Wine Country comes to Portales Valley

PORTALES, NM—The Roosevelt County Community Development Corporation (RCCDC) announces the establishment of a local commercial vineyard in Portales.

Enchantment Vineyards is owned and will be operated by the Max Merrick family. The planting of 5000 grape vines began Tuesday, May 10th and has continued throughout the week, but not before several years of research, planning, and preparation by the Max Merrick family. Enchantment Vineyards is a family owned venture that will entail the growing of a variety of wine grapes which will be processed and made into wine, sold locally, and distributed throughout the state and beyond.

The Merrick family has worked diligently in learning about this industry, researching and selecting the type and variety of vines best suited for our soils and climate here in the Portales valley. A state of the art drip irrigation system, along with high tech temperature and weather monitoring allows for minimal use of water. The Merricks have been involved and are working with experts in the industry.

Although a vineyard of this size and sophistication is new to the Portales valley, wine making has been part of New Mexico since the early 1600’s when the Spanish introduced grape vines and wine making during their settling of the Rio Grande valley.

According to the New Mexico State University’s Extension Plant Sciences Department, New Mexico wine production is expanding by 10 to 15 percent annually. The New Mexico Wine Growers Association website lists more than 50 wineries spread around the state. Economic impact in the state exceeds $60 million.

The RCCDC welcomes Enchantment Vineyards to Portales. These types of business and small industries are what make Portales unique and special. We welcome new ventures and ideas, and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in our community.

The RCCDC was established in 1998 and was formed to preserve, expand, and promote the diverse regional economy through proactive engagement in business expansion and retention, entrepreneurial development, business recruitment, and community-oriented marketing for the City of Portales, Eastern New Mexico University, Roosevelt County, its citizens, and students.

For more information and interviews with Enchantment Vineyards, Please contact:

Max Merrick 575-760-2048

Megan Hamilton 575-749-2591