Mr.George Zhuang, Viticulture Farm Advisor, University of California, Fresno County Visits the Mesilla Valley

Looking east over Stahmanns Pecan Groves from mesa on the Stahman Ranch southwest of Las Cruces, NM. The Organ Mountains are in the background. From left: George Zhuang (Farm Advisor, UC in Fresno Co., CA), Daniel Goodrich (Program Coordinator, NMSU Viticulture), Gill Giese (Extension Viticulture Specialist, NMSU) and Mr. Rafael Rovirosa (Director of Operations, Stahmanns Pecans)

We were treated to a tour of Stahmann's Pecans and processing plant near Las Cruces NM on Friday November 1. Mr. Rafael Rovirosa served as our knowledgeable and gracious host throughout. We were introduced to traditional practices and cutting edge technology as pecans remain a vibrant, sustainable industry in New Mexico's  economy due to pioneers and innovators like Rafael and his family. After the tour of Stahmanns we headed west to Deming and Luna Rossa vineyard and winery owned and operated by the D'Andrea family. Mr. Paolo D'Andrea was our generous and open host, explaining both his wine-growing philosophy and techniques. Paolo grew up in a winegrowing family in Italy and after moving to the US started his own business on the edge of where a vinifera grape can grow...arid lands of southern western New Mexico.  

Mr. George Zhaung (left) and Mr. Paoloo D'Andrea of Luna Rossa Vineyard and Winery, Deming, NM share some grape growing information and camaraderie in Paolo's vineyard. 

Mr. George Zhaung (left) and Mr. Gordon Steel of Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery near Las Cruces, NM, discuss some of Gordon's wines, with special reference to his Quene Tendre or French Colombard wine that Gordon makes as an "orange" wine.

Gordon Steel's family has been in New Mexico since the 1800's. After a military career, Gordon literally and figuratively returned to his roots, establishing his vineyard and winery in the Mesilla Valley just outside Las Cruces. He has grown grapes and made wine commercially for over 15 years. Gordon has studied and traveled thorough out the wine world to bring knowledge and 'know how'  to bear on his line up of high quality wines.

Mr.George Zhuang, University of California Farm Advisor for Fresno County, presented a talk on: