When you think of wine destinations, your mind probably jumps to Napa and regions of France. But you may not realize that there are quite a few places to sample and enjoy wine right here in El Paso, Texas. Throughout the area, you’ll find a number of wineries making delicious wines infused with local flavors.
La Viña Winery
At La Viña Winery, the 40-year history is apparent when you sample your first glass of wine. It’s the oldest winery in the state, boasting award-winning wines bottled locally on the premises. Tours and tastings are available from noon to 5 p.m. every day but Wednesday. You can reserve your spot on a tour by calling ahead. The cost is $5 per person and includes samplings of several top wines.
The winery also hosts annual events throughout the year, including the spring and harvest festivals. You can take a few bottles home, including top options like Semillon (a dry white wine), black muscat (a sweet red wine), or rosé (a semi-dry variety).
Zin Valle Vineyards
Another fun place to check out in the El Paso area is Zin Valle Vineyards, located just outside the city in Canutillo. In the 1800s, El Paso was one of the premier wine locations in the country. Local history buff and wine connoisseur Victor Poulos was inspired by the decreasing quality of wine in the area in 2000, so he bought 10 acres of land to start growing local grapes.
The location also offers a wine club, which is free to join and comes with a number of benefits that appeal to wine lovers. Members get a 15 percent discount on wines, a free set of stemware with the winery’s logo on the first anniversary of membership, and other free wine-themed goodies throughout the year. When members visit the winery, they also receive a free glass of wine for themselves and one guest.
Sombra Antigua Winery
When you visit Sombra Antigua Winery, you’ll immediately notice the comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The winery advertises its location as a place to enjoy wine, music, and fun. Built near an ancient trail and nestled in the vines of the oldest commercial vineyard in the state, this winery offers a variety of appealing wines in a beautiful setting. Tastings are available for $5, which includes small samplings of five different wines.
Some of the favorite wine options include Riesling, with its crisp apple notes, desert rain, which draws inspiration from the fresh smell of the first rainfall, and Theresa’s Blend, which combines a semi-dark cherry flavor with softer tannins for a lighter flavor. Beer lovers also enjoy visiting Sombra Antigua, as they make their own craft beers as well. Try the Monks’ ale, wit ale, dark ale, dubbel ale, or tripel ale, which are the house specialties. Draft local beers are also available for sampling.
Enjoy a wine tour with your girlfriends or special someone in the El Paso area. You won’t be disappointed with the flavors and inviting atmospheres at these local wineries.
Image via Flickr by timcorradino licensed via CC BY 2.0
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