10 Things to Know Before You Visit New Mexico

Are you planning to take an upcoming vacation in the southwestern portion of the United States? There are so many amazing options, and every state has something unique to offer.

New Mexico can sometimes be overlooked. However, it's a very diverse, historical, and laid-back vacation spot with so much to offer.

Foodies, wine connoisseurs, nature lovers, and those hoping to gain some insight on different cultures will be pleasantly surprised at all the things to do when they visit New Mexico. But there are some things you should know before you travel to this wonderful state.

Do we have your interest? Keep reading to discover 10 things you should know before you visit New Mexico.

1. Chilies and Tortillas Are Everywhere

New Mexico's food is influenced a lot by (you guessed it) Mexico! You'll find tons of amazing food in this state, and there are chilies and tortillas almost everywhere!

Who says tortillas can only be for burritos? Tortillas are used in any dish they possibly can be. Did you run out of bread? A New Mexican may tell you to just slap that peanut butter and jelly onto a tortilla!

Chilies are another common ingredient. If you don't like spice, you should be wary that many of New Mexico's signature dishes, like chili enchiladas, posole, and green chili stew all pack quite a punch by incorporating chilies.

2. You May Be Asked if You Want Your Chilies Christmas

If you like some spice, but don't want to be overwhelmed, you'll be pleased to know that they chilies are served with varying degrees of spiciness.

If you're asked "red, green or Christmas" when ordering food, the server is referring to the heat of your chili peppers. Red chilies have a milder taste, while green chilies are much hotter. If you can't decide, ordering your peppers Christmas will give you a mix of red and green.

3. Wine is a Long-Standing Tradition

When most people think of wine made in America, their mind may head straight to California. While it's true that California is popular for its wine, New Mexico has actually been in the game longer.

New Mexico's long history of making wine dates all the way back to 1629. There are now over 42 wineries which produce a collective 700,000 gallons of wine each year. This makes visiting a winery of the biggest draws of New Mexico tourism.

The wineries in New Mexico offer an impressive selection of red, white, and rose wines, so you'll be sure to find one you love. If you're looking for something unique, Enchantment Vineyards creates a Sunrise Rose that has hints of fruitcake and cotton candy!

4. You Can Find Influences from the Wild West

We've all read stories and watched movies of the wild west growing up. If you grew up in the east, Annie Oakley and Jesse James may seem more like characters rather than actual people. However, they were indeed real people, and they've left their influence behind in New Mexico.

The city of Cimarron can be particularly interesting if you're looking for some history on your visit to New Mexico. There, you'll find the St. James Hotel. Annie Oakley and Jesse James have stayed there, and the hotel's bar is the location where Davy Crockett murdered some Buffalo Soldiers.

5. There's Tons of Native American History

But the rich history doesn't stop with the wild west. There is also an extensive history of Native Americans in New Mexico.

New Mexico tourism boasts over 25,000 Ancestral Pueblo sites throughout the country and Indian arrowheads pop up everywhere. The Bandelier National Monument is a 33,677-acre park where you can see the influences left behind by the Ancestral Pueblo.

6. There's More Than Just Desert

The New Mexico desert may be the most commonly thought of landscape, but there is so much more than that.

New Mexico also has plenty of mountains and lush forests. The landscaping that can be found throughout the state is awe-inspiring. Red rocks twisting and turning and picturesque white sand dunes will have you wanting to come back for more New Mexico vacations.

7. Look Out for Roadrunners

It looks like Wile E. Coyote still hasn't caught that pesky roadrunner yet!

The roadrunner is actually the state bird of New Mexico, and you'll most likely see a few when you visit New Mexico. But, don't worry, roadrunners aren't giant blue birds like you see in the cartoon.

They only measure about 1 foot tall and 2 feet long. While they can fly, they are more adept at running - which is where they get their name. These little brown and white birds are actually fast enough to outrun a human!

8. It Has Amazing Stargazing

If you enjoy stargazing, then you'll love New Mexico.

The climate there is very dry. In fact, most areas only see 55-75 rainy days every year. This means you'll be able to enjoy clear skies most nights. This coupled with low light pollution makes New Mexico tourism famous for its pristine stargazing.

