Las Cruces, New Mexico, is widely renowned for its energetic neighborhood, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscape. However, it turns into a bustling gathering place for wine, food, and music lovers over Labor Day weekend. The Harvest Wine & Music Festival at the Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds will be a sensory extravaganza from August 30 to September 1, 2025.
This festival offers an experience that highlights the very best of Southern New Mexican cuisine, irrespective of whether you’re dancing to live music, sampling local beverages, or indulging in delectable food from gourmet food trucks.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to fully enjoy the Harvest Wine & Music Festival—from wine tastings and food pairings to the lively atmosphere and local vendors.
Get ready to savor all that Las Cruces has to offer.
The Heart of the Festival: A Blend of Wine, Music, and Food Culture
The Harvest Wine & Music Festival perfectly captures Las Cruces’s profound gratitude for life’s little pleasures. This festival is a retrospective of the people, culture, and taste buds that make this area special, not just wine.
The sounds of live music, the clinking of wine glasses, and the aroma of delectable food will all fill the lively Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds. The Harvest Wine & Music Festival offers something for everyone, regardless of whether you’re a wine expert or just hoping to spend the weekend with loved ones.
The festival’s key ingredients—local wines, great food, and lively music—come together to create an unforgettable experience that draws people from all walks of life.
Wine Tastings: Local Wineries, Tasting Notes, and Emerging Varietals
The wines are the festival’s main attraction, and Las Cruces has some amazing vineyards. You will have the opportunity to enjoy more than 200 wines from some of the best wineries in New Mexico.
The Harvest Wine & Music Festival is the ideal location to find New Mexico’s finest wines, ranging from vibrant reds to crisp whites and all shades in between.
Discover Local Wineries
New Mexico has a long history of winemaking, dating back centuries, and in recent years, its wineries have gained national recognition for their exceptional quality. The festival brings together some of the state’s best producers, offering a variety of wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Expect to taste wines from renowned wineries such as Luna Rossa Winery, Santa Fe Vineyards, and Black Snout Brewhouse. These wineries, along with many others, will showcase a range of varietals, from the bold and tannic reds to light and refreshing whites.New Mexico produces distinctive, character-driven wines due to its unique climate and high-altitude vineyards.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect
- Red Wines: Additionally, there will be robust, sophisticated red wines with full bodies and rich flavors, such as Zinfandel, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipate tannins that go well with hearty meats, peppery spice, and notes of dark fruit.
- White Wines: The white wines at the festival will include everything from the floral notes of Viognier to the citrusy brightness of Pinot Grigio. These wines offer a refreshing contrast to the reds and pair wonderfully with seafood, poultry, or light salads.
- Emerging Varietals: One of the exciting aspects of the festival is the chance to taste new and emerging varietals. Look out for less common wines like Grüner Veltliner or Tempranillo, which are starting to make a name for themselves in New Mexico’s growing wine scene.
Food Trucks & Pairings: Perfect Matches for Festival Wines
While wine is undoubtedly the star of the Harvest Wine & Music Festival, the food offerings are just as important. Local gourmet food trucks will be serving up a variety of delicious dishes that pair perfectly with the wines being showcased.
Best Wine and Food Pairings
The right food pairing can elevate the wine-tasting experience, and at the Harvest Wine & Music Festival, there’s no shortage of delicious combinations to explore.
- Grilled Meats and Hearty Reds: If you’re sipping on a robust red wine, like a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, look for food trucks offering grilled steaks, BBQ ribs, or sausages. Red wines are made bolder by the smoky, charred flavors of grilled meats.
- Seafood and Crisp Whites: Pair light white wines, such as Viognier or Chardonnay, with fresh seafood dishes like shrimp tacos, ceviche, or grilled fish. The acidity and freshness of the whites complement the delicate, briny flavors of seafood.
- Sweet Wines and Decadent Desserts: Remember to include dessert! Rich, decadent desserts go well with sweet wines like Riesling or Muscat. For the ideal conclusion to your wine tasting adventure, savor sweets like fruit tarts, chocolate truffles, and pastries.
Music & Atmosphere: Live Performances to Enhance Your Experience
Live music is one of the Harvest Wine & Music Festival’s distinctive features. Local bands will perform all weekend long, bringing a wide variety of sounds to the festival grounds. The music, which ranges from country rock to Latin rhythms, gives the event an extra boost of excitement and vitality.
How Music Elevates the Wine & Food Experience
Every experience is enhanced by music, and the festival’s live performances are no different. The upbeat music makes the ideal background music while you enjoy wine and food samples. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, whether you’re swaying to Latin beats, tapping your feet to rock ‘n’ roll, or just taking in the vibe.
Additionally, the music offers a fantastic means of interacting with the neighborhood. The food and wine alone are not as important as the people, the culture, and the shared joy of the occasion. The festival has a way of bringing people together, whether they are dancing at the silent disco or simply enjoying the music with friends.
Vendor Highlights: Small Businesses Bringing Unique Flavors
In addition to the food trucks and wine cellars, the Harvest Wine & Music Festival will feature more than 50 local vendors selling a wide range of products. The vendor booths, which range from artisan crafts and jewelry to organic wellness products, showcase the creativity and expertise of small businesses in Southern New Mexico.
Support Local Artisans and Vendors
Spend some time perusing the distinctive goods that the regional craftspeople have to offer as you stroll around the festival. There are plenty of treasures to find, whether you’re searching for locally produced candles and soaps, unique jewelry, or handcrafted pottery. Delicious regional specialties and foods, like salsa, jams, and handcrafted chocolates, are also available from a variety of vendors.
In addition to making your festival experience better, supporting these small businesses is a wonderful way to take a little bit of Las Cruces home with you. You’re sure to find something unique whether you’re looking for a keepsake or a gift.
Visitor Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Here are some crucial details to help you get the most out of your trip if you intend to attend the Harvest Wine & Music Festival.
Tickets & Pricing
- General Admission: $30 in advance, $35 at the gate. This includes access to all wine tastings, a commemorative wine glass, and full access to the festival grounds.
- Designated Driver Tickets: Those who won’t be drinking wine can get discounted tickets. Although wine tastings are not included, these tickets grant entry to the festival.
- VIP Tickets: For those looking for an upgraded experience, VIP tickets offer shaded seating, private bathrooms, and other exclusive perks.
Event Hours
- Dates: Saturday, August 30 to Monday, September 1, 2025.
- Hours: The festival runs from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily.
Things to Remember
- Parking: There will be ample parking available at the venue, but arrive early to secure a good spot.
- No Pets: Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at the event.
- Bring Your ID: If you plan on participating in the wine tastings, make sure to bring a valid ID to verify your age.
- Weather: The festival takes place during late summer, so it can be hot. Dress comfortably, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated while you enjoy the festivities.
Conclusion: The Perfect Mix of Wine, Food, and Community
Anyone who enjoys excellent wine, delectable food, and upbeat music should attend the Harvest Wine & Music Festival in Las Cruces. It’s the ideal way to spend a Labor Day weekend and a celebration of everything Southern New Mexico has to offer.
The festival offers a distinctive and unforgettable experience, whether you’re enjoying live music outside, sampling food from neighborhood food trucks, or sipping wine from New Mexico’s best wineries. Las Cruces is a place worth enjoying because of its ideal fusion of wine, cuisine, music, and community.
So get your friends together, buy your tickets, and prepare for a weekend that will never be forgotten at the Harvest Wine & Music Festival!
