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Many of you have been around the winery when Mitzi’s Grandmother, Nana, was offering a blessing before a gathering, riding through the vineyard on the Gator (shown here with great-grandson, Kevin, in 2003) or touring the winery with Rick. Nana passed away on December 26, 2006 at the age of 102. As a minister for over 65 years, she spoke to the spiritual aspect of growing grapes in the fickle climate of New Mexico and always offered encouragement. We learned so much from her about “keeping on” and each harvest pays tribute to her. |
If you have visited the winery, you know that Milagro is home to numerous four-leggeds who come here to retire.
In 2007, five of our friends passed away. |
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Iris and Piggolo came to Milagro Vineyards in 1993 with Pete, who is still with us. Piggolo nurtured whoever she was with and had a quiet presence among all of us. Iris offered direction in a very vocal manner, earning her the title “Communication Pig” from Rick. |
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| Gentleman pig, Bugsy was a friend to all ... dogs, humans, |
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cats, mice and chickens. |
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Hammie Fay Bacon was filled with determination that led her to escape whenever possible and go on a “walkabout.” She is laid to rest with the other four-leggeds in the memory garden by the vineyards. |
And then, Maggie .... Maggie came to us in 2003 the day she had both eyes removed when her corneas ruptured. Her days of fetching and swimming were gone, but, in short order, she made it clear she was now a part of the grape growing and wine making team at Milagro. In the vineyard, she kept her nose in the air for guidance as she listened for Rick’s quiet whistle. She rode through Corrales on the Gator perched on Rick’s lap as if she were the commander. She sat outside the winery in the sun and would stand up when a car came in the gate as if to say “Who goes there, please?"
We forgot Maggie did not have eyes as her indefatigable spirit greeted each day with a “let’s roll” attitude. This harvest found her in her bed in the winery more than before, but she did not leave Rick’s side. Harvest ended on October 30th and on November 5th she passed away. As always with Maggie, her own way, her own terms. The lessons we learned from her could fill a book and will last harvest after harvest. God Bless our sweet Maggie. |
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Maggie presided over the largest crush ever before she left us. Ideal growing conditions, coupled with new vineyards coming on line, produced 27 tons of grapes, an increase of 70% over 2006. The greatest tribute to the hard work and attention to detail from Rick, Alfonso, and our growers, is the high quality of the grapes harvested this year. Believing that wine is mostly made in the vineyard, the coming vintages will be better than ever.
Our tasting room now has a beautiful view of the Sandia’s and is much larger. John Schutt, our neighbor, dear friend and contractor extraordinaire, worked his magic on the expansion. Open by appointment, we invite you to visit.
We appreciate the opportunity to share highs and lows of our year with you and want to extend heartfelt appreciation for your support and friendship. Looking forward to crossing paths with many of you in 2008 .... Rick & Mitzi |
Restaurants and Stores That Have Milagro Wines:
Albuquerque:
Calico Cafe, Cost Plus, Gruet Steakhouse, Los Ranchos Liquors, Quarters Wine Shops and Restaurants, Range Cafe on Wyoming, Range Cafe on Menaul, Savoy, Starky's, Sunflower Market, Terra American Bistro, Whole Foods, Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro
Bernalillo:
Prairie Star, The Range Cafe, Range Wine Shop
Corrales:
Indigo Crow, Village Pizza
Pojoaque:
Kokoman Liquors
Santa Fe:
Liquor Barn, Santa Fe Brewery
Taos:
Joseph's Table, Taos Inn, The Old Blinking Light Wine Shop
Taos Ski Valley:
Edelweiss Lodge, Hotel St. Bernard
Gift Baskets: Simply Classic Gift Baskets
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