Las Cruces/El Paso: Weekend Wine Tour

If you’re looking to turn a weekend into a relaxed exploration of New Mexico’s burgeoning wine scene, the Las Cruces/El Paso: Weekend Wine Tour offers a fantastic way to do just that. For $60 per person, you get around five hours of scenic drives, tastings, and good company, with the flexibility to choose your own winery stops along the way. Led by an expert guide, this tour makes it easy to enjoy local wines without the hassle of driving yourself, which is especially appealing if you’re new to the area or want to indulge without concern.

What we especially like about this tour is how it balances personalized experiences with the conviviality of a small group. You’ll spend about an hour at each winery, giving you ample time to savor your wine, enjoy live music, or snap a few photos of the farm and vineyard views. Plus, the pay-as-you-go approach means you can decide whether you want a tasting flight, a full glass, or to share a bottle, making it adaptable to your preferences.

One aspect to consider is that wine tasting fees are not included in the tour price, so you’ll want to budget accordingly if you plan to sample extensively. Also, because the tour is designed for those over 18 and not pregnant, it’s primarily suited for adult wine lovers looking for a relaxed, social day out. If you’re eager to explore New Mexico’s wine culture with a focus on authenticity and comfort, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for visitors wanting a comfortable, guided introduction to local wineries, couples celebrating, or friends seeking a scenic, stress-free outing. It’s perfect if you appreciate small groups and personalized attention rather than large, rushed tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Flexible winery selection: Choose your own stops among three boutique wineries.
Small group experience: Limited to 14 guests for a more intimate atmosphere.
Scenic drive: Enjoy views along the Rio Grande as you travel between stops.
Expert guidance: Learn about local wine and history from a knowledgeable guide.
No driving needed: Round-trip transportation included, so you can relax.
Time at each stop: About one hour, enough to enjoy wine and ambiance without feeling rushed.

An In-Depth Look at the Weekend Wine Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at a designated rendezvous point in either Las Cruces or El Paso. The round-trip transportation makes life easier for travelers who prefer to avoid the hassle of driving, especially after sampling wines. The vehicle stays with the group throughout the day, allowing for seamless transitions between stops. This setup not only adds safety but also fosters a friendly, social vibe.

It’s worth noting that parking is free at the pickup points, so arriving by car or ride share is straightforward. The guide’s role is not just to chauffeur, but also to share local insights and keep the experience lively. The small group limit of 14 ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and conversations with your guide are more meaningful.

Scenic Drive and Views

One of the highlights of this tour is the scenic drive along the Rio Grande, which provides stunning views of farmland and vineyards. This backdrop enriches the experience, reminding you that wine-growing regions are often as much about landscape as they are about the wine itself. The views are calming and add an extra layer of enjoyment, making the journey as memorable as the stops themselves.

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Selection of Wineries

Here’s where the tour gets interesting: instead of visiting pre-selected wineries, you choose which three boutique spots to visit. This flexibility offers a sense of control over your day. Whether you’re interested in tasting reds, whites, or rosés, or want to explore different winery styles, you can tailor your experience.

What Happens at Each Stop?

At each winery, you’ll spend around one hour. During this time, you can:

Sample a wine flight or purchase a full glass.
Share a bottle with friends or fellow travelers.
Enjoy live music that often accompanies the tasting experience.
Take photos of the scenic vineyard surroundings.
Chat with winery staff to learn about their wines and process.

The tour doesn’t include tasting fees, so costs may vary depending on how much you indulge. The light snacks and bottled water provided between stops help balance the wine tasting, keeping you refreshed.

The Guide’s Role

Our guide, whose local knowledge shines through, isn’t just available to chauffeur. They’ll share stories about the local history and the significance of wine in the region, enhancing your appreciation. They also provide wine tasting tips and keep the atmosphere lively with music and conversation.

Authentic, Unhurried Experience

Many reviews praise the relaxed pace and personalized attention. The small group size ensures everyone gets enough time at each winery, avoiding the rush that bigger tours often suffer from. This setup is perfect for those who want to savor their experience rather than just check boxes.

Price and Value

While the $60 per person fee covers transportation and guidance, wine tasting fees are extra. Depending on your preferences, this could still represent good value—especially given the scenic drive, the small group intimacy, and the flexibility to choose your wineries. Remember, this isn’t a full wine tasting day at each winery but a curated, social introduction.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adults who appreciate wine and scenic drives. It’s ideal for couples, small groups of friends, or locals hosting visitors. If you’re looking for a relaxed, flexible, and authentic way to explore New Mexico’s wine country without the stress of planning or driving, this tour hits the right notes.

The Sum Up

In summary, the Las Cruces/El Paso: Weekend Wine Tour offers a personalized, enjoyable way to experience local wineries. Its strengths lie in its flexibility, small group environment, and scenic setting along the Rio Grande. The guide’s local insights and the chance to tailor your stops make it a memorable, value-packed outing.

It’s particularly well-suited for wine lovers seeking a relaxed, social experience without the hassles of driving or rigid schedules. The tour’s emphasis on quality over quantity—focusing on boutique wineries and meaningful interaction—sets it apart from more commercialized options.

If you’re in the area and want to enjoy a thoughtfully curated day of wine tasting, scenic views, and good company, this tour is a smart choice. Just remember to plan for tasting fees and consider arranging transportation back home or to your accommodations.

FAQ

Are transportation and guide included in the price?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Las Cruces or El Paso and an experienced guide are part of the $60 fee.

Can I choose which wineries to visit?
You can select your three preferred boutique wineries, making the experience personalized based on your taste and interests.

How long do we stay at each winery?
About one hour at each stop, enough time to sample wines, enjoy the scenery, and socialize without feeling rushed.

Are wine tasting fees included in the tour price?
No, tasting fees are extra and paid at each winery. Budget accordingly depending on how much you plan to sample.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tour is designed for adults over 18, and pregnant women are not advised to participate due to alcohol consumption.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around vineyards and winery grounds. Snacks and water are provided, but you might want to bring your own if you have specific preferences.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour offers flexible booking with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Is it a small group tour?
Yes, limited to 14 guests, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Where do I meet the tour?
The pickup location will be provided after booking, with parking available at the designated point.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing way to see some of New Mexico’s scenic countryside, this tour offers a well-balanced, enjoyable day out. It combines the pleasures of tasting, the beauty of the landscape, and the warmth of small-group camaraderie—an excellent way to make your weekend memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: