Category Archives: Blog

Blog

How To Host The Ultimate Brunch

Mimosas and brunch go together like PB&J…so since it’s almost National Mimosa Day, we want to share how you can host the ULTIMATE brunch + our favorite Mimosa recipe. There’s one rule to remember about brunch: There are no rules. You can start the meal at 11 a.m., 4 p.m., or anytime in between…it’s truly up to you!

What’s the brunch vibe?

You don’t want to forget the theme! Any brunch is a good brunch, but having a theme can add that extra flair for a memorable event. Sometimes the mimosa is the theme, like a DIY mimosa bar. Other times, the theme can be a holiday, color palette, or something funky like 70s disco. Get creative with it! 

An easy way to display the theme is through table decorations. The tables are where people will likely spend the most time chatting. Personalized glasses, unique china, and fresh flowers are just some ways to spice it up. Name cards are also a simple way to add a layer of thoughtfulness for your guests. 

What’s served at brunch?

Mimosas aside, the most important element of a brunch is the menu. Once you know the theme and time of your brunch, you can create the menu! Earlier brunches lend themselves to breakfast classics while later brunches can have a lunch-style menu…or even better, a mash-up of breakfast and lunch. Basically, the food is there to complement the orange juice and sparkling wine. 

Mimosas and…?

Ugh, we love to think everyone loves mimosas…but we know it’s not true. Some other delicious drink options to serve are Sangria, Bloody Marys, or Greyhounds. A variety of fruit juices are also ideal as they also pair well with the bubbly. Don’t forget to keep guests hydrated…elevate water by adding lemon, mint, or cucumber slices! 

Our Favorite Mimosa

What you need | 8 servings 

1 (750 ml) ENMU Eastern Sunrise (Chilled)

3 cups Chilled Orange Juice (Freshly Squeezed is best) 

½ cup Grand Mariner, optional

Fill the champagne flute until half full with ENMU Eastern Sunrise then top off with orange juice. If using Grand Mariner, use slightly less orange juice and add 1 tablespoon to each drink. 

If you don’t want to make your own mimosas, order our bottled Soleil Mimosa available in Classic, Mango, Pineapple, and Pomegranate! 

Blog, Recipes & Pairings

How To Make Sparkling Red Sangria

Sangria is a rich drink with an even richer history that can be traced back to the Romans. Original Sangria was simple – just wine, fruits, and some cinnamon. With time, the drink evolved into regional variations or to keep up with trends. 

Let’s talk about the Sangria details first. 

It’s important to pick your wine base first. We suggest using a 631 Canyon Five, 631 Merlot, or 631 Cab Sangio. Once you have decided on the wine you will use, decide which fresh fruit would complement the flavors of your wine. Tip: The sturdier the fruit, the better it will last in the pitcher! Some of our favorites are:

Citrus | Apples | Peaches | Pears | Cranberries | Strawberries | Oranges

The fruit will add sweetness to your Sangria, but you can still add honey, agave, sugar, or orange juice. Below, the recipe will use sugar & orange juice. 

INGREDIENTS

1 (750-ml.) bottle of 631 Signature Series Red Wine

1 c. orange juice

1/2 c. brandy

1/4 c. granulated sugar (optional, to taste)

1 orange, sliced

1 apple, sliced

1 c. blueberries

1 c. sliced strawberries

1 (12-oz.) can seltzer

In a large pitcher, mix wine, orange juice, brandy, and sugar. Stir in oranges, apples, blueberries, and strawberries. Refrigerate until ready to serve, preferably for 2 hours. Top off with seltzer before serving. TIP: For richer flavor, leave in the fridge for more than 2 hours and top off with seltzer before serving to keep the bubbles crisp. 

Blog, Uncategorized

6 Wines To Serve At Christmas Dinner

Whether you are entertaining a few guests or preparing a holiday meal for two, finding the right wine to pair with your meal is not as complicated as you may think.  

Here are a few suggestions.  

D.H. Lescombes Heritage Imperial Kir is based on the ‘Kir Imperiale’, a drink first made popular in the late 1800s. Awarded 90 Points, Gold, Best Buy & Best Sparling, this crisp, bubbly wine gets a touch of natural raspberry that makes the wine semi-sweet. The perfect bubbly wine for any celebration and an excellent aperitif to any meal or party. Uncork the bubbly and bring out the smiles! 

D.H. Lescombes 631 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon offers fresh cranberry on the nose with a touch of ripe black currant and light earth. Awarded 90 Points, Gold, you will find a bit more of a rustic tone to the fruit, yet not overpowering. Turn a great dinner into an unforgettable dining experience by accentuating the fruit flavors in this wine. Pair with lamb shank, pot roast, game, and other flavorful red meats. 

D.H. Lescombes Heritage Pinot Gris is crafted using a minimalistic winemaking approach, which includes allowing the wine to keep its unique, natural color. Awarded 87 Points, Silver, its elegant flavors of citrus zest and tart apple on the palate with a medium body make it perfect for easy food-pairing. Pair with light dishes that include fresh or grilled vegetables, roast chicken, or pasta salads.  

D.H. Lescombes Limited Release Mouvèdre boasts a lovely nose layered with rich aromas of chocolate, cherry cordial, and light leather. Awarded Class Champion, Chairman’s Best of Class, Gold, the moderate presence of oak enhances the wine’s flavors of raspberry, vibrant cherry, and cranberry with hints of vanilla. Pair with fruity jams and heaty dishes.

St. Clair Kiva & Port are perfect for those who love sweet, rich dessert wines that warm your soul. Awarded Double Gold, the rich aromas and flavors paired with smooth, robust sweetness are the hallmarks of these two stellar selections. Our process utilizes French oak maturation under the bountiful warmth of the New Mexico sun. The unique ceramic bottles pay tribute to the people who lived in the Mimbres region 1,000 years ago. These ancient people are a treasured piece of New Mexico’s rich history, well-known for their unique geometrically decorated pottery. Pour a glass or give the gift of New Mexico’s rich history.  

St. Clair Mimbres Red is the #1 selling red wine in New Mexico. Awarded 86 Points, Silver Medal, Best Buy & Highly Recommended, St. Clair Mimbres Red is a smooth, easy-drinking red wine with lush sweetness, appealing to those who enjoy their wine on the sweeter side. Pair with holiday dishes combining sweet and savory flavors for a satisfying dining experience.  

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

Blog, Uncategorized

4 Things to Love about our Frozen Wine Cocktails

Have you tried our frozen wine cocktails? You may have enjoyed our Frosé (part wine, part fruit, part slushy concoction) during the Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Deming wine festivals.

Now you can enjoy our new hand-crafted wine cocktails at D.H. Lescombes! Try our Frosé, New Mexico Sunrise, Five Cherry Chill, or Pinot Smash while dining with us in Albuquerque, Alamogordo, Las Cruces, or Deming.

Here are four things you’ll love about our frozen wine cocktails.

1. Handcrafted Fresh

We believe everyone is as unique as the drink they choose to sip. We carefully handcraft and immediately serve each frozen wine cocktail. It’s a perfectly frosty, frozen treat every time!

2. Quality Ingredients

We proudly use our award-winning wines, real fruit, and beautiful garnish in our Frozen Wine Cocktails. For example:

Try a Frosé at D.H. Lescombes

Our beautiful Frosé is made with real strawberries, blended with our award-winning D.H. Lescombes Heritage Series Rosé. The fresh flavor profile of ruby-red grapefruit, tart raspberry, and strawberry will give you major tropical vibes.

Try a New Mexico Sunrise at D.H. Lescombes

The sweet and tangy New Mexican Sunrise is made with D.H. Lescombes 6•3•1 Malvasia-Riesling blended with St. Clair Bellissimo, real mango, with a touch of tajin and chamoy.

This colorful frozen wine drink will make you feel like you’re on vacation.

3. Pairings

Enjoy pairing these refreshing cocktails with some of our popular menu items!

Here are some of our favorite pairings
Our famous Bistro Burger paired with the delicious New Mexico Sunrise frozen wine cocktail.

NM Sunrise paired with our Bistro Burger. The sweet and tangy flavors will complement the rich, juicy burger.

Summer Berry Salad paired with our Frosé, a frozen Rosé wine cocktail

Frosé paired with our Summer Berry Salad. The fresh, fruit ingredients of the salad complement the flavors, aromas, and crispness of the frozen wine.

4. Most importantly, we love what our guests say about these refreshing wine-based cocktails!

“Frosé, you’re everything I never knew I needed.” – Jessica

“Refreshing and Classy.” – Margaret

“So good! We are never disappointed!” – Rebekkah

Go ahead and enjoy one today, because it’s impossible to be unhappy with one of these frozen treats in your hand!

Available at our Deming, Las Cruces, Alamogordo, and Albuquerque locations seasonally.

Blog, News

Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day or Any Day

romantic ideas for valentine's day or anyday

Valentine’s Day is the ultimate day of the year to show your significant other just how special they are to you. Of course, it is not reserved only for Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas on how to make valentine’s day, date-night, anniversary, or any other day that much more romantic for you and your loved one.

If you’re just not the romantic type, or you just need some new ideas on how to impress and surprise your loved one. Here are some sure-fire ways to get their attention and leave them feeling loved and pampered for Valentine’s Day, anniversary, birthday, or any other day just because!

Romantic Idea #1. Play Cupid!

romantic valentine's day wine gift basket

Wine, chocolates, and exquisite treats are sure to make your sweetheart weak in the knees. We have just the perfect solution that is well-made and easy-to-order. You choose their favorite wine, and we’ll get it shipped to you, or straight to their door. Be sure to order before February 7th to ensure delivery by Valentine’s Day.  Click here to order online or call our gift basket experts at 575-546-1179.

Romantic Idea #2.  Plan a Romantic Dinner Together!

romantic valentine's day dinner at D.H. Lescombes Winery and Bistro

Perhaps the most traditional and obvious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is the romantic dinner for two. Sure, cooking for your loved one is the perfect way to show that you care, but allowing someone else to do the cooking gives you time to focus on each other. The cozy atmosphere, special Valentine’s Day four-course dinner, and glass of our vibrant Rosé or celebratory bubbly wines are sure to make it an unforgettable day for you and your Valentine. For details on the celebration, click here.

Of course, we offer the romantic-vibe and great food and service all year round with our wonderful appetizers, delicious entrees, delectably unique desserts, and local wine and craft beer.

Romantic Idea #3. Sweet Treats for your Sweetie!

D.H. Lescombes Imperial Kir Raspberry Sorbet Float

The best times can often be had to relax at home together. After all, it’s so easy to curl up together on the couch and watch a movie. Take the usual wine or dessert a step further by combining the two into a romantic treat that is as special as your significant other. This easy Imperial Kir Raspberry Sorbet Float recipe is sure to make the special day even sweeter, valentine’s day, or any day. Click here for step by step instructions.

Blog, In the Press, News

St. Clair To Adopt D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro Name

Owned and operated by Lescombes Family Vineyards, St. Clair Winery & Bistro will be adopting the name D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro. The transition will take place at all St. Clair branded locations across the state this spring.

As one of the most recognizable and popular wine brands in New Mexico today, St. Clair hasn’t always been that way.

“The original investors that opened St. Clair in Deming were unsuccessful, the winery closed its doors, and the timing just worked in our favor,” recounts Hervé Lescombes.  “I was in a position to purchase the winery in the early ’90s, and we moved in and picked up where the investors left off.”

Hervé had been producing wine for many years near Lordsburg after he and his wife, Danielle, emigrated from France in 1981 with their three children.

