Gruet Winery Production Tour — Albuquerque, New Mexico

Discover the Gruet Winery Production Tour in New Mexico

Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Gruet Winery Production Tour offers visitors a guided look inside one of the Southwest’s most respected sparkling wine producers. Known nationally for its méthode champenoise sparkling wines, Gruet Winery blends French winemaking heritage with New Mexico-grown grapes.

Guests explore how grapes are pressed, fermented, blended, aged, and bottled — including the traditional secondary fermentation process that gives sparkling wine its signature bubbles.

Why it’s special: The Gruet Winery Production Tour showcases traditional French sparkling wine techniques adapted to New Mexico terroir, making it one of the most distinctive winery tours in the Southwest.

History & Story of Gruet Winery

Founded in 1984 by the Gruet family, originally from Champagne, France, Gruet Winery brought Old World sparkling wine expertise to the high desert climate of New Mexico. Recognizing the region’s suitability for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, the family established vineyards and production facilities in the state.

Over time, Gruet gained national acclaim for producing high-quality sparkling wines at competitive prices. Today, the winery remains a flagship producer in New Mexico’s growing wine industry.

What You’ll See & Do on the Gruet Winery Production Tour

• Learn about the méthode champenoise sparkling wine process
• View fermentation tanks and bottling lines
• Discover how secondary bottle fermentation creates carbonation
• Explore aging techniques and riddling methods
• Participate in guided wine tastings

Hands-On Elements: Guided tastings for guests 21+; visitors may sample sparkling and still wine selections.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is permitted in public tour areas and tasting spaces; production areas may have limited access.

Souvenirs & Extras: Bottled sparkling wines, limited releases, gift sets, branded glassware, and merchandise available for purchase.

Pricing of the Gruet Winery Production Tour

Adult price: $15 per adult

Tour admission typically includes a guided walkthrough and tasting flight for guests aged 21 and over.

Visiting information

Duration: 60–75 minutes

Age limits: 21+ for tastings; minors may accompany adults but cannot sample alcohol

Accessibility: Fully accessible tasting room; production areas may include industrial walkways

Working Hours: Monday–Saturday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons.

Nearby

• Balloon Fiesta Park
• Old Town Albuquerque
• Sandia Peak Tramway

FAQs About Visiting the Gruet Winery Production Tour

Is Gruet known primarily for sparkling wine?
Yes. Gruet Winery is especially known for its traditional méthode champenoise sparkling wines crafted in New Mexico.

Are the grapes grown in New Mexico?
Yes. Gruet sources grapes from New Mexico vineyards, taking advantage of the state’s high desert growing conditions.

Are tastings included with the production tour?
Yes. Guests aged 21 and over typically receive tasting samples as part of the guided experience.

Does the tour explain the Champagne method?
Yes. Visitors learn how secondary fermentation in the bottle creates natural carbonation in sparkling wines.

Can visitors purchase wine directly from the tasting room?
Yes. Bottled wines and gift items are available for purchase during regular business hours.