Nestled between the Sandia mountains (Spanish for watermelon) and three volcanoes (the Three Sisters) is a rift carved by the Rio Grande River that is home to a historic farming community, turned outpost, and then officially a village in 1706 that predates the forming of the United States by four generations. This village – which has flown the flags of three nations (Spain, Mexico, U.S.A.), was center-stage for the brutal merger of two civilizations, and has become one of the most unique and culturally significant melting pots in the history of the United States – is known as Old Town Albuquerque, NM.

Rising from the hustle and bustle of Albuquerque,

you ascend one of America’s most stunning urban peaks. Reaching the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains, an 11,000 square mile panoramic view awaits you.

It’s an elevation of the body, mind, and soul in a mere 15 minutes.

You’re sure to find that the beauty of the New Mexican landscape is rivaled by no other. The city of Albuquerque lies a mile above sea level and has a high-desert climate that allows you to experience the contrast between desert and forest—all under our vast blue skies.

Founded in 1984, Gruet Winery specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. Family owned and run, the New Mexico-based winery produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-based sparkling wines and a small collection of still wines, with roots originating from Gilbert Gruet’s Champagne house in Bethon, France. More than 25 vintages later, Gruet Winery has achieved unprecedented acclaim and remains a favorite of the nation’s top sommeliers.

The ABQ BioPark (or Albuquerque Biological Park) is an environmental museum located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It contains four separate facilities:

ABQ BioPark Aquarium - An aquarium with a 285,000-US-gallon (1,080,000 l) ocean tank containing Gulf of Mexico saltwater species from estuaries, surf zone, shallow waters, coral reefs, and ocean, as well as many other exhibits.

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden - A 36-acre (15 ha) botanic garden that includes a 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) glass conservatory housing plants from desert and Mediterranean climate zones.[2]

ABQ BioPark Zoo - A 64-acre (26 ha) zoo, with 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of paths and more than 250 species of exotic and native animals. Elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, snow leopards, polar bears, hippos, gorillas, chimpanzees, zebras, along with more unusual animals such as hyenas, white rhinos, Tasmanian devils, wombats and African wild dogs. There is a variety of birds, from storks and eagles to roadrunners.

Tingley Beach - fishing lake, model boating lake, picnic areas, narrow gauge railroad, and paths.