A Sandoval County pueblo and New Mexico’s largest winery are joining forces to grow premium wine grapes on tribal land — a deal both parties say will strengthen local agriculture and tribal economic independence.
The Pueblo of Santa Ana and Lescombes Family Vineyards of Deming announced the partnership June 1, covering cultivation of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes from the pueblo’s 26-acre Tamaya Vineyard. The agreement runs from the 2026 harvest through October 2031.
“This partnership is a true exchange of values,” said Lescombes CEO Brandon Young. “We are doing so in a way that honors the Pueblo’s incredible stewardship of the land.”
Santa Ana Pueblo Governor Myron Armijo said the deal advances “economic development while honoring the cultural traditions and agricultural values of the Pueblo of Santa Ana.”
Lescombes plans to feature the grapes at its bistro locations across New Mexico and will craft a dedicated wine for the pueblo to serve at its own venues. The vineyard uses cover cropping, livestock integration and reduced chemical inputs to protect soil health in the Rio Grande Basin.
The first harvests from the Tamaya Vineyard are expected this fall.
Learn more:Lescombes Family Vineyards: lescombeswinery.com