We at BestWineClub.com reached out to Michele Padberg, Co-Owner of the award-winning Vivác Winery, to learn more about its unique approach to winemaking and how this family-run operation has thrived for more than 20 years producing top-level creations at over 6,000 ft above sea level.
Please tell us a bit about your brand
I would be happy to supply our professional bio and tag lines, but as
a quick response: Vivac Winery is your High Altitude Refuge with
vineyards at 6,000ft and a wine for every palate. We have dedicated
ourselves to making world class wines since 1998 and since crafted a
brand that garners the attention of influential wine critics like James
Suckling and won awards at International Wine Competitions around the
world. We are a family obsessed with the science and art of wine and
passionate about sharing it with you.
Where is your vineyard located?
We are located at the entrance of the charming town of Dixon, snugly
tucked between Taos and Santa Fe in Northern NM.
Can you tell us more about your vineyard and the varieties you grow?
Being at 6,000ft, one of the world's highest altitude wineries, we
are limited in what we can grow, but excited about what we've found can
grow! We've traveled the world to study what other wineries are capable
in similar micro-climates and are proud to offer Gruner Veltliner, Petit
Verdot, Pinot Munier, and Riesling at our "1725 Vineyard" and Cab Frnac,
Cab Sauv, Syrah, Merlot and Chardonnay at our "Abbott Vineyard". All
organically farmed and low yield.
What makes your brand different from others?
We believe the world would be a far sadder place without the unique
expression of all the wineries we have and thus share the stage with
some brilliant talents. Our passion for old world style wines connects
with people that revel in the joy of a beautiful food pairing, enjoy the
love affair with a great glass of wine at the end of the day or want to
escape into the extraordinary world waiting in a perfect glass of wine.
Please tell us a bit about your tasting rooms
We have 2 stunning tasting rooms. Our Anchor tasting room is located
in Dixon and is surrounded by our "1725 Vineyard". Our patio is equipped
with stat of the art heaters and wind shields so that no matter what
time of year, we may offer you covid safe areas to drink in the view.
Our Dixon location also features gourmet picnic items and exquisite
handmade chocolates. Tastings are now tableside and tasting videos,
available on our website, walk you through your wine journey.Our satellite tasting room is located in Santa Fe at the Farmers
Market Pavilion in the Railyard. It is a elegantly quaint space that is
nestled among other shops. We are currently only able to offer bottle
sales and wine club pickup there, but as covid times change we look
forward to being able to offer tastings there again when it is safe to
do so.
How do you decide your prices and what sets apart the most expensive bottles you sell?
We are all 4 certified Sommeliers and lovers of all wines. We make
sure to have a current grasp of the world wine market and to compare
wines to our own in order to find where ours sit in quality and
expectations and to price ours such that you feel you have found a gem,
an amazing wine for an amazing price, no matter what you have spent. Our
most expensive wines are aged longer and have been crafted to continue
to age. But all of our wines are aged in actual French Oak Barrels and
have been hand harvested, sorted and even bottled by hand. Even our wine
in kegs have been thoughtfully nurtured through the entire process, no
cutting corners, to deliver excellent quality.
Which of your wines are best for beginners?
"Beginners" can mean so many things, for some that may mean sweet and
for some that may mean dry, but fruity and for some that may mean white
wine. We offer something for every palate and excitedly welcome the
newbie! There is nothing more fun and rewarding to us than helping
someone start their love affair with wine and that is by making a match
between the person and their unique palate and a wine that brings them
joy. We are confident we can do that for anyone that comes to us.
What should people consider before joining a wine club?
Before joining our wine club, someone should consider just how
wonderful they want their lives to become. Do they want the joy of 2
incredible wines appearing at their door each month, a personally
written newsletter from the winemakers lovingly included? Or would they
rather have the excitement of opening an entire case filled with amazing
wines to dazzle their wine rack all at once? Live nearby? Among many
perks, you may enjoy many benefits in addition to the generous discount
including having a glass of wine, on us, when you come for a visit.
Would you like to share a few words with our audience - perhaps some advice on your club, and how to get the most out of your plans?
Our wine club is the only tiered club that increases benefits as you
purchase with us. Simply keep receiving your regular shipments and you
naturally climb the ladder. Order gifts, your tally is added to your
account. Need extra wine at the holidays? That's added too! Very quickly
you can reach a Mast Club Member Level and enjoy huge discounts and
perks. Need to take a break? We can place your account on hold without
losing the tally or the purchase history. Being a part of our wine club
is becoming a part of our Vivac family, you will absolutely feel the
love.