Opening doors: Vara starts year with new spirits, new location

New year, new look, new location for Vara Winery & Distillery.

The wine and spirits maker has launched a new portfolio of artisan spirits made with locally-sourced ingredients. The branding was designed to reflect the landscapes of New Mexico that inspired each step of the distillation process, according to a Vara news release.

The new labels were created using a watercolor style that reflects the rolling hills of the high desert and the state’s vibrant sunsets.

“We are incredibly excited to be expanding our focus on New Mexico-inspired spirits,” JP Clement, Vara general manager and CEO, stated in the news release. “As an urban winery and craft distillery here in Albuquerque, we are always looking for ways to create new products uniquely reflective of our home state and crafted for communal enjoyment.”

New to Vara’s spirit lineup are Painted Sky Vodka ($25) and Estrella Blanca Rum ($26). The new products join Vara’s High Desert Gin ($30) and Corona de Oro Rum ($40).

Opening doors: Vara starts year with new spirits, new location

Painted Sky Vodka contains light floral notes and has a smooth texture. Initial sips reveal subtle fresh berry fruit complemented by a creamy mouthfeel, rounded palate and rolling warmth, according to tasting notes.

Estrella Blanca Rum is made with light cane juice molasses. The light, classic rum exudes bright aromas, according to tasting notes. Hints of almond, vanilla and green coriander unveil themselves with each drink.

The spirits were crafted under the direction of Vara’s longtime production manager Djuna Benjamin and new head distiller, Martin Ulloa.

Benjamin, who is a native New Mexican, is inspired by the Land of Enchantment’s herbs and culture, according to the news release. The influences are evident in her unique flavor profiles in the spirits she creates.

“Growing up in New Mexico, I was always inspired by the scents and landscape – as anyone from our state can understand,” Benjamin states in the news release. “We capture the richness of New Mexico’s air and culture in our spirits, which are accessible and easy to enjoy, while also offering a little hint of the Land of Enchantment that can’t be found anywhere else.”

Ulloa has lived in New Mexico for more than 30 years. He has over six years of brewing experience and has sharpened his distilling skills over the last decade. Ulloa has a passion for blending traditional distilling methods with new and innovative techniques.

Painted Sky Vodka, Estrella Blanca Rum, High Desert Gin and Corona de Oro Rum are available for purchase at Vara Winery & Distillery, 315 Alameda Blvd. NE; the newly opened Nob Hill Tasting Room, 201 Hermosa Drive NE; and the Santa Fe Tasting Room, 329 W. San Francisco St. in Santa Fe.

Vara opened its new tasting room on Jan. 5 in Nob Hill. The spot moved into the location formerly known as Public House. The Nob Hill tasting room is open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. It offers a full line of Vara’s wines, spirits and cocktails. More information on Vara can be found at varawines.com.

Vara will be closing its current Balloon Fiesta Park tasting room and transitioning operations to its newly opened tasting room in Nob Hill beginning April 1. The Balloon Fiesta Park tasting room will be phased into a micro tasting room, event space and shipping hub.