Lescombes Family Vineyards embraces New Mexico’s early 2026 harvest season

By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – New Mexico’s desert landscape may not look like traditional wine country, but for Lescombes Family Vineyards, the state’s hot days and cool nights are part of what makes its wines stand out.

Brandon Young, CEO of Lescombes, explains that New Mexico’s arid climate creates growing conditions that differ from better-known wine regions along the West Coast.

“You would think that the desert might not be an optimal place. But actually, the really cool desert nights and then the hot desert days, that temperature shift is great for grapes because it gives them the stress and the growing that they need during the day,” says Young.

Lescombes’ 240-acre family-owned vineyard sits 47 miles west of Deming at an elevation of 4,500 feet. Temperatures there can differ by 30 degrees or more between day and night. The vineyard grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Chenin Blanc and dozens of other varieties.

With so many varieties grown across the state, Young emphasizes that it is difficult to identify one flavor that defines New Mexico wine. But the growing conditions can influence a broader characteristic.

“I would say that I do think that New Mexico grape growing, that our conditions allow our grapes to be pretty fruit forward, so I would say maybe just the fruit flavor is a little more prominent than maybe in other growing regions,” says Young.

The Lescombes family’s winemaking roots stretch back generations. The family began making wine in Burgundy, France, before Hervé Lescombes was drawn to New Mexico because of its similarities to the climate of his native Algeria. He planted his first New Mexico vines in 1981 and bottled his first vintage in 1984.

Today, Young explains that a seventh generation is entering the family business. “This isn’t something that’s just new, right? It’s been going on for a long time, and so I think that that family story is really important for me to make sure and share with everyone,” says Young.

That history is continuing through this year’s harvest. Lescombes typically harvests from late July or early August through the end of September. Young says a warmer spring pushed the 2026 season ahead of schedule, with many growers running about two to four weeks early. Still, Young emphasizes that production is around expectations and grape quality remains strong.

The state’s wine industry has also gained recognition beyond New Mexico with Lescombes and other wineries receiving recognition and awards in competitions outside the state. “When you’re getting that recognition in states like California, I think it bodes well and says a lot for how the wine industry in New Mexico has developed over the years,” says Young.

Wine drinkers will have a chance to explore that industry during the annual Harvest Wine & Music Festival, Sept. 5 through 7 at Balloon Fiesta Park. The 21-and-over festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. each day and will feature New Mexico wineries including Sheehan Winery, Rio Grande Vineyards & Winery, Ponderosa Valley Vineyards & Winery, Noisy Water Winery and Luna Rossa Winery.

The festival will also feature three days of live music. Saturday’s Native Guitars Tour Stage lineup includes Darren Geffre, Jir Project and Innastate. Sunday will feature Ailani, Dach Martin, Buque Sol and Purse Thief, while Félix Peralta “Gato” and Turquoise Steel are scheduled to perform Monday. Festivalgoers can also find DJs, a silent disco, food trucks and an artisan market throughout the weekend.

Lescombes will have multiple booths at the festival, including a Lescombes booth featuring wines normally available through its bistros or wine club rather than grocery stores. More information about participating New Mexico wineries and the festival is available at nmwine.com.