New Mexico Is Where Wine In America Began

Nuevo México, a Spanish Colonial territory, is where the cultivation of wine in America originated.

Due to the vast distance from Spain, Franciscan and Capuchin monks faced challenges in obtaining sacramental wine for their ceremonies.

The solutions from Spain were tardy and expensive. As a result, they clandestinely brought Mission grapes, a type of Vitis vinifera, to New Mexico in 1629 to initiate their wine production. Even though the Spanish monarchy disapproved, they couldn’t curb this subtle rebellion against their mandate.

By the end of the 19th century, New Mexico was producing close to a million gallons of wine every year, outpacing New York State’s output. However, the rise of competitors from California decreased that number, and the 1920 Prohibition stopped it altogether. It was only in the 1930s that wine production saw a resurgence in New Mexico.

Lescombes Have Been Making Wine Since The 1880’s

The Lescombes family has been creating wines for six generations since starting in Algeria in the 1880s. Hervé Lescombes, the family patriarch, gained his expertise in viticulture and winemaking there. However, due to Algeria’s struggle for independence in 1962, the family relocated to France, setting up a new vineyard in Burgundy. By 1981, Hervé and his family decided to move to the United States. By the next year, he had established his vineyard in Pyramid Valley, near Lordsburg. Now, the vineyard spans 240 acres, with 220 of those acres being cultivated.

Desert Climate Ideal For Growing Grapes

“The climate here makes it possible to grow some of the best grapes in New Mexico,” says Florent Lescombes, president of Lescombes Family Vineyards based in Deming. Florent is the younger of Hervé’s two sons. The older brother, Emmanuel, is the viticulturist.

At the vineyard, they grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Chenin Blanc, and dozens of other varietals. They have an annual capacity of 620,000 gallons in their winery facility.

State-Of-The-Art Production

Throughout the journey from harvesting to sealing the bottle, Lescombes integrates cutting-edge techniques while still preserving the artisanal touch in its wine production, including the age-old practice of aging in oak barrels. For those curious about the intricacies, the winery conducts tours that promise to enlighten as well as delight the palate.

Winery & Bistro Offers A Full Menu

D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro offers a full menu: appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts. Among the more popular entrees are Southwest Meatloaf, Pecan-Crusted Chicken, and Pasta New Mexico with Hatch green chile. This is New Mexico, after all. There are Schnitzel and Fish & Chips for a touch of Europe, and Mongolian Beef for a hint of Asia. Each dish you choose can be paired with a wine to achieve the best balance between the ingredients of the food and the characteristics of the wine, amplifying the flavors of both.

Just want wine? Order online

Need a special bottle of wine to bring to a party or give as a gift? You’ll find all the varietals on shelves in the D. H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro. You can even have Lescombes award-winning wines delivered. Their wines are categorized to help you find the style of wine you enjoy. Order through the secure online wine store. Shipping is not available to some locations due to local regulations.

Add a zest to your New Mexico adventures with the enjoyment of Lescombes New Mexico wine and delectable food at D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro.