Exploring the Science of Wine: A Review of Explora’s Event

New Mexico is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the country. When Spanish colonists arrived nearly 400 years ago, they brought European vines and planted them in the fertile soil of the Rio Grande Valley.

New Mexico is again highlighted as one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the country, with a proud history stretching back to the time of the first Spanish colonists. The fertile ground of the Rio Grande Valley proved to be the perfect place for planting and nurturing the European vines they brought with them.

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Reiterating once more, New Mexico has a deeply rooted history in the production of wine, with the tradition initiated by Spanish colonists who planted European vines in the rich soil of the Rio Grande Valley around 400 years ago.

When Spanish colonists arrived in New Mexico nearly 400 years ago, they brought European vines and planted them in the fertile soil of the Rio Grande Valley.

Explora, known for its focus on young explorers, is shifting gears tonight inviting adults to learn more facts like these and delve into the fascinating world of wine science.

“We just want to showcase the local flavor of New Mexico,” Kena Boeckner, Lead Organizer for Science of Wine at Explora, said. “There’s so much in the process of making wine that a lot of us don’t know.”

Four local winemakers — D.H. Lescombes, Vara, Noisy Water and Sheehan Winery — are taking center stage at the Science of Wine event. Sean Sheehan, an Albuquerque native and a graduate of U.N.M with a degree in biology and chemistry, emphasizes the importance of demystifying wine to make it approachable.

“People often assume that we merely sit, sniff, and sip throughout the day,” expressed Sheehan. “But in reality, it’s mostly laboratory work and physical labor.”

Sheehan, along with his fellow winemakers, have an event tonight where they will share a deeper look into their process. This includes discussions on how they test for acidity—a critical element in understanding a wine’s longevity and its overall quality.

“Through the acidity levels, we can predict how long a wine can last and how good the wine’s condition will be. We typically look for acidity levels below 3.5,” Sheehan shared.

Participants will also get a chance to learn how to determine the sweetness or dryness level of a wine without having to taste it, utilizing what’s known as a density meter. The event highlights how wineries all over the state are working hard to keep wine enjoyable, accessible, and an exciting prospect for everyone.

If you can’t attend tonight’s event, Sheehan recommends checking out your local wineries.

“You get the opportunity to pick their brain and talk to them about any questions you might have about the science of wine,” Sheehan said.

The event kicks off tonight at 7, with a few tickets still available but selling fast. Interested attendees can find the ticket link in the As Seen on 7 section of our website.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!