Committee backs $3.3 million appropriation to spotlight 400 years of New Mexico winemaking

The House Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee on Feb. 7 recommended a do-pass for House Bill 276, which would appropriate $3.3 million to the New Mexico State University Board of Regents to underwrite programs tied to the 400th anniversary of winemaking in New Mexico.

Sponsor testimony described New Mexico’s winemaking history dating to 1629 and framed HB 276 as a long-term strategic investment to stabilize vineyards, support climate-appropriate viticulture, and expand agritourism. Christopher Goblet, executive director of the New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association, said the strategy is intended to strengthen rural economies, preserve working landscapes and produce a multi-year return on investment through marketing, wayfinding and research.

Supporters including industry representatives and NMSU staff told the committee the funding would be expended through the Department of Agriculture and tied to statewide promotion. Jasper Bridal cited economic-impact estimates for the wine sector and argued the quadricentennial is a generational opportunity to raise New Mexico’s national profile.

Committee members asked whether the funds would be drawn from a Department of Tourism promotional fund or the general fund; sponsors said the vehicle was a legislative appropriation and that budget placement would be reconciled in the Senate. Representative Matthews and others raised questions about geographic inclusivity; presenters stressed the program would highlight all the state’s wineries and NMSU research support.

A do-pass motion was made, seconded and carried; the chair announced a do-pass recommendation on HB 276. The committee recorded members’ affirmative votes and will forward the bill to the next stage for budget reconciliation and appropriation placement.