The family has owned and operated the winery ever since. New Mexicans happily sipped on the new St. Clair wine in addition to the family’s selection of existing Blue Teal wine.  Hervé’s sons, Florent and Emmanuel, soon joined in the business as winemaker and viticulturist, respectively. Growth was steady as the family made use of the larger winery facility. Hervé’s family label, D.H. Lescombes—standing for ‘Danielle & Hervé’—had been also added to their product line in 1991.

In 2005, the family opened their first restaurant in Albuquerque under the St. Clair name, and a new concept was born. Highlighting St. Clair wines paired with unique bistro dishes proved to be a winning combination. The family soon built upon their success and opened restaurants in Las Cruces and Farmington. In Santa Fe, they recently opened Hervé Wine Bar one block from the historic plaza. The family enthusiastically caters to their guests, offering a unique experience that melds wine, food, and a dose of family heritage.

What was once a small-town family business grew to be a New Mexico icon whose success story was owed to the ingenuity, hard work, and dedication of the Lescombes family. Spanning six-generations and three continents, the family legacy of winemaking is more alive than ever.

“We are moving in a direction that better tells the story of our heritage,” says President, Florent Lescombes of the adoption of the D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro name. “The grapes we grow, the guests we serve, and every step between is a part of who we are. We are proud to put our family name on it.”

The wine focus will shift to their D.H. Lescombes wines to include their Heritage Series, Limited Release, and new 6-3-1 Signature Series at company-owned locations. St. Clair wines will continue to be offered at retailers across the state and ingrained in the Lescombes family’s bright future. After all, their St. Clair Mimbres Red has grown to become the number one wine in the state, beating the likes of Kendall-Jackson, Mondavi, and Yellowtail.

“St. Clair will always be part of us,” said Florent, “While St. Clair will remain one of our brands, our locations will be centered around the family name, allowing us to connect on a more personal level with our guests. We want you to feel like you are dining with our family.”

Guests will be delighted to see new signage, menus, and additional details proudly displaying the Lescombes name.

“We are excited and proud that we have this opportunity,” says CEO, Brandon Young, “We’ve always loved telling the story of Hervé, his family’s migration to New Mexico, and the winemaking heritage of the Lescombes family. It makes sense that we allow the Lescombes name to shine through. We are true to our roots, we want our name to reflect that.”

Lescombes Family Vineyards is the premier vineyard and winery in the state of New Mexico. Since 1981, they have been leading the industry with an array of wines to include traditional, hand-crafted releases and highly-acclaimed, award-winning favorites. Their company-owned locations consist of Bistros in Albuquerque, and Las Cruces; Hervé Wine Bar in Santa Fe; and a tasting room in Deming. Their family-owned vineyard thrives just east of Lordsburg with 200 planted acres. The family’s mission is to passionately craft quality wine and food to be enjoyed with friends and family. You can read more about the family and their offerings at www.lescombeswinery.com.

Blog, In the Press, News, Uncategorized

ST. CLAIR AND COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT CANCER WARRIORS

Just in time for Christmas, the St. Clair Winery team presented a check to Cancer Support of Deming and Luna County from the proceeds of the 8th annual St. Clair Winefest. The local non-profit provides a variety of support to cancer patients in the community. They also provide outreach services for general education, early detection, screening programs, and general
cancer awareness.


“We provide transportation assistance to cancer patients within Deming and Luna County” explains Patient Advocate, Joanna Costilla. “We have vans that we offer to transport patients to and from out-of-town appointments at no charge. We also have a voucher program that can also help defray the cost of gas for qualifying patients who drive themselves.”


“Year after year, our amazing community comes together to support this local cause,” said Lora Robinson, General Manager at St. Clair Winery & Tasting Room. “We’re grateful we are able to continue to carry on this tradition to benefit local cancer warriors and thankful for the continued support from our guests and employees.”


This year’s Winefest donation was $8,407.10, which has been credited to both attendance and silent auction donations collected from local businesses.

