Impact Statement
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Institution
State
Region
New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station
New Mexico
Western
Title
Table and Wine Grape Varieties of Northwest New Mexico
Relevance
Northwest New Mexico is experiencing an economic shift and promotion of tourism. Agritourism and fresh market options of high-value crops could help boost a local economy and state with >400 years of viticulture history. While some growers in northwest NM view grapes as an addition to cropping systems in the region, the high-elevation growing climate presents challenges requiring evaluation and recommendation of varietal and site-specific viticulture to succeed.
Response
A two-acre experimental vineyard at the Agricultural Science Center in Farmington, NM has been evaluating table and wine grapes since 2007 with plantings of hybrid and Vitis vinifera entries to examine adaptability and marketability at a high elevation (>5,600 ft) growing location.
Results
Initial results and successful production techniques were shared at the Agricultural Science Center Farmington (ASCF) grower field days. Student involvement for table grape studies has included a consumer sensory panel evaluation by school and NMSU students, a video by San Juan College students (Farmington, NM), and a trellis assembly at ASCF by summer interns. A Rosé style wine was vinted from Refosco (2021-present) and other varietal test batches are demonstrating value added potential. Non-grafted hybrid varietals are also examined in the experimental vineyard.
Public Value Statement
The work is evaluating potential table grape varieties for fresh market sales and consumption. These plantings are used to evaluate table grape production and varieties to diversify crop options for farmers, homeowners, and community/school gardens and can increase the healthfulness of locally sourced diets. The work is also helping to support northwest New Mexico wineries, which have a significant economic impact on New Mexico’s service and tourism industries. The work supports site-specific varietal recommendations for vineyards having high frost risk in low-lying river valleys, and viniferous cultivars for irrigated upland mesa sites.
Primary Focus Area
Agricultural Systems
Secondary Focus Area
None Selected
Tags
Community Development/Engagement
Crop Management
Profitability/Competitiveness
Primary Funding Source
Hatch
Secondary Funding Source
None Selected
Urban Impact Statement
No
Submission Year
2023
Submitter is Point of Contact
No
Primary Contact Name
Kevin Lombard
Primary Contact Email
klombard@nmsu.edu
Integrated Impact Statement
No
Integrated With
None Selected
Statement Synopsis
Viticulture work at the NMSU ASC Farmington was intially established in 1968. Renewed interest in viticulture initiated the establishment of new experimental plots in 2007. The work is helping to support northwest New Mexico wineries, which have a significant economic impact on New Mexico’s service and tourism industries. The work supports site-specific varietal recommendations for vineyards having high frost risk in low-lying river valleys, and viniferous cultivars for irrigated upland mesa sites.
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