbad Department of Development shared recent data from the North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) codes for the category of drinking places (alcoholic beverages). “When we look at the potential demand going forward five years it appears there will be a growing demand in this category” meaning that there is potential for growth in this sector of industry, and many locations are meeting those demands and planning for the future.
When at home, support your local businesses which in turn support the economic vitality of the community. While traveling, seek out those local spots for a new experience and a taste of pure New Mexican culture and authenticity.
Local Brew & Wine Locations
Carlsbad
Milton’s Brewing
213 W. Mermod
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 725.5779
www.miltonsbrewing.com
Balzano Family Vineyard & Pumpkin Patch
5230 7 Rivers Hwy
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 502.3317
www.balzanovineyard.com
Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company
3324 National Parks Hwy
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 887.8747
www.gmbrewingco.com
Artesia
The Wellhead Restaurant and Brewpub
332 W. Main St
Artesia, NM 88210
(575) 746.0640
www.thewellheadpub.com
Roswell
Black Cock Brewery
1719 SE. Main St
Roswell, NM 88203
(575) 742.8389
www.blackcockbrewery.com
Pecos Flavors Winery & Bistro
412 W. 2nd St
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 627.6265
www.pecosflavorswinery.com
Lea County
Drylands Brewing Company
322 N. Main
Lovington, NM 88260
(575) 739.2739
www.drylandsbrewing.com
Ruidoso
Bonito Valley Brewing Company
692 Calle la Placita
Lincoln, NM 88338
(575) 653.4810
www.bonitovalleybrewing.com
Downshift Brewing Company
2408 Sudderth Dr
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 257.5300
www.downshift.beer
Lost Hiker
Brewing Company
2536 Sudderth Dr
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 808.8072
www.losthikerbrewing.com
Noisy Water Winery
2331 Sudderth Dr
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 257.9335
www.noisywaterwinery.com
