Vara Winery & Distillery

Name: Vara Winery & Distillery
Address: 315 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM, United States, 87113
Telephone: (505) 898-6280
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

245 Reviews

$31 to $50

Winery

Top Tags:

Vara is your destination for fine Spanish and American wines, artisanally crafted spirits, tasty tapas and dramatic sunsets. Relax on our patio with a flight of wine that connects the rich histories of Spain and New Mexico while honoring the birthplace of the American wine experience. Sip on a cocktail crafted from our unique selection of Vara's handcrafted brandies, rums, gin or Taylor Garrett Whiskey while enjoying a pan of paella or savory tapas. Vara satisfies the senses. You can sit on our patio with panoramic views of the valley or relax in our cozy indoor tasting room with a glass of wine. Come take a tour of our winery and distillery and stay for the the food, wine, and spirits!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 22, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(505) 898-6280

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Winery, Tapas / Small Plates, Distillery
Hours of operation
Sat 12:00 pm–8:00 pm Dinner Wed–Fri 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(505) 898-6280
Website
http://www.varawines.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We are not accepting private events at this time.

Location
315 Alameda Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87113
Neighborhood
Albuquerque
Cross street
Located on the north corner of Alameda Park Dr NE & Alameda Blvd NE
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Guided Wine Tasting
$30.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Experience an in-depth guided wine presentation with Vara's Wine Educator. Explore six different wines in a communal setting, including wines that aren't usually offered by the glass. Great for groups and individuals alike. Classes are offered Monday - Friday at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. $30 per person with small snack plate included. Reservations recommended. Please note: dining is not available during this time.

Popular dishes

Vara Wine Flight #00$14.00
Select any Four Wines
Vara Wine Flight #01$14.00
Silverhead Brut Cava, Silverhead Brut Rosado Cava, Silverhead Brut Reserva Cava, Viña Cardinal - NM
Vara Wine Flight #02$14.00
Viura 2019, Garnacha Rosado 2020, Garnacha 2019 ESP, Tempranillo 2019 ESP
Vara Wine Flight #03$14.00
Garnacha 2019 ESP, Cariñena 2019 ESP, Tempranillo 2019 ESP, Monastrell 2018 USA

Beers

Featured New Mexico Beers$7.00
On Tap; selections vary

What 245 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Mexico
Fit for Foodies
New Mexico
Notable Wine List
Albuquerque
Best Overall
Albuquerque
Best Food
Albuquerque
Best Service
Albuquerque
Best Value
Albuquerque
Fit for Foodies
Albuquerque
Hot Spot
Albuquerque
Notable Wine List
Albuquerque
Vibrant Bar Scene

