Margarita Town with a Wine List Afterthought
Mesilla · Las Cruces · Bar / Wine-Friendly · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed July 7, 2026
Wingman Metrics
La Posta de Mesilla is a genuinely cool piece of New Mexico history — the courtyard is charming, the margaritas have a following, and the whole vibe screams 'this is the place the locals bring their out-of-town cousins.' The wine list, though, reads like someone walked into a Walmart and grabbed whatever was on the end cap.
Seven labels. That's the whole program. And not seven interesting, thoughtfully chosen labels — seven bottles split between Kendall Jackson and Mondavi Woodbridge, which are the interchangeable khaki pants of the wine world. There's no regional story here, no nod to New Mexico's surprisingly decent wine country just up the road, and zero attempt at anything beyond functional crowd-pleasing. The list hasn't been touched in what feels like years, and it shows.
Pricing and glass pour details aren't published, which is itself a minor red flag — if you're proud of your wine program, you post the list. Given the labels on offer, the by-the-glass situation is almost certainly every bottle on the list, poured into whatever comes out of the bar rack. Don't expect anyone behind the stick to walk you through your options.
Kendall Jackson Chardonnay — Unknown
If you're going to drink wine here, this is the least offensive bet. It's a known commodity — slightly oaky, slightly sweet, widely recognized — and at least you know exactly what you're getting into.
Mondavi Woodbridge Pinot Grigio
On a hot Mesilla patio in summer, a cold, simple Pinot Grigio actually makes some sense. It's not special, but it's light, inoffensive, and won't fight the green chile heat the way a heavier red would.
Mondavi Woodbridge Merlot
A warm-patio Merlot from the budget Mondavi line is a recipe for a headache before your entree arrives. This is the kind of wine that gives red wine a bad name in warm climates. Order the margarita.
Mondavi Woodbridge Moscato + Green chile enchiladas
Hear us out — the residual sweetness in the Moscato is actually one of the smarter moves against the heat of New Mexico green chile. It's not a sophisticated pairing, but it works on a functional level when nothing else on this list really does.
❌ The Bottom Line
La Posta is worth visiting for the history, the atmosphere, and absolutely the margaritas — but the wine list is a placeholder, not a program. Come here for the experience, drink the cocktails, and save your wine curiosity for somewhere that's earned it.
Telshor / East Las Cruces · Las Cruces · Italian
Mi Piaci isn't a wine destination, but it's a reliable neighborhood Italian with a list that won't let you down if you know what to order. Grab the Chianti, seriously consider the Amarone, and save room for the tiramisu.
Plays It Safe
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Telshor / East Las Cruces · Las Cruces · Mexican and New Mexican
For a hotel cantina in Las Cruces, this list earns genuine respect by putting New Mexico producers front and center instead of hiding behind safe California imports. If you're anywhere near Hatch chile country and haven't tried Gruet with your enchiladas, Garduños is a reasonable place to fix that.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Telshor / East Las Cruces · Las Cruces · New Mexican / Southwestern
Ristra isn't going to blow any wine obsessives away, but for a hotel restaurant in Las Cruces it's doing something genuinely worthwhile — championing local producers on a list that could have easily gone full lazy-California. Come for the green chile, order the Gruet, and leave more impressed with New Mexico wine than you expected to be.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Telshor / East Las Cruces · Las Cruces · Steakhouse and Seafood
Cattle Baron isn't where you go to geek out on wine, but if you're in Las Cruces and you want a decent glass with a well-cooked steak, it delivers exactly that. Send a friend here for the beef; just don't tell them to splurge on the Caymus.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Telshor · Las Cruces · Italian
The wine list at Olive Garden Las Cruces is a corporate formality, not a feature — overpriced for what it is, with zero ambition and zero discovery. Order the breadsticks, order the Chianti if you must, but don't come here expecting anything from the wine program.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Las Cruces · Las Cruces · New American / Grill
De La Vega's Pecan Grill isn't a destination for wine lovers, but it's a perfectly decent place to drink well alongside a good steak in a warm setting. Go for the New Mexico pours, skip the Rombauer, and enjoy the orchard air.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.