Mesilla Valley
A sliver of a New Mexico AVA at the far western edge of Texas.
Most of the Mesilla Valley AVA is in New Mexico. The Texas portion is a small slice at the far western corner of the state, along the Rio Grande.
- Established
- 1985
- Counties
- 2
- Elevation
- 3,800–4,500 ft
- Acres
- 265,000
- Soil
- Alluvial
- Climate
- High desert, arid
About the region
The Mesilla Valley AVA is shared with New Mexico, and the Texas share sits at the state’s far western edge near El Paso along the Rio Grande. It is one of the least-represented regions in Texas by winery count.
History
Broad overviewThe AVA was established in 1985. Its history is bound up with New Mexico’s, since the appellation straddles the state line.
Geography & climate
Broad overviewAlluvial soils at roughly 3,800 to 4,500 feet in an arid, high-desert climate along the river. Chenin Blanc and Muscat are the grapes most associated with the appellation.
Grapes & what it’s known for
Best known for: Chenin Blanc, Muscat, Rio Grande high desert.
The Texas portion is very small; firsthand reporting is still pending and the copy above is a broad overview.
Visited by Wines of Texas
We haven’t visited a winery in Mesilla Valley yet — they’re on the way.
AVA assignments may include Wines of Texas editorial mapping where TABC permit data does not specify an AVA.