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Blog

Superstitions come in many different forms, from seeing a black cat to a date landing on the wrong weekday. In Western culture Friday the 13th is considered bad luck and to some, the day is even scary. It’s unknown when the superstition began but the popular 1980 film Friday the 13th popularized the belief. On the other hand, some people (often horror film lovers) favor the day as they consider 13 a lucky number! So if you’re superstitious, keep reading to learn about some crazy international drinking superstitions.

Italy | Spilling wine isn’t just messy, it’s bad luck. So to be on the safe side, it’s said you should dab it behind your ears. 

Russia | *clink, clink* That’s the sound of toasting off the demons. Not just any demons either. The ones that enter your body through your mouth and turn you into a bad drunk in trouble.

The Philippines | The first shot of a newly opened bottle does not belong to you, it belongs to the evil spirits and the devil. The belief is that by offering them the first pour, they are kept happy and will leave you alone. 

Rome | There’s no dabbing spilled wine behind your ears to ward off the bad luck. The people of Rome believe spilling wine is an omen of disaster. So be careful…

Cuba | On a more extreme note, Cubans believe that declaring your last drink is a way of tempting fate and are likely to die soon after. 

Germany | Like Cuba, cheers can lead to death. In Germany, making cheers with water is said to be wishing death upon the people you’re drinking with. 

Whatever your superstition is, we have many wines to offer for your toasting! Shop the collection here

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. 

Recipes & Pairings

Mushroom Ragu over Polenta Cake w/ Goat Cheese | Pair with Heritage Rosé

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 pound of sliced mushrooms (baby bellos, cremini, oyster or shiitake)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup 631 Heritage Canyon Five wine
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • Approximately 5 basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • ½ – ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil (for sauteing)
  • Tube of pre-made polenta
  • Small log of plain goat cheese, softened

In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat, add onions and garlic cook until onions have wilted, about 8 minutes.  Add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Raise heat to high and saute until mushrooms are tender and all the liquid has evaporated.  Remove pan from the heat and pour in Canyon 5 wine. Return to the stove and allow wine to evaporate, about 3 minutes.  Add chicken broth and simmer for a half-hour until sauce has reduced by half.  Add heavy cream and mix well.  Take the pan off the heat, add the fresh herbs and parmesan cheese and mix thoroughly.

Cut pre-made polenta in ¼ to ½ inch cakes.  Lightly fry in skillet with olive oil until golden.

To serve, place golden brown polenta on plate, spoon ragu over the top.  Crumble goat cheese over hot ragu.  Garnish with basil ribbons. Serve with D.H. Lescombes Heritage Rosé.

Recipes & Pairings

Valentine’s Day Recipe & Photo Contest

Enjoy this special Valentine’s Day recipe for two, paired with our Heritage Rosé!

ENTER TO WIN

For a chance to win a $50 dinner for 2, enter by the end of the day on Monday, February 14, 2022.

Step 1: Like and Follow us on Facebook/Instagram

Step 2: Prepare our special wine-paired recipe. (Get our special recipe here.)

Step 3: Take a selfie together with your dish.

Step 4: Post/Share your photo on social media and use the hashtag #ROMANTICDINNERFOR2 for your chance to win.

Must enter by Monday, February 14th, 2022. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 15th, 2022.

Recipes & Pairings

KIVA and PORT Apple Pie recipe

Submitted by Britini Jahanbin

KIVA Apple Pie

Ingredients:

St. Clair KIVA

4 apples

Half Cup Brown Sugar/ Cane Sugar

Vanilla Extract

Chopped walnuts (sit overnight to dissolve)

Directions:
Put contents into a pot

Stir/melt in butter, a spoonful of starch, and a splash of milk

Stir until the contents are thick

Pie Crust per Pie

2 1/2 cups of flour

A mix of brown and cane sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup butter

4-8 tablespoons of ice water (to consistency)


**Dress pie with crushed cereal, chopped walnuts, and a sprinkle of cane sugar.

Bake until after the pie center rises. When ready, stick a toothpick or knife in the center; if the pie is done knife should come out clean from the center.

St. Clair PORT

Ingredients:

4 Apples

Half Cup Brown Sugar/ Cane Sugar

Vanilla Extract

Semi-sweet chocolate chips ( sit overnight to dissolve the sugar)

Directions:

Put contents into a pot

Stir/melt in butter, a spoonful of starch, and a splash of milk

Stir until the contents are thick

***Dress pie with remaining chocolate chips and a sprinkle of brown sugar.

Pie Crust per Pie

2 1/2 cups of flour

A mix of brown and cane sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup butter

4-8 tablespoons of ice water (to consistency)

**Dress pie with crushed cereal, chopped walnuts, and a sprinkle of cane sugar.

Bake until after the pie center rises. When ready, stick a toothpick or knife in the center; if the pie is done knife should come out clean from the center.

Perfect for the holiday season!

Awards, In the Press

Voted Best Winery & Best Wine Bar

Thank you for making your voices heard and voting us Best Winery and Best Wine Bar!  

Community members were able to cast their votes for the Bulletin’s Best in Arts & Entertainment, Auto & Transportation, Business & Finance, Community, Eating & Drinking, Education, Health & Well Being, Home, Professionals, Shopping, Sports & Recreation.  

“I personally am excited about Bulletin’s Best. Because you’ll be voting online, it’s a truly COVID-safe event. It’s a chance for everyone in the Mesilla Valley to voice their opinion on almost anything you can imagine. But it also means we’ll be doing something together, and engaging with the whole community.” – Richard Coltharp/Las Cruces Bulletin Publisher  

We are honored to receive the Best Winery and Best Wine Bar award. Thank you to the staff of the Las Cruces Bulletin for the hard work they put in to recognize the outstanding businesses in our community.  

The awards are a testimony to the hard work and dedication of the Lescombes family that has been crafting wine in New Mexico since their emigration from Burgundy, France in 1981.

Our winery is located in the Mimbres Valley, just outside of Deming, New Mexico. Our traditions are preserved by Florent and Emmanuel Lescombes, who carry on their family’s six-generation history of winemaking.  

Our wine bar offers numerous award-winning wines for every taste. Just like New Mexico’s first vintners, our goal is to produce great wines and food for you to enjoy in the company of friends and family. 

“I am thankful for the trust our guests have placed in us. We continue to work extra hard to push ourselves to the next level.” – Thomas Perez/General Manager 

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.