If the idea of high desert wines and a winery with a Spanish soul intrigues you, you will love Casa Rondeña Winery in Albuquerque. One of over 60 wineries in New Mexico, it stands out for French- and Spanish-influenced wines, gorgeous architecture, and one of the best tasting room patios in the city, with stunning views and an atmosphere that is relaxing and inviting.
About
Winemaker John Calvin created Casa Rondeña in 1995, after choosing the site in the late 1980s and planting the first vines in 1990. In New Mexico’s high desert climate, he built a winery with a Spanish soul, drawing on French and Spanish winemaking traditions.
Location and Atmosphere
Five minutes from Los Poblanos Hotel, Casa Rondeña welcomes visitors with Andalusian gates and a vine-lined driveway. The patio overlooks a serene pond, and on clear evenings the Sandia Mountains put on a sunset show. Inside, a wood carved bar, beam ceilings, and arches complete the Spanish-style setting.
Boasting one of the best tasting room patios in Albuquerque, the winery offers stunning views, gorgeous architecture, and an atmosphere that is relaxing and inviting.
Our Experience at the Tasting Room
Tastings come as White and Red flights for $14 each, and together they cover the full lineup. No reservations are needed, so you can simply walk in and settle onto the patio. The whites are aromatic and fresh, and the reds lean into Spanish and French styles, with the 2020 Syrah our favorite of the tasting.
More Albuquerque wine: our reviews of Sheehan Winery and Gruet Winery.
Wines to look for
The lineup spans sparkling, aromatic whites and Spanish- and French-inspired reds, all pourable through the White and Red flights.
- Rondena Sparkling Wine Sparkling The winery's sparkling wine, a bright way to start the tasting.
- 2022 Casa Rondena Viognier Single varietal Aromatic and floral, a high desert white.
- 2022 Casa Rondena Shining River White Chardonnay and Aromella blend, soft and easygoing.
- 2023 Casa Rondena Serenade White Riesling, Vidal Blanc and Aromella blend, fragrant and fresh.
- 2023 Casa Rondena Rose of Merlot Rosé A pink wine with red berry character.
- 2023 Casa Rondena La Copine Red Beaujolais style red, light and gentle.
- 2020 Casa Rondena Meritage Red Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- 2021 Casa Rondena 1629 Blend Red Iberian-inspired red of Tempranillo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- 2020 Casa Rondena Syrah Single varietal Our favorite of the tasting, rich and savory.
Our verdict
★★★★★
Cork & Journey: 5 out of 5 stars. While the wines were average to good, what really blew us away about Casa Rondeña Winery was the atmosphere. This is a great place to go for a casual wine tasting on a weekend or a day off. Everything here is so peaceful, and the patio vibe is just so relaxing.