Deming & Luna County Cancer Support can be reached at (575) 546-4780

Blog, In the Press

2017 D.H. Lescombes Rosé Earns Silver in Rosé Competition in France

Each year, for the past 14 years, the Union des Enologues de France meets in Cannes for 3 days to blind taste and judge rosé wines coming from all over the world during the Le Mondial du Rosé®. Competition.

This year, there were approximately1300 entries, from 25 countries, including 776 French wines.

We entered our 2017 D.H. Lescombes Rosé Syrah and were excited to have been awarded a Silver Medal, the only medal awarded to a U.S. Winery.

“Our goal is exhibiting excellence, here is another example. This is great recognition for our team, putting New Mexico on the map. Hard work pays off! – Josh Gomez, Winery Operations Manager 

The wines were evaluated by 67 judges, from 18 countries.

The Judge’s Notes: With its beautiful raspberry color with coral fragments, this wine reveals an elegant nose of ripe red fruits like cherry and raspberry. With aeration, violet completes the aromatic palette. The flavors are in perfect harmony with the aroma. One finds the sweetness of raspberry and sour cherry, all supported by a citrus freshness on the finish. A fruity dessert rosé that will delight all connoisseurs.

Pictured from L to R: Florinco Luna -Cellar Associate, Jordan Cardenas -Cellar Associate,Raul Rosas -Cellar Master, Justin Lawrence- Lab tech,Melissa Porter- Winemaker, Memo Rivera- Cellar Associate,Roger Lopez -Cellar Associate, Joshua Gomez -Winery Operations Manager

“I’m extremely proud of our entire viticultural and winemaking team for their continued efforts to craft the highest quality New Mexico wine. This award shows that our wines can compete side-by-side  with the best wines in the world, and it’s a reflection of the amount of work our team puts in.” – Vice President, Florent Lescombes

“As I reflect on the years that have gone by,  one thing that has never left is the passion to create quality wine for the world to enjoy with friends and family while making memories. I can truly say hard work pays off. -Melissa Porter, Winemaker 

The new vintage Rosé will soon be available to the public at all St. Clair Winery locations.  
Blog

Lescombes Family Vineyards & Winery Tour

Book a Lescombes Family Vineyards & Winery Tour and enhance your wine knowledge and appreciation of New Mexico wines as you learn about the Lescombes rich family heritage.  It’s an experience you will remember for years to come.

Your Lescombes Family Vineyards & Winery Tour will be off to a good start with a Mimosa Meet & Greet at:
D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro in Las Cruces at 8:30 a.m. or at D.H. Lescombes Winery Tasting Room in Deming at 10 a.m.

 
Sip on award-winning Soleil Mimosas accompanied by snacks.   Soleil is a French word meaning “Sun.” Our Soleil Mimosas are a blend of premium wine and fresh-squeezed fruit juice.  A juicy, refreshing wine cocktail that’s sure to tickle your taste buds with its subtle hints of white flowers and orange zest.

“I found that each flavor had a good mix of fruit and a crisp white wine flavor.” – Ashley Gill

Travel with us to our vineyard, located in the high desert of the Pyramid Valley,  located 47 miles west of Deming,  just outside Lordsburg, New Mexico, where we’ve found the ideal climate and soil to grow the best quality grapes.

Let us take you on a journey through 200 acres of wine grapevines. Get to know Viticulturist,  Emmanuel Lescombes, as he guides and educates you on grape planting, the life cycle of wine grapes, vineyard maintenance, the process of harvesting, and shares some of the rich Lescombes family history.

You may get to meet Founder and President Hervé Lescombes, who will invite you into his vineyard home to sip vintages selected from his personal underground cellar, connecting memorable wines to a memorable visit.

Feast your eyes on stunning art displays throughout the enchanting home, built by Hervé himself! Then gather around the table to enjoy a deliciously paired lunch, surrounded by your new-found friends in the home’s unique atmosphere.

“The best part of the tour was the genuine lunch with the winery owners” – Tour guest

After an exquisite lunch, travel to Deming for a tour of the winery, situated on 15 acres. Our knowledgeable guide will take you behind the scenes to learn more about the art of wine blending, fermentation, aging, and the bottling process.

