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VARA

About

In Albuquerque, VARA operates the only combined winery and distillery in New Mexico. Laurent Gruet leads the program across a portfolio that spans still wines and sparkling expressions. VARA Silverhead Sparkling wines follow Méthode Champenoise. VARA Gold draws California and Spanish grapes with oak aging, while VARA Black leans into Spanish fruit with shorter time in wood. The house also produces VARA Platinum, VARAxLG, VARA Brut, and VARA Brut Rosé. VARA New Mexico Sparkling Brut earned 98 points at the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition, the highest score ever awarded to a New Mexico wine at that competition. The work distributes to ten states: New Mexico, California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Tasting rooms operate in Santa Fe and Balloon Fiesta Park.

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Tasting Experiences

When to go

Monday10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Good to know

Yes — VARA has a tasting room open to visitors.
Signature bottles include VARA Platinum, VARA Gold, VARA Black, VARA Silverhead Sparkling, VARAxLG, VARA Brut, VARA Brut Rosé, VARA New Mexico Sparkling Brut. When booking a tasting, ask which current release best represents the estate's style.
Yes, VARA has food available alongside tastings. Having food while tasting reduces the effect of alcohol and helps you taste more accurately. Worth taking advantage of when offered.
VARA is in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Confirm hours before visiting. Winery schedules vary seasonally.
The winemaking at VARA is led by Laurent Gruet. Visiting during special events or release weekends is often the best chance to meet the winemaking team and ask questions about specific vintages or techniques.
VARA offers: Tasting, Events and Wine Club. Seated or guided experiences typically include more context about the wines and the estate's approach. Worth booking if you want depth over breadth.
Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Saturday: Closed | Sunday: Closed Hours may vary seasonally. Confirm by phone or on their website before visiting.

Location

315 Alameda Blvd Ne
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America

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