Sort by

Filters

J
Janban
New Mexico
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We’ve been to Vara before and we keep coming back because both the food and wines are excellent. Our server had a tiny error, corrected immediately and comped our dessert.
C
Chief
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall3food4service3ambience2
Some tapas are excellent; issue with timing of food orders. Sat inside due to wind and the flies were annoying!
SC
SwimChick
Jacksonville
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Outdoor patio was nice; good view of Sandia’s. Wine was good; not the best in NM, by a long shot. Wines are simple, not complex, single note. Meatballs were moist, empanadas crispy, potatoes had nice heat, crustiny was underwhelming. Value was lacking. Service was OK.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere, drinks and food! Staff very knowledgeable about their menu.
LP
LisaP
New Mexico
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience2
Really enjoyed the paella and wine recommendation. Service was great.
LB
LoisB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We had the paella, the dates, the bruschetta, and the Brussel Sprouts as well as wine flights #1 and #2 split between 4 people. The food and wine were very good as well as our waiter who advised us like a pro. Doesn’t look like much from the road when driving by but it packs a lot of good positive vibes into a small area.
KT
KarelT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food3service5ambience5
We were there for a wine tasting. We only had snacks to go along with the wine. We want to return for a meal sometimes soon. We really enjoyed the wine tasting and bought several bottles of sine to prove it!
YT
YanceyTaos
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Again ! Great wine , service and wonderful food thanks
A
Anthony
New Mexico
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Service
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Mexico
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wine tasting experience was exceptional! She was extremely knowledgeable and was super fun!
BW
BillW
New Mexico
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful evening. Wine and food were fabulous.
j
jeffs
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great experience wine tasting at Vara. We tasted six wines and were surprised to enjoy them all (unusual for us). Sean was a great host and made for a very relaxing and informative time. Vara has so many things going for it, expert wine makers, designers, and big big plans to be a force in the Southwest. We recommend visiting or if you can't, at least order some of their wine on line.
a
aefoodie
Denver
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great in-house wine and spirits, cocktails, and Spanish food. Best service I've experienced in NM.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely venue, great food and Wine
MC
MichaelC
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff was great and knowledable. Good food!!
AR
AmandaR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food3service5ambience5
Sangria is so good! Staff was great and accomidating
CM
CaraM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The wine tasting was amazing. Shawn was a great teacher and we learned quite a bit.
V
Vivi
New Mexico
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
We had a great time. The brussel sprouts were great! Good wine choices. We enjoyed the flights.
RB
RobertB
New Mexico
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
We enjoy the unique dining experience provided by Vara.
s
stevenl
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to a wine tasting at Vara as a birthday celebration, and it couldn’t have been any better! The staff was great, and so were the wines.
ET
EliseT
New Mexico
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had such a wonderful experience here. Perfect for a date night. Lovely atmosphere. Great service, food and drink are excellent.
d
debbied
Western NC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very enjoyable; food was excellent!
YT
YanceyTaos
New Mexico
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff are all very attentive and polite. Great atmosphere and awesome wine selection. Also many spirits and mixed drink selections.
c
christylou
New Mexico
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are so glad we discovered this hidden gem! Their wines are made from Spanish and California grapes, so they are a cut above New Mexican wines which tend to have a bitter aftertaste. Staff is enthusiastic and fun as well as knowledgable. Tasting plates are all delectable!
C
Colorado
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jenny was great. Her knowledge and experience in the wine industry is fantastic! Highly recommend.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Mexico
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the meat & cheese board as well as the dates. It was all excellent. Had a wine flight and particularly liked the Tempranillo
VJ
VeronicaJ
New Mexico
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience3
Wasn't happy with food had to send back it was cold meatballs and bread. they said they made a new one for us. When brought back I lied and said it was good. Still cold.
TH
TimothyH
Atlanta
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2022
overall2food1service2ambience2
Wine was decent. Food was not good at all. Pretty disappointing all in all.
FF
FoodForThought
New Mexico
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
The food did not meet our expectations! Whatever that brandy mustard is that accompanies the lamb sausage, should not be served, in our opinion. It ruins the dish.. the lamb sausage did not have the taste of lamb to us, either. There was a slice of blood Orange that came with this dish, no chimichurri or cranberry inclusion as it states on the menu. The paella is average, not enough shellfish, and tiny bits of chicken and sausage. It was disappointing. People were having a good time and seemed to be enjoying their meals and time together. Maybe we just picked the wrong choices. The red wine was good.
C
Colorado
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner and service was outstanding.
N
Nursenielsen
Savannah
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Good wine and charcuterie, but a little small and noisy. Offered to share our table since people without reservations were.being turned away and told that they were short staffed. Not very good whiskey IMO. Maybe we will try again if outdoor seating is available and warmer outside.
YH
YvetteH
New Mexico
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Mattie was amazing and helpful. Definitely will go back.
BM
BrandyM
Kansas City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience! We will be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved everything
SB
SharonB
Tahoe
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Tapas style eating is perfect for wine tasting and spirit tasting. Excellent tapas. Especially enjoyed the stuffed dates.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Mexico
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We decided to head to Vara for the special for the weekend. PEI oysters. We’d love it if they made this a regular event. We had a dozen with a bottle of reserve cava.
SS
StephenS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Decor very Avant-garde. Great experience. Great food
S
Shoulderguru
New Mexico
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent tapas!!! Drinks and Service were also outstanding. Highly recommended!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always outstanding. I love that the menu is changing with the seasons!!
LO
LoriO
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband & I had the best time together. We ordered a flight of wine which we made one wine change for our preference and a flight of the whiskeys. We thoroughly enjoyed the drinks and food. The tapas portions of the food were perfect for us. Can't wait to go back with our friends!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Vara Winery & Distillery offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (505) 898-6280.

Vara Winery & Distillery is rated 4.7 stars by 245 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 22, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(505) 898-6280

315 Alameda Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87113

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Located on the north corner of Alameda Park Dr NE & Alameda Blvd NE
Neighborhood
Albuquerque
Hours of operation
Sat 12:00 pm–8:00 pm Dinner Wed–Fri 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Cuisines
Winery, Tapas / Small Plates, Distillery
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.varawines.com/
Phone number
(505) 898-6280
Private party facilities
We are not accepting private events at this time.

Vara Winery & Distillery

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Guided Wine Tasting

Vara Paella

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Fried Green Chile Bombas

Wines

Aperitif

Viña Cardinal - NM

Vermut Seco

Vermut Dulce

Vermut Añejo Dulce

Sparkling

Silverhead Brut Cava ESP

Silverhead Brut Reserva ESP

Silverhead Brut Rosado ESP

White

Viura 2019 ESP

Albariño 2020 USA

Malvasia 2020 ESP

Rosado

Garnacha Rosado 2020 ESP

Red

Garnacha 2019 ESP

Cariñena 2019 ESP

Tempranillo 2019 ESP

Garnacha 2019 Lot #0321 ESP

Monastrell 2018 USA

Garnacha Reserva 2018 ESP

Dessert

Dorado 2017 USA$100.00

Sangria

Sangria Tinto 1.75 Liter

Wine Cocktails

Silverhead Kir Royal$10.00

Silverhead Escape$10.00

Sweet & Seco$10.00

Vara Spritz$11.00

Wine Flights

Vara Wine Flight #00$14.00

Vara Wine Flight #01$14.00

Vara Wine Flight #02$14.00

Vara Wine Flight #03$14.00

Beers

Featured New Mexico Beers$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Vara Winery & Distillery offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Vara Winery & Distillery restaurant rated?

Is Vara Winery & Distillery currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information