La Viña Winery: A New Mexico Gem

Harvest Hosts is one of the most unique RV travelling experiences. This program offers overnight accommodations with no camping fees to self-contained RVs at business locations all over the country. For a small yearly membership fee and a purchase at each establishment, members gain access to over \5900 locations across North America. These include wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and much more. Of these hosts, La Viña Wineryin La Union, New Mexico, is particularly special. Read on to learn all about this host, its history, its origins within the Harvest Hosts program, and what you can expect when staying there overnight.

History

First opened in 1977, La Viña Winery is New Mexico’s oldest winery. In 1992, Kenneth and Denise Stark purchased the business when the previous owners discontinued it. Prior to purchasing the winery, Kenneth worked as a winemaker at Anderson Valley Vineyards, another New Mexico winery. They Starks then leased La Viña's original property until the current property became available in 1998. The current property was once a forty-four-acre jalapeno farm, but the Starks were eventually able to convert it into a thriving vineyard.Kenneth and Denise originally planted twenty-four different varietals of grapes, with many different clone varieties. After receiving many accolades in both State and National wine competitions, they knew that they could make great wine in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico. Over twenty years later, they continue to make wine from their single vineyard location using different yeast strains, fermentation styles and aging regimens. Since they are an Estate Bottled Vineyard Winery, they produce all of their wines from their own vineyard. ![La Viña Winery is one of the oldest vineyards in the state of New Mexico.] (https://us-east-1-shared-usea1-02.graphassets.com/ADJT7jQypTSaGsVonBjxQz/Y6D3mj8R9usxWNPko0MG)

The Business Today

La Viña Winery provides ample tasting opportunities to anyone who visits their business. With nearly thirty different wines available, there is something for any palate or preference. They also offer winery tours, allowing visitors to learn about the history of New Mexico’s wine production and the history of their specific location, as well.Each year, La Viña Winery hosts a variety of events, including a Fourth of July Picnic, a Harvest Festival, and regularly-scheduled live music. They are also locally famous for their Annual Spring Wine Festival. Visitors from all over enjoy visiting La Viña and sampling their excellent wines.