Enjoy private tastings and an exclusive wine barrel tasting experience. Set your eyes upon New Mexico’s largest fermenting tanks. Our winery is composed of over 50 tanks, each up to 16,200 gallons in capacity.

Before ending your tour, rest and relax in the tasting room. Enjoy a tasting at our wine bar or purchase a bottle to take home. Our Tasting Room Specialists are available to answer any questions you may have about any of the over 40 different wines we produce. Stroll through our gift shop complete with gourmet snacks & unique gifts and indulge in a cheese nosh.

 No matter the season, there’s always something magical happening at the vineyard!

Winter– Beat the winter woes with good times! This time of year makes the vines look sturdy and tranquil. Even though the grapevines are dormant this time of year, there is still a lot of work that is getting done. While the vegetation is dormant, it’s time to cut away what is not useful from last year and establish the possibilities for this year. From a mass of branches per vine, the pruner’s choices have a crucial influence on quality, health, and yield.

Spring– The vineyard awakens to the sun and warmth of the season. You will appreciate the enchanting beauty of the budding process. Indulge your spring senses and discover delicious New Mexico wines while getting an up-close and personal view of the vines coming to life.

Summer– The vines are in full bloom. The buds are bursting, marking the beginning of seasonal growth. There’s a lot of vineyard maintenance happening, aimed at limiting yields and promoting good-quality fruit.

Fall – Experience firsthand the excitement of harvest. The season usually begins in late July and lasts through the end of September. The viticulturist and harvesters work around the clock to harvest the grapes at the right time, using our state of the art mechanical harvester.

“This is an amazing tour. I recommend it for anybody who wants to learn more about wines, meet incredible people and just have an amazing time” – Tour Guest

“I loved & enjoyed the tour. If you ever get the opportunity to come, it’s worth it. You’ll really enjoy it” – Tour Guest

“I liked the familiarity of the people who were involved in hosting the tour and the wines tasted great. It was all very good”-Tour Guest

We look forward to sharing great wines, our history, and wine industry insights with you!

Lescombes Family Vineyards & Winery Tours are Perfect for :

  • Corporate Team Building
  • Mommy’s Day Out
  • Bridal Parties
  • Ladies Day Out
  • Romantic Getaway
*Corporate, Private, and Group Tours Available by request
*Complimentary transportation is optional

Book your unforgettable experience or for a custom private tour, call us at 575-546-1179.

Blog

5 Christmas Wine Pairings

The right Christmas wine pairings can enhance a dish to perfection. While there are no hard and fast rules on matching food and wine because it’s ultimately a matter of personal taste, we’ve compiled 5 pairings that will enhance your Christmas dinner experience.

Ham is traditional for Christmas dinner. Try pairing it with St. Clair Riesling. The wine’s acidity will cut through the sweet, aromatic flavors of a honey glazed ham.
If you’re serving brisket or pot roast, you can’t go wrong with St Clair Cabernet Sauvignon. While the wine is moderate in tannins, the meat is high in protein and fat. Together they balance out perfectly.

 

Spicing it up? For tamales or any spicy dishes, we recommend DH Lescombes Petite Sirah. Its flavors of dark fruit, smoke, and toasted wood will compliment the many spices of chile dishes.    
Room for dessert? Try pairing butter cookies with St. Clair Chardonnay. The hints of vanilla and brown sugar flavors will bring out their butteriness.
                                                                                                                                               
Still not sure what to choose? A little spritz will liven up the dinner and dessert table. We recommend keeping sparkling wine on hand such as DH Lescombes Imperial Kir because it pairs well with a wide array of foods, including desserts.   Sparkling wines have higher acidity and lower sugar levels than table wines. These two extremes complement elements in almost any food.
Now that you’ve brought the perfect wines home, enjoy sitting around the table with family and friends sipping on good wine and savoring good food. 

Eat, Drink & Be Merry!