Vivác Winery Tasting Room & Gallery

Opened in November of 2003 and located at the corner of Highway 75 (Dixon) and Highway 68 (between Taos and Santa Fe), this 900-square-foot adobe building was built by Jesse and Chris themselves. With vaulted ceilings and a striking flagstone bar, the tasting room offers guests a chance to taste impressive Vivác wines. Guests can shop for wine gifts (corkscrews in every budget, a library of wine education books, wine racks, games, logo shirts, Riedel logo glasses, and much more) and enjoy the famous handmade chocolates, contemporary jewelry, and exquisite art (paintings, photography, and blown glass). The Padbergs' thirst for knowledge is accompanied by a desire to share that information, including an intensive training and testing schedule for staff. Each tasting room attendant is required to not only know about the Vivác wines, but also about the process of growing grapes, winemaking, and general knowledge about wines around the world. This training is in an effort to create a knowledgeable staff ready to help each customer to their fullest. Outside, the rock-framed flowerbeds welcome visitors and draw them along flagstones paths into the walled retreat of the patio. The views are breath-taking, one toward the river and mountains gazing over the vineyard, and the other of the massive sandstone mountain, Barrancos Blancos, which is so artfully depicted on the signature Vivác label. The tasting room is open 7 days a week all year long, with free Wi-Fi and a happy-hour season (from spring through fall) that attracts locals and tourists alike to the live-music Saturdays and drink specials, making it truly a community winery. -Cheers from the Vivác Winery Family!