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Please use our media library for downloadable images and usage rights.With its unique blend of Spanish, Mexican, American and Native American culinary influences, Albuquerque offers a dining experience like no other city, and the local beer and wine choices put this high-altitude city a level above the ordinary. Here are a just a few of the dozens of breweries and wineries that dot the Albuquerque landscape.
When you want to sip on something locally made, you'll find plenty of options in and around Albuquerque. The craft beer scene has exploded here and a number of local brewers have been awarded medals at prestigious events like the Great American Beer Festival. There are dozens of breweries scattered around the city. If you want to hit multiple breweries in a single stop, drop by the bustling Brewery District, which can be found on Candelaria between Edith and I-25. Here are a few of the city's award-winning breweries.
This local favorite has grown from a small brewing company to an award-winning craft brewery with two taprooms. After more than two decades in the business, the Canteen boasts a strong local following with the national and international awards to back it up.
With three locations around Albuquerque, Marble is another award-winning local brewer. The company serves a handful of Breaking Bad-themed beers, like Walt's White Lie and Heisenberg's Dark Ale, has an extensive list of standard and special beers, and pairs them with dishes that complement their unique flavors.
To complement its award-winning beers Nexus Brewery offers up some of the best home-style southern cooking around. This “New Mexican soul food” tastes great with anything from a 9.3 ABV Imperial Cream Ale to the fruity Ensign Belgo.
When it’s just about the beer, stop by La Cumbre Brewery. With a dozen or more brews to choose, this Albuquerque original isn’t the oldest in town but it’s fast becoming one of the best. Dive into one of the special releases like Angry Belgian or sip a year-round classic, La Cumbre’s A Slice of Hefen. Either will go great with some of the city’s best food-truck cuisine, available daily outside the Taproom.
New Mexico might not be the first state that comes to mind when someone mentions wine country in the United States, but Albuquerque is home to a handful of hard-working wineries producing some truly tasty wines. Explore the diverse, higher-elevation terroirs during your visit and find a new favorite to bring home to your friends. Local wine makes a perfect souvenir. Find more information about wineries throughout the area with the business listings farther down this page.
The north valley is home to a wide array of varietals that make for some of the region’s tastiest wines. Since 1984, Gruet Winery has churned out some of America’s finest sparkling wines. Made with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, these bubbly bottles are a favorite of sommeliers across the country.
Established in 1995 by acclaimed vintner John Calvin, Casa Rondeña is one of Albuquerque’s most esteemed wineries. Named for the year Franciscan monks first brought vines to New Mexico, the winery’s 1629 Club is an exclusive association where members sip fine wines in a sophisticated but relaxed setting.
Near historic Old-Town Albuquerque, St. Clair Winery and Bistro offers French country cuisine and architecture and some of the most lauded wines in the state. Try one of the recommended pairings – like the Chicken Marsala accompanied by the St. Clair Chardonnay – or make your own selection. As New Mexico’s largest winery, St. Claire has the perfect red, white, blush or sparkling wine to complement anything on the menu.
The Albuquerque area hosts unique food, beer and wine festivals that draw thousands of visitors every year; see below for a list of major events. Also be sure to check our calendar for smaller beer-pairing dinners, wine tastings and other savory events.
Find more information on wine, beer and culinary events and festivals.
Find more palate-pleasing breweries and wineries in the business listings below.
Explore the city's art galleries, museum exhibitions, sporting events, eateries, fine dining, live music and cultural performances all in one place. The ABQ365 blog and calendar of events is the easiest way to discover the here and now.