This is a story of French roots and American dreams.

Gilbert Gruet, founder of Gruet Winery, was born in Bethon, France in 1931.

He grew up in a poor family, and began working at a young age. In 1952, Gilbert Gruet, along with his wife Danielle, dreamt of producing fine quality Champagne. Gilbert followed his heart and in 1967 created the U.V.C.B. (Union Vinicole des Coteaux de Bethon), a co-op in the village of Bethon.

In 1983, the Gruet Family was traveling through the southwestern part of the US, and while in New Mexico met a group of European winemakers who had successfully planted vineyards in Engle, near the town of Truth or Consequences, 170 miles south of the city of Albuquerque. After hearing of vineyards planted there as early as the 1600s, and learning about the specific climate and soil conditions of the region, the Gruet Family knew they had found what they were looking for. In 1984, Gilbert Gruet – whose Champagne house (Gruet et Fils) has produced fine Champagnes in Bethon, France since 1952 – made the decision to plant an experimental vineyard in Engle, NM. The plantings were exclusively Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Two of his four children, Laurent and Nathalie Gruet then relocated to New Mexico to begin their American winemaking adventure.

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History &

Highlights

1952

Gilbert Gruet cultivates his first vineyards in Bethon, France, on land given to him by his father.

1967

Gilbert Gruet establishes Gruet et Fils, elevating Bethon as a choice site for Chardonnay in Champagne.

1981

Gilbert Gruet starts exploring the United States’ winemaking regions with an eye on expansion.

1984

The Gruets move to New Mexico. Visiting family members assist during planting and later, harvest.

1989

The first releases of Gruet wine in the U.S. debut (1987 Brut and Blanc de Noirs, New Mexico).

1993

Gruet Winery’s new Albuquerque facility opens on its own property, following years of renting another site.

Visit our Albuquerque winery and tour of our winemaking facility.

1999

Beloved patriarch Gilbert Gruet passes away, the same calendar year Gruet sells one million bottles of wine.

2004

Gruet wins the Yarden Trophy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London for its 1997 Blanc de Blancs.

Try our latest vintage Blanc de Blancs.

2011

Gruet earns a #43 spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the World list for its NV Blanc de Noirs.

Try our Blanc de Noirs.

2014

The Tamaya Vineyard is planted and a partnership with the Pueblo of Santa Ana begins.

Learn more about the Tamaya Vineyard.

2016

Gruet opens a tasting room in Santa Fe at the iconic Hotel St. Francis.

Visit our Santa Fe tasting room.

2024

Gruet appoints Carrie Gurule, the first female head winemaker in Gruet’s history.

Learn more about our women winemakers.

Making Headlines Since 1984

Share in Gruet's rich heritage and bright future.

Join the Gruet Wine Club for insider perks and outstanding prices on the closest thing to Champagne you'll find in an American sparkler.

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