Thousands expected at the 2008 La Viña Winery Harvest Festival

Las Cruces, NM - Spend the weekend enjoying wine and entertainment at one of southern New Mexico's oldest wineries at the annual La Viña Winery Harvest Festival from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19 at La Viña Winery.

"The idea is to introduce people to new wines and part of that introduction is to give information on what wines go with what food," said Otto Brock, a volunteer for the festival. "Knowing how to pair wine with foods is the primary reason for having wine with dinner."

Around 20 wines will be available for tasting and purchase, and 3 or 4 new wines will be added this year. The outdoor event will feature local and regional entertainers as well as food, and arts and crafts.

"It is a celebration. The harvest is complete and we want to share the new wines with others," said Denise Stark, owner of La Vina Winery. "It's a great time to celebrate and great weather to celebrate in."

The festival has been going on for almost 30 years and all other New Mexico wine festivals are patterned after this one. Nearly 8,000 people are expected over the two day event. Tents, tables and chairs are provided, but you are asked to leave your picnic baskets, pets and outside beverages at home.

Admission is $10 for adults and includes a complimentary wine glass and up to six tastes of wine or one glass of wine. Admission is $5 for ages 12-20, and 12 and under are free. La Vina Winery is located at, 4201 Highway 28, La Union.

For more information, contact Stark at 575-822-7632 or visit http://www.lavinawinery.com/