Trip Ideas
Historic Highway 28
La Viña Winery is New Mexico’s oldest winery. The vineyard provides “Estate Bottled” New Mexico wines with a new complexity. New plantings of Italian and Rhone varietals complement production of Cabernet, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Check the website for a list of annual festivals and events.
For a real treat contact Miller Horse Farm and take their Horses and Wine Tour to the vineyard. Miller Horse Farm offers a nostalgic once in a lifetime experience. They have three Ride and Wine Tours to choose from and with each you will ride horseback along the fields and vineyards to New Mexico’s oldest winery, La Vina Winery, and enjoy free wine tasting. For both round trip tours adults will receive a free bottle of wine. Visit their website for all the details.
Hours of Operation
Sun: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Mon: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Tue: Closed
Wed: Closed
Thu: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Fri: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Sat: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Only 45 minutes away from El Paso, this historic community has a distinct New Mexico feel through the surrounding fields of cotton, chile, pecan tree groves, and vineyards. Once a stop on the old Butterfield Trail and home to Billy the Kid and other notorious characters, it is now host to eateries and shopping featuring a blend of Native American, New Mexican, and Spanish influences.
Situated in the valley of the Rio Grande, the back road of Highway 28 leads visitors to locally owned and operated Zin Valle Vineyards, El Paso’s only vineyard and winery. They offer several different varietals from their estate vineyards as well as wines from California and Europe. Spend the day at Zin Valle and experience their complementary wine tasting, venture into the barrel room, or simply enjoy a glass or bottle of wine on the patio or picnic while looking over the Zinfandel vineyard and the Franklin Mountains. For a unique experience, visit the Vineyard on Sunday afternoons and enjoy the sounds of live music provided by local musicians. Bring a picnic, family, and friends and enjoy the day in what was once one of the country’s premier wine regions.
Hours of Operation
Sun: 12 PM - 5 PM
Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 12 PM - 5 PM
Thu: 12 PM - 5 PM
Fri: 12 PM - 5 PM
Sat: 12 PM - 5 PM
Historic Highway 28
Highway 28 is an old fashioned, two-lane road that runs from North El Paso to Old Mesilla, New Mexico. Lined with pretty pecan orchards that stretch for miles, Highway 28 offers you the unique opportunity to journey back to a simpler time. As you traverse the winding path, chile farms, wine vineyards, and horse and cattle ranches set on idyllic pastures open up before you. It’s a steady, relaxing ride over a beautiful bucolic landscape. So, take your time and take in the scenery. But be cautious; you’re likely to pass a tractor or two along the way.
While the ride itself is a breathtaking spectacle, Highway 28 has a diverse collection of alluring attractions to offer. The road is lined with celebrated wineries, authentic Mexican restaurants and important historical sites that you don’t want to miss out on. Here’s a few stops that you just have to make when riding down Highway 28.
Chope’s Bar and Café is another must on your journey down Highway 28. Located in La Mesa, New Mexico, this beloved eatery has been serving up 100% authentic Mexican cuisine for the past century. Founded in 1915 by Longina Benavivez and named after her son, Chope’s stands today as a testament to family, tradition, community and of course, good eating. The bar and the café are located in separate buildings adjacent to one another, each offering a distinct, but equally satiating experience. Popular among bikers and beer lovers, the Chope’s bar is a favored hangout spot. The edgy, yet intimate interior encourages close communion while the friendly bartenders and hardy cocktails bring about the signature satisfaction that keeps locals and travelers alike coming back.
Hours of Operation
Sun: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: Closed
Thu: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Fri: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sat: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM