Gruet Winery, Albuquerque

My wife and I went for the tasting only. We were there on a Monday morning so naturally we were the only ones there. Our pourer was a pleasant French woman who knew a bit about wine but didn't push her knowledge on us. The bar had a foot rail but it would have been nice to have chairs or stools instead of standing. Gruet charges $5 or $6 (I forget which as it was the second winery that morning)for the tasting of five wines plus you get to keep the glass. The Brut sparkling wine is all that's available in Colo. (at least as far as I've been able to find) We tried the Methode Champenoise and it blew the Brut away. It was drier and yeastier, not unlike a fine French Champagne. We also liked the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir. I will be speaking with my local wine merchant to see if they are able to stock more of the Gruet line.

I am not reviewing the place but the wine. It is one of the best inexpensive champagnes I have ever had here in the U.S. or Europe.

We live in Albuquerque, and when friends visit from out of town, my husband and I always take them to the Gruet Winery because it's so much fun! In early June, my mother, my husband, and I, and several friends from Michigan, went to the Gruet tasting room -- seven of us -- and we had a great time seeing the winery (it was the fourth time for us). I thought our tour guide was great, very knowledgable. He can't be the same Donald mentioned in the other reviews here, because he was so nice, and also very funny. We all laughed and everyone loved the Gruet wines, especially the 2004 Pinot Noirs, which were really lovely. My husband and I can't wait until we have friends visit again so we can go back. Maybe we won't wait!

I think this winery has great potential. Owners may want to educate themselves on how the public is being treated by employees. Wine tour should be a light hearted and friendly experience as opposed to a lecture. I intended to buy a case of sparkling wine but b/c of the demeanor of the salesperson, I left while he was engaged in an argument with another customer.