The history of Fiber Arts must begin with the basics: fiber. Fiber has plant, animal or synthetic origins, and whether it is real or synthetic, rigid or flexible, fiber resists abrasion and breakage while soaking up moisture without dissolving.

Back in the 1600s, Spanish settlers and their clergy made New Mexico the country’s first wine country. Today, the centuries-old grape-growing culture is one that New Mexicans are fiercely proud of (as they should be!).

In 1598, Don Juan de Oñate led Spanish settlers to the Rio Grande’s upper valleys. With colonists came Franciscan monks and with the monks came the need for sacramental wine. Brushing off Spanish laws that forbade exporting grapevines, Franciscan monks smuggled vines to New Mexico in 1629 and planted them just south of the modern-day town of Socorro.

All across New Mexico, winemakers and wine experts regularly get together to celebrate new vintages and toast older favorites at wine festivals. These convivial gatherings bring together wine-lovers to sample the newest releases and purchase special-edition wines, but they are also great opportunities to meet winemakers in person.

From high-flying hot air balloons and scenic hikes to unique restaurants and charming small towns, New Mexico is filled with opportunities for adventure. Our beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage is part of what makes us such an incredible destination for family travel, and if you’re looking for a fun activity to entertain kids and adults alike, New Mexico’s Wildlife West Nature Park is the ideal choice.

There’s more to New Mexico than green chile and hot air balloons. In fact, the Land of Enchantment is known for its spectacular desert landscapes, brilliant sunsets, and interesting wildlife. Even in the more developed areas, it feels like there is always something left to discover.

You might have heard of the famed stretch of land in Edgewood, New Mexico that houses more than 20 native species. It’s called the Wildlife West Nature Park, and it’s a little slice of heaven for native animals.

New Mexico is one of the most culturally and historically rich states in the union, with modern and ancient customs that are infused into everyday life and celebrated throughout the region in many festivals and events.