Let the Wine Flow
Need another reason to celebrate Taos? There couldn’t be a better time than now, in the peak of ski season. From January 30 – February 2, Taos will be the center of the wine world, as the 34th Annual Taos Winter Wine Festival will be underway in the Taos Ski Valley. Featuring more than 150 unique wines from 40 different wineries and a dozen of the finest Taos chefs providing paired meals, this is the weekend to be in Taos.
Get to know some of our favorite wineries in this year’s Grand Tasting events!
Bodegas Protos first vintages both won gold medals at the Universal Exposition of Barcelona in 1929 and most recently won “Best Young Wine in Spain” for its Protos Verdejo in 2019.
Bartholomew Broadbent has been named in the top fifty most influential people in the wine world multiple times, displaying his vast impact on the planet’s wine culture.
The Frank Family’s iconic Larkmead building appears on the National Register of Historical Places and is listed as a Point of Historical Interest in California for its symbolism of the state’s heralded Napa Valley wine country.
Founder Frederick S. Wildman, Sr. developed such a deep love for French wines while serving as first lieutenant in the Second Division of the U.S. Army in World War I that after Armistice Day on November 11, 1918, he stayed in France for six more months to learn as much about vineyards as possible before his discharge.
José Pastor Selections have an impressive portfolio of reviving endangered grapes and growing techniques from the Iberian Peninsula as well as even the forgotten Canary Islands.
Scot Bilbro’s Marietta Cellars is a second-generation vineyard with almost every worker having 10 years under their belt at the winery.
René and Laurence Schlatter, members of the proprietor family, grew up in the same small town in Switzerland but somehow never met until Laurence’s brother introduced them at the Merryvale tasting room.
Once & Future’s Zinfandel is crafted from the 128-year-old vines planted by George Hearst, the same pioneer of Bedrock Wine Co.’s roots, also run by the same family.
Bob Sinskey, founder of Robert Sinskey Vineyards, was in the midst of developing his vineyard land when one of his inventions from his career in medicine exploded on the scene and he had to put wine on hold until opening the winery four years later in 1988.
The original name for Sean Minor Wines was “Four Bears” because when the founders were tasting their favorite and least favorite aspects of different wines around the dinner table, their four children likened this practice to Goldilocks searching for just the right bottle.
Curious about the full schedule of events happening? Check this page out.
Nurse the Ch’i
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of summer travel and always looking for the next adventure, it’s easy to ignore the mind and body. So we created a list of places in Taos that will help you rejuvenate that inner and outer chi so you can hop back to your life-adventure.
If you’re looking for a dip into some natural hot springs, mud bath or maybe a spa service to go with it, Ojo Caliente is your place. Featuring private and public soaks along with a variety of spa offerings, this is perfect for the adventurer who wants to relax post-hike or yoga.
“We offer a blend of activities that celebrate the waters, the land and the culture, to soothe both body and soul. Take an exhilarating trek through hundreds of acres of hiking and biking trails and explore the rich heritage of Northern New Mexico. Enjoy the benefits of yoga classes that promote flexibility and relaxation.”
Auromesa is tucked away off of the well-beat Taos path offering visitors seeking Ayurvedic practices in a tranquil setting. They offer teachings and insight into Ayurvedic medicine along with massages and yoga classes.
“Our Ayurvedic practitioner works to balance the doshic imbalance (imbalance in the body “humors” or characteristics). She may offer the detoxification program known as panchakarma (five detoxification therapies), as well as nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and recommendations of Ayurvedic natural herbs. Through her knowledge of the science of Ayurveda, she can assist a client in setting up daily routines (dinacharya) that can bring about the desired balance to release stress and help to ward off dis-ease.”
This spa offers everything from yoga and Soul’s Blueprint (astrology) to scrubs, hydrotherapy and multi-level spa treatments for you to choose from.
One of their main signature services is the Sacred Staurolite which starts with dry brushing, moves to a detoxifying turquoise mud wrap and face mask and then finishes off with a reflexology massage under the sacred indigenous Staurolite stones of Taus. They have a large list of treatments available.
“The Living Spa is an eco-conscious, world-class rejuvenation center at the heart of El Monte Sagrado. Prepare to be pampered by professional therapists focused on your health and healing.”
Focusing on massage and body rejuvenation, the Taos Spa & Tennis Club offers services to feel relaxed and complete. Included in each massage is free use of their sports facility the day of.
“Offers a menu of massage therapies and treatment ranging from deep tissue sports massage to luxurious treatments incorporating exotic aromas, water heated stones and deeply relaxing techniques.”
Some of the massages include the Taos Mountain Bliss that is done in a Swedish style, Deep Tissue that targets serious muscle and stress relief, Foot Reflexology, Canyon Stone which incorporates warm oil and warm black river stones and the massage that combines them all is the High Desert Mystique.
A Celebration of Winter
Benefiting from a strong El Nino winter, the many ski areas and resorts around Taos are not only enjoying some of the best snow conditions in years, but their annual events have an even greater celebratory tone than usual. If you are wondering what to do in Taos, visiting in February will provide you with an overwhelming list of options. The area’s ski resorts are undoubtedly some of the best Taos attractions in winter, and the month of February is the perfect time to enjoy the slopes in addition to some special events. Below is just a small taste of what you can look forward to near El Pueblo Lodge.
Mardi Gras!
The small town of Red River is one of many nearby small mountain communities that are considered a local Taos attractions and Angel Fire Resort provides a great alternative to the more popular Taos Ski Valley. Historically, people do not flock to the Southwestern U.S. to celebrate Mardi Gras but these two destinations are doing their best to change that. From February 5 to 9, Red River transforms into a Mardi Gras headquarters, complete with parties, parades, Cajun cooking, and Creole music. During these same days, Angel Fire Resort showcases their own take on Mardi Gras festivities. Ski bike demos, shovel racing, slopeside events and live music, and a masquerade ball will help you to bring in February with style!
Skiing Competitions Amidst the Most Popular Taos Attractions
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains have long played host to a variety of ski competitions, and not a winter goes by without professional or semi-professional athletes visiting the area to showoff their skills in any number of competitions. This year isn’t any different, and on February 7 you can head to Angel Fire Resort to witness the aerial acrobatics of the USASA Southwest Freeride Competition. This regional event will pin skiers and snowboarders against each other in the Liberation Terrain Park in a fight to make the national circuit. If you are already planning on spending a day or two on the slopes during your stay, consider February 7th when you will get a freeride show from the area’s best with the price of your lift ticket!
Family Fun at February Fun Fest!
If your raucous ski-bum days are long gone and you have since replaced them with family vacations, stay with us over President’s Day Weekend for February Fun Fest at Sipapu Ski Resort! This weekend’s free festivities are geared for the entire family and include a parade, treasure hunt, games, contests, and even a giant snow castle.
February is arguably the best time to visit Taos, NM, as the snow is good and the holiday crowds are long gone. In addition to great skiing and eclectic culture, you can also experience many one-of-a-kind events this month. The above few are only a sampling, and when you book your next adventure with us, our guest service agents will be sure to help you find the perfect outings to help you make the most of your winter getaway.
