Gruet Winery

Gruet Winery Review

It's hard to imagine a wine-tasting venue with less curb appeal. Gruet Winery sits along an ugly access road paralleling Interstate 25, sandwiched between an RV showroom and a lawn-furniture store. But behind the vaguely chalet-like exterior of this otherwise modern industrial building, you're afforded the chance to visit one of the nation's most acclaimed producers of sparkling wines (to see its actual vineyards you'll have to head south to Truth or Consequences). Gruet had been famous in France since the 1950s for its champagnes. In New Mexico, the Gruet family has been producing wine since 1984, and it's earned nationwide kudos for its Methode Champenoise, as well as for impressive pinot noirs, syrahs, and chardonnays. Many of the state's top restaurants now carry Gruet vintages. Tastings include five wines and a souvenir glass.