Expanded distribution comes alongside new spirits recognition honoring craftsmanship and regional excellence
July 8, 2026 (Albuquerque, NM) — VARA Winery & Distillery, the Albuquerque-based winery and craft distillery, is celebrating a period of continued growth and recognition with the expansion of its wine distribution into Oklahoma, Minnesota and Wisconsin, bringing its national footprint to ten states, alongside a recent Edible New Mexico Local Hero Award in the Beverage Artisan: Spirits category.
VARA fans can now purchase VARA Brut and VARA Brut Rosé at select retailers across all ten distribution states: New Mexico, California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Oklahoma, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Illinois distributors also carry VARA New Mexico Sparkling Brut, which earned 98 points at the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition—the highest score ever awarded to a New Mexico wine.
“Our goal has always been to introduce more people to the exceptional quality and heritage of New Mexico wine,” said Jon Murray, CEO of VARA Winery & Distillery. “Reaching ten states is a big milestone for our team, and we’re just getting started! We are grateful to keep growing while staying true to the craftsmanship and traditions that define everything we produce.”
The distribution announcement comes as VARA continues to earn recognition in its home state. VARA recently received an Edible New Mexico Local Hero award in the Beverage Artisan: Spirits category, an annual readers’ choice program celebrating the farmers, ranchers, chefs, beverage makers and food artisans who strengthen the state’s local food culture. In addition to its acclaimed wines, VARA produces a diverse portfolio of handcrafted spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, and brandy, each bottle an expression of local ingredients and time-honored distilling traditions.
This recognition reflects the support of the local community through reader nominations and voting, highlighting VARA’s ongoing dedication to producing high-quality wines and spirits in contribution to New Mexico’s vibrant food and beverage scene.
“It’s especially meaningful to receive this recognition from our own community,” added Murray. “We’re excited to grow into new markets, and we’re equally proud to keep our home state at the heart of everything we do.”
Founded in Albuquerque, VARA Winery & Distillery is reimagining what sparkling wine can be, bringing a fresh, approachable style rooted in New Mexico’s rich winemaking tradition. Led by Laurent Gruet, a third-generation New Mexico winemaker, VARA combines a legacy of expertise with a commitment to quality, consistently earning top scores and industry recognition.
VARA expects to expand distribution further in the coming months, with additional state launches on the horizon, and is available for shipping across the U.S. To purchase or learn more, please visit varawines.com.
About VARA Winery & Distillery
At VARA Winery & Distillery, tradition and innovation come together to craft extraordinary wines and spirits. Founded in New Mexico — the birthplace of North American winegrowing in 1629 — VARA honors this rich legacy while leading the future of American sparkling wine. Our passionate team of winemakers and distillers are master blenders, deeply committed to quality, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of craft. From acclaimed Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines to award-winning spirits, every bottle we create celebrates our heritage and our commitment to creativity, community, and excellence. Discover more at varawines.com.
