You'll Go Nuts For This Pistachio Farm In New Mexico That Doubles As A Winery
By Monica Spencer|Published February 22, 2021
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Home to the oldest wine regions in the United States, New Mexico has no shortage of wineries and tasting rooms. Not too many happen to combine expansive vineyards with other agricultural endeavors, though. That’s what makes one southern New Mexican vineyard unique and a captivating destination.
Welcome to the wonderfully unique and welcoming Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wines in Alamogordo.
A working pistachio farm for decades, this business has expanded into a winery, tasting room, and event space for an unforgettable experience where you can also take home snacks to eat and drink.
Pistachios are a bit of an unusual crop in the Southwest, but the climate is actually just right.
Since the seeds originate in the arid climate of the Middle East, they do particularly well in a high desert region like New Mexico's with long, hot summers. This climate and dry soil are surprisingly well-suited to wine as well!
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As can be expected, Heart of the Desert has an impressive number of pistachio options.
Here, you'll find bags of shelled and in-shell pistachios, including some flavored with green or red chile. You'll also find pistachios covered in chocolate, sprinkled on top of toffee, mixed into cookies, and even used to flavor one of their other flagship products: wine.
A number of these are also award winners, like the full-bodied cabernet sauvignon and the sweet Gewürztraminer. One of their most intriguing options, however, is their pistachio rosé. This wine is semi-sweet, light, with a hint of pistachio.
Since Eagle Ranch is also a working pistachio farm, you can embark on a free tour of the business.
Check out the groves and then join in on a daily tour to learn more about the crops and how the seeds are grown and processed into their many pistachio products. This includes a peek at their on-site factory where the seeds are cleaned, shelled, and packaged.
Also on site is The Patio, an open-air spot to chill with a glass of wine or a new pistachio snack.
Occasionally, the winery hosts a Dinner on The Patio event, an evening complete with a meal provided by a local restaurant and live music from New Mexican artists.
Heart of the Desert at Eagle Ranch Pistachio Groves is located just north of Alamogordo along U.S. Route 54.
Farm tours are offered daily and are free of charge. For details about the store, farm tours, dining options, and other locations, visit their website or Facebook page.
New Mexico has no shortage of lovely wineries that offer unforgettable drinks and experiences. Another southern New Mexico favorite is Black Range Vineyards, a small town winery that hosts a tasting room and a cozy bed and breakfast stay. Read more in Sneak Away To This Quiet Bed & Breakfast Inn On A Remote Winery In New Mexico.
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