9. Take a Deep Breath and Relax

Every vacation experiences a few hiccups along the way. Maybe you overslept, got sunburnt, or missed the bus you were trying to catch.

While nobody wants to experience stressful problems on vacation, it's all about how you handle them. New Mexico has a very laid-back atmosphere. Take the local attitude in stride while you visit New Mexico and relax even when problems arise. After all, worrying doesn't solve anything.

10. The Fiestas Are to Die For

When you visit New Mexico, you may notice that everyone calls parades and festivals "fiestas." These fiestas are the pride and joy of New Mexico tourism.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the most famous fiesta the state has to offer. It's the biggest hot air balloon festival in the world, allowing visitors to gaze at hundreds of colorful balloons floating in the sky.

If you miss the International Balloon Fiesta, the New Mexico State Fair and the Roswell UFO Festival are also great options. Attending a fiesta in New Mexico is a great way to have fun and learn all about New Mexico's colorful culture. You may even want to take several New Mexico vacations to see all the different fiestas this state holds.

What to Know Before You Visit New Mexico

New Mexico is a great vacation destination for foodies, history lovers, and wine connoisseurs alike.

There is so much to do in this amazing state, including learning about Native Americans, enjoying the landscaping, and attending one of the many fiestas. But before you visit New Mexico, you should know a few things, like the fact that chilies are everywhere (and you can get them Christmas), roadrunners are real, and the stargazing is to die for.

7 Wine Gift Basket Ideas to Put to Use

Finding the right gift for someone you care about isn't always easy. In fact, sometimes it's frustrating and overwhelming. Don't worry, there's a solution.

If you want a thoughtful gift for a birthday, wedding or a business associate, give a wine gift basket. You can personalize it to match each person's individual preferences.

A gift basket is versatile enough to give to your best friend, parents, boss or neighbor. You can fill it with wine and food, plus special touches that match the recipient's interests.

Keep reading for ideas that work in many gift-giving situations.

Consider Your Budget

You don't have to overspend at an expensive boutique. You can make a one-of-a-kind gift to suit everyone on your list from Mom to a business acquaintance.

First, choose your wine. It's the main focus in a wine gift basket, so choose something special. If possible, include a variety of red, white and rose wines.

If you know the wine your recipient prefers, include a favorite wine. Add another bottle of a wine that's new to him or her.

The Basket

You'll need a container to present your gift. The type of basket or container will set the theme. A picnic basket is great for someone who loves the outdoors. A colander works for a gourmet cook.

Try to choose a functional container that's an extension of the gift. A colorful tub can be filled with ice for parties. An insulated cooler, decorative shopping tote, and serving platter are good examples.

Keep in mind that the size of the container affects how many items you'll put in it, and your budget.

After you choose the wine and container add more items to create a thoughtful present.

Need ideas? Keep reading!

What's the Occasion?

The next step is to consider the occasion. If you're going to a party, make the basket something a host can open and share. If it's a birthday or wedding gift, fill the basket with items you know the recipient enjoys.

Here are seven ideas for gift baskets.

1. Mother's Day

Pamper Mom on her day with special treats. Fill a basket with a bottle of red, a bottle of white, and a variety of delicious treats. Put chocolate truffles, fresh nuts, cheese, and crackers in the basket. Don't forget the wine glasses.

You can serve Mom her goodies in a leather tray, woven basket or decorative ceramic dish she'll use all year long.

Customize the basket to suit your Mom's interests. Does she like to garden? Add bright garden gloves and a sunhat. Choose unbreakable wine glasses she can use outside. Use a large decorative flower pot as the container.

2. Newlyweds

Want to give the happy couple a unique gift? Forget the usual check and give them a personalized wine gift basket.

Start with an engraved wine box. It makes a lovely keepsake for the couple. You can find a wine box locally and have it engraved, or buy one online. Engrave the box with their names and wedding date. You can find wine boxes that hold one, two or three bottles. Make this the centerpiece of your gift.

