Vara Winery & Distillery Expands Distribution to Five States
Award-winning New Mexican winery brings sparkling wine to Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Ohio and Texas
ALBUQUERQUE, NM (PRESS RELEASE)—VARA Winery & Distillery, the Albuquerque-based winery and craft distillery, today announced expanded distribution for its award-winning sparkling wines. VARA’s Brut and Brut Rosé will now be available in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Ohio and Texas, with additional states slated for future expansion. Wines will be sold at select retailers throughout each state.
“This expansion marks an exciting chapter for VARA as we introduce New Mexican sparkling wines to new audiences,” said Carrie Freeman, CEO of VARA Winery & Distillery. “Our team is passionate about sharing the quality, creativity, and heritage of VARA wines beyond our home state, and we’re thrilled to bring our award-winning portfolio to consumers in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Ohio and Texas.”
The wines available, by state, include:
· Arizona: VARA’s Silverhead Brut and Brut Rosé
· Colorado: VARA’s Silverhead Brut and Brut Rosé
· Illinois: VARA’s Silverhead Brut, Brut Rosé, and New Mexico Sparkling Brut, which scored 98 points at the San Francisco International Wine Tasting 2025, the highest score in New Mexico history
· Ohio: VARA’s Silverhead Brut and Brut Rosé
· Texas: VARA’s Silverhead Brut and Brut Rosé
“This milestone reflects years of hard work and commitment from the VARA team,” said Jon Murray, General Manager of VARA Winery & Distillery. “We’re proud to grow our footprint while maintaining the same rigorous standards for craft and excellence that our customers expect.”
Founded in Albuquerque, VARA Winery & Distillery is reimagining what sparkling wine can be, bringing a fresh, approachable style rooted in New Mexico’s rich winemaking tradition, while consistently earning top scores and industry recognition. Led by Laurent Gruet, a third-generation New Mexico winemaker, VARA draws on Spanish varietals and local pride.
Currently, VARA sparkling wines are distributed in New Mexico and California, and this expansion represents the brand’s next step in building a national presence for its acclaimed portfolio.
About VARA Winery & Distillery
At VARA Winery & Distillery, tradition and innovation come together to craft extraordinary wines and spirits. Founded in New Mexico — the birthplace of North American winegrowing in 1629 — VARA honors this rich legacy while leading the future of American sparkling wine. Our passionate team of winemakers and distillers are master blenders, deeply committed to quality, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of craft. From acclaimed Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines to award-winning spirits, every bottle we create celebrates our heritage and our commitment to creativity, community, and excellence. Discover more at varawines.com.