Swirl, sniff and savor: New Mexico Wine opens Viva Vino Wine Studio

New Mexico Wine recently opened its highly anticipated tasting room in the heart of Old Town.

Its new space, Vivo Vino Wine Studio, is located on the second floor of Don Luis Plaza, which is also home to tasting rooms for Sheehan Winery and Noisy Water Winery. The studio is designed to immerse visitors into the vibrant wine culture of New Mexico, according to a New Mexico Wine news release. It offers an intimate setting to taste and enjoy New Mexico wines and learn about the state’s rich wine heritage and the craftsmanship that goes into wines created in the Land of Enchantment.

Swirl, sniff and savor: New Mexico Wine opens Viva Vino Wine Studio

The wine studio serves as the center for wine education and wine tasting experiences. It provides guests the opportunity to explore a carefully curated selection of New Mexico wine.

“Opening Viva Vino Wine Studio is the culmination of three years of business strategy, market research and grant writing, not to mention the hours of design and input from our board of directors,” said Christopher Goblet, executive director of New Mexico Wine, in a statement. “We now can offer the best wines from across New Mexico at one location, allowing customers to explore the distinct wines and grape varieties from Deming to Dixon. New Mexico Wine is trailblazing with this wine bar storefront, and opening our doors is just the beginning.”

The wine studio is currently offering wines from Amaro Winery in Las Cruces, Casa Rondeña Winery in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Jaramillo Vineyard from Belen, Rio Grande Winery in Las Cruces, Vivác Winery in Dixon, Wines of the San Juan in Blanco and Luna Rossa Winery, which has locations in Deming and Mesilla.

The New Mexico Wine Studio builds on the success of New Mexico wine festivals held annually on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. The festivals draw about 45,000 attendees each year, according to the news release.

Viva Vino Wine Studio offers a welcoming space for seasoned wine enthusiasts and wine novices. Wine studio visitors can look forward to personalized tasting experiences guided by general manager Jennie Thornton and her team. Thornton and her staff will share the stories behind each bottle.

In addition to tastings, the wine studio will offer seasonal events such as wine education workshops and winery highlights with curated tastings.

“For 25 years, I have worked in famous wine regions worldwide,” Thornton said in a statement. “Returning to my home in New Mexico to create never-before-experienced wine events is what I have been working toward my entire career. We will learn, make and laugh while tasting truly world-class wines. These wines are grown and made by some of the most wonderful families I have ever met. I am the luckiest wine teacher in the world.”

Another purpose of the wine studio is to foster a deeper connection between New Mexico wines and the local community, according to the news release. The studio’s intimate setting is ideal for small gatherings, private events and celebrations. The studio also offers a space where friends can enjoy a quiet evening, learn more about the art of winemaking, or simply relax with a glass of wine in Old Town.

Viva Vino Wine Studio offers some innovative and interactive technology.

New Mexico Wine partnered with local technology firm Ideum, with support from a Visit Albuquerque grant, to create one of the first interactive digital tasting tables, according to the news release. Ideum premiered the technology earlier this year, and the wine studio is the first permanent installation in the country.

Its large format screen has seating for four people to walk through a guided tasting of hand-selected wines. Patrons choose a selection of wines, and the table allows each person to explore the aroma and flavor profiles of the wines while learning about the grape varietals and growing regions.

More information on the studio is available at nmwinestudio.com.