Next, add custom etched wine glasses. Commemorate the special day with monogrammed glasses. Use their new initials, Mr. and Mrs., or the wedding date. Or, you can choose a greeting or quote for their lives together.

Add wine charms, a picture frame, corkscrew, and wine stopper. Package everything in an elegant basket or box with decorative packing materials.

3. Business Associates

Wine gift baskets work well for business contacts. Personalize the basket to fit the situation.

Are you trying to win a new client? Present the wine in a branded container to keep your company top of mine with your potential client. You can include promotional items like branded wine openers or stemless wine glasses.

Do you want to thank someone for their business? A wine gift basket shows a client you appreciate them. Fill the basket with a variety of wine, cheese, and crackers.

If you send it to a place of business, make sure the gift includes shareable items for other employees. Individual sized peanuts, chocolates or pretzels are a good idea. Don't forget to include extra branded items.

4. Wine Novice

Have someone on your gift list who wants to learn about wine? A wine gift basket is a perfect way to introduce them to the wonderful world of wine.

Start with several bottles of different wine. Include cheese and crackers that pair well with each wine. It's best to save complex wines like Cabernet Sauvignon for later. Choose a Pinot Noir for beginners.

Include a book that covers the basics. Here's the Wall Street Journal's list of the best wine books for beginners.

Want to take your gift up a notch? Add a private wine tasting. Most vineyards offer private tasting sessions for groups of 8 to 50 people. The tasting includes guidance and education by a wine expert.

Finally, include a wine journal for your wine newbie to record tasting notes.

5. Gadget Lover

If you have a gadget lover on your list, you can fill a gift basket with fun and useful wine-related items.

There are plenty of wine tools and accessories to personalize a gift. Wine openers vary from simple corkscrews to legacy wine openers used by collectors. Each one is available at a different price point.

Gadgets can include foil cutters, aerators, and coolers. How about a wine thermometer or combination bottle lock?

Each item is available in a variety of styles. You're certain to find something that appeals to your gadget lover.

6. Holidays

Raising a glass to toast holidays is a long-standing tradition. Whether it's a romantic, religious or patriotic holiday, a gift basket adds to the event.

You can fill a basket with fine wines, cheese, chocolate, and other gourmet treats. Add small gifts, ornaments or wine glass charms in holiday colors to add to the theme.

Give a gift baskets on Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

Put the wine and goodies in a holiday-themed container and you'll have a gift everyone will remember.

7. Gourmet Cook

Need a gift for a gourmet cook? No problem. Use a pretty baking dish as your basket.

Arrange an assortment of wine and foods in the dish. Choose a variety of gourmet staples like olive oil and spices, or gather ingredients for a recipe. Don't forget to include a recipe card.

Add colorful utensils or a kitchen gadget. Include something indulgent for the cook to enjoy while making the meal. Try fancy chocolates, gourmet cheese, and crackers, or a Kiss the Cook wine glass.

Try Enchantment Vineyards for Your Wine Gift Basket

A personalized gift basket is a thoughtful present. Enchantment Vineyards can help you choose the right wines to complement your gift.

We can arrange a wine tasting party or a Wine Club membership for an extra special gift.

Contact Enchantment Vineyards today. We're ready to help you create a memorable wine gift basket for any occasion.

 

Enchantment Vineyards Wins Nine Medals at International Wine Competition

Before opening the doors to our tasting room in February, we entered all of our wines into the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, the largest international wine competition held each year in Rochester, New York. The competition features international judges who taste each wine in a blind flight.

Our ever popular (and customer favorite) Enchanted Moscato brought home a silver medal from the competition. We also earned eight bronze medals for: Cabernet Sauvignon; 2016 Reserve Chardonnay; Sunset Rosé (dry rosé); Native Red Dry Blend; Ivory Desert Pinot Grigio; Rising Red; Syrah; and Sunrise Rosé (sweet rosé).

We couldn't be more proud of our debut on the international stage and we are honored to be listed among many top-performing wineries and vineyards around the world. You can learn more about the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and its fundraising for Camp Good Days by visiting their websites.

Enjoy this fun behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be on the cart at Finger Lakes!