In July of 2001, the Schweers family purchased 135 acres of land located across highway 54/70 and a half mile south from the central store location, with the intent of starting a vineyard. In May of 2003, 12,000 grape vines were planted. The yield of their first crop was encouraging and prompted the addition of another 6,000 vines, planted in 2005, and 6,000 vines, planted in 2011. The vineyard currently has 24,000 vines.
The demand for New Mexico grapes has been steadily increasing as the production of New Mexico wines increases. A required qualification for New Mexico wines is the usage of at least seventy-five percent New Mexico grown grapes in the production of the wines. This is important because the “terroir” of the grapes reflects the soil type, geology, climate, patterns of cultivation, and other various factors that affect the production of grapes. The distinction of the grapes used in the wines influences their individuality, a characteristic which Heart of the Desert Vineyards is proud to exhibit.
The vineyard contains seven different varieties of grape vines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Riesling, Malvasia Bianca, and Gewürztraminer, making the production of a wide range of wines possible. “The choices made in the vineyard and winery, are of relevance… as they directly affect the final product. And today, the array of choices that will affect the way the wine tastes, are unprecedented.”
All of our store locations sell our wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bronze Medal
2016 NM State Fair Wine Competition
The Cabernet Sauvignon is a strong and heavy, dry, red wine with flavors of dark cherry, cedar, and black currant. Enjoy this wine at room temperature for full bodied flavor, with spicy foods, red meats, and pastas.
Chardonnay
Silver Medal
2016 NM State Fair Wine Competition
The Chardonnay is a classic, medium dry white wine, with crisp, rich, varietal flavors. Because it is aged in stainless steel, instead of oak, there is less of a dry, tannin flavor. It is best served with white meats, poultry, pork, and veal
Corazón Gitano
Bronze Medal
2016 NM State Fair Wine Competition
Corazon Gitano means “heart of the gypsy” and it reflects a joy for life. This full-bodied, dry wine embraces that passion with a classic blend of premium grapes. The result is a spicy, rich, robust wine with hints of dark currants, plumbs and blackberries. Pair this with your favorite red meat.
Gewürztraminer
Gold Medal & Best of Show
2016 NM State Fair Wine Competition
Gewürztraminer is a classic sweet white wine. Complex with spicy overtones, it is excellent paired with poultry, pork, seafood and veal. Serve slightly chilled.
Malvasia Bianca
Double Gold & Best of Show
2017 NM State Fair Competition
Spanish settlers brought vines to New Mexico in the early 1500’s making New Mexico one of the oldest wine producing regions in the United States. Enjoy the flavor of this land of enchantment. Produced from one of the world’s oldest variety of grapes, our semi-sweet Malvasia Bianca has a definite modern twist. Fresh and fruity with overtones of honey, it pairs well with spicy dishes.
Merlot
The Merlot is a soft, fruity, and smooth red wine. Its supple flavor is easy on the pallet and there is no heavy aftertaste. It is a moderately dry red wine, paired well with steak, veal, and salmon. There are ripe berry components in the bouquet, with a cherry flavor in the finish of the wine. Enjoy the full bodied flavor of this wine served at room temperature.
Pistachio Rose`
Bronze Medal
2016 NM State Fair Wine Competition
The Pistachio Rose` is the Heart of the Desert Vineyards signature wine. It is a semi-sweet wine made with a nice blend of white zinfandel and chenin blanc grapes, and pistachio extract. It has a light, fruity aroma and a nutty flavor in the finish of the wine. It is excellent served chilled and enjoyed before or after dinner as a conversation wine.
Riesling
A bouquet of white flowers and ripe pears delights the palate, while natural sugars account for the pleasing finish. The taste is rich and sweet with expected flavors blending with the soft mineral elements of the vineyard. Heart of the Desert’s Riesling is a beautiful accompaniment to any meal.
Royal Zinphony
The rich blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Zinfandel grapes features the light, fruity flavors of juicy raspberries, cranberries, and dried cherries. This wine is well structured with balanced notes from each varietal. Enjoy by itself or with your favorite foods.
Syrah
A rich wine with intense color and flavor of ripe red berries. Perfectly balanced, the nose is an appealing bouquet with undertones of dark spices and white pepper. Pairs extremely well with spicy ethnic dishes, red meats and hearty dishes. It is an all-around good wine to serve at social occasions.
Viva La Roja
Silver Medal
2009 NM State Fair Wine Competition
The Viva La Roja is a smooth, red table wine, made from a delightful blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Muscat grapes. Serve this medium sweet, light wine chilled, or at room temperature. Enjoy with spicy foods or cream sauces and butter dishes. This wine is very similar to the Spanish Sangria.
White Zinfandel
Silver Medal
2016 NM State Fair Wine Competition
This floral, moderately sweet wine is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The nose hints at strawberries and rose petals. The crisp white peach and melon flavors will tickle your taste buds. Our White Zinfandel is an approachable easy drinking wine. Pair with light, fresh meals or your favorite cheese.