Embudo Valley Vinyards · Vivác Winery · La Chiripada · Artists Andrew and Lorrie Garcia
Travel from the high mesa of Taos down into the Rio Grande Gorge, where we’ll snake through the narrow canyon with colorful rock walls on one side and the sparkling río on the other. This tour invites you to savor the flavors and beauty of Northern New Mexico with all your senses. Along the way, we’ll delve into the rich history of winemaking—from the smuggling of the Mission Grape into New Mexico centuries ago by Spanish settlers to the artistry of modern-day vintners.
Our first stop will be in the lush Embudo Valley, known for its apples, peaches, and vines. At Embudo Valley Vineyards, we’ll taste four of their wines while learning their story and admiring the owner’s collection of local art.
Only minutes down the road, we’ll have our next taste of New Mexico at Vivác Winery, nestled along the picturesque Rio Grande corridor. Here, we’ll deepen our understanding of the winemaking process while soaking in breathtaking vineyard views. Savor the moment with a delightful picnic lunch from Manzanita Market.
Our third stop takes us to New Mexico’s oldest winery, La Chiripada—aptly named “a stroke of luck.” You’ll indulge in their award-winning wines, including unique Amphora selections aged in terracotta vessels. Immerse yourself in their rich history while exploring their collection of library wines and local art.
With rosy lips and warm hearts, we’ll bid farewell to the vineyards and ascend into the mountains along the enchanting High Road to Taos. As the landscape shifts, we’ll find ourselves surrounded by piñon and juniper forests with stunning views of the Trampas Peaks. Along the way, we’ll visit the Garcias, master artisans who preserve New Mexico’s heritage through intricate Spanish Revival furniture and Santos carvings.
Our day concludes with a scenic drive back to Taos through ancient ponderosa and aspen forests. Celebrate the journey’s end with a glass of bubbly in the cozy ambiance of Barro Vino’s living room—a perfect toast to the flavors and stories of Northern New Mexico.
Not too far away is the Hacienda de los Martinez, (approx. 1804 AD). This historical family home with central courtyards will transport you back in time. The home, now a living museum, features important Santos (religious painted carving of saints, original adobe structures, and hand dyed weavings and looms.) The Hacienda’s interior is white washed with Tierra Blanca, a mixture of micaceous clay and wheat paste, and the dirt floors glisten with the hardened gloss of ox blood. You will leave with a visceral connection to the Spanish Colonial Era of the 1800s.
We will then head to the San Francisco de Assis Church (1700’s). Rising up from the earth like a ship on the ocean, this adobe parish has inspired artists throughout time, including Ansel Adam and Georgia O’Keeffe, and has been argued the most depicted Church in the world. The organic shapes of the building are articulated by seven foot deep buttresses and bee hive shaped anchor supports. Also housed at San Francisco de Assis is the mysterious portrait of Christ, the painting changes in the dark when a cross emerges.
Afterwards we will return to El Monte Sagrado Resort. Our guided tour will leave you with an effortless joy and appreciation for Taos’ many cultures. Visions of adobe sanctuaries, artisan jewelry, mysterious paintings and wild beauty will lift your spirit and ground your soul.
Return to El Monte Sagrado Resort & Spa.
