Winters in New Mexico are all about enjoying good times with family and friends. While there’s plenty of fun to be had on the slopes and resorts, there are a pair of upcoming events later this month that are worth planning a trip for themselves.

One of the best weekends for locals and visitors alike is the Taos Winter Wine Festival (Jan. 28 – Feb. 1), which is now in its 28th year. With more than 150 different wines from 40 participating wineries, and tastes from a dozen of Taos and Taos Ski Valley’s finest restaurants, there’s ample opportunity to indulge your taste buds. Plus, with a convenient schedule and shuttle bus transportation to and from the ski area, you’ll have more than enough time to enjoy the snow in the morning and experience the region’s best food and drink in the evening.

Chris Stagg, Vice President of Taos Ski Valley, Inc.,said he has fond memories of how the event began. “I was invited to Napa Valley and was able to meet some of the valley’s talented winemakers,” Stagg said. “I thought I’d return the favor by inviting them back to New Mexico to ski and this was how the Winter Wine Festival was born.”

Stagg said what began as a simple gathering of wine and ski enthusiasts has blossomed into something truly special. “In the years since we’ve had some of the best and most famous wine personalities participate,” he said. “It’s a wonderful event for this area because it involves both Taos and Taos Ski Valley, while highlighting the area’s excellent food traditions during an event that both skiers and non-skiers look forward to each year.”

Meanwhile, just a short drive from Taos, the Angel Fire Resort will be toasting the Lone Star State during the 11th Big Ol’ Texas Weekend (Jan. 23-24). Whether you’re from Amarillo or Amsterdam, everyone is a Texan for this fun-filled weekend, featuring live music by Curtis Grimes, discounted lift tickets, a Texas Hold’em poker tournament, and, of course, the 72 oz. steak eating challenge!

28th Taos Winter Wine Festival

All guests must be age 21+ (ID required).

Reserve Tasting | Thursday, Jan. 29 (4 – 6:30 p.m.) | El Monte Sagrado Resort (Taos) | $20

Wine Country comes to the historic town of Taos with a dozen of Taos’ best restaurants serving signature appetizers alongside tastes of reserve wines from owners and winemakers from 40 participating wineries.

Apres Ski Tasting | Friday, Jan. 30 (4 – 6 p.m.) | Taos Ski Valley Resort Center | $75

Join a dozen of Taos Winter Wine Festival participating wineries for a fun and intimate tasting of their best and most recent releases in a casual walk around tasting.

Grand Tasting | Saturday, Jan. 31 (4 – 6 p.m.) | Taos Ski Valley Resort Center | $75

Features more than 150 different wines from 40 participating wineries and tastes from a dozen of Taos and Taos Ski Valley’s finest restaurants. A silent auction of rare North American pinot noirs and chardonnays adds to the fun.

Super Sunday Champagne Brunch | Sunday, Feb. 1 (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) | El Monte Sagrado Resort (Taos) | $75

El Monte Sagrado’s Executive Chef will pair four successive plates with four unique French sparkling wines, introduced by Linda Torbica from Hand Picked Selections.

11th Big Ol’ Texas Weekend

Denim and Diamonds Dinner | Friday, Jan. 23 (6 p.m.) | Elements at the Country Club | $49 + tax, gratuity

A three-course prime rib dinner, featuring a Jim Beam whiskey tasting and live music by Curtis Grimes and his 5-piece band. Second act starts at 8:30 p.m. (tickets: $10 per person, $15 per couple). Reservations recommended. Call (575) 377-3055.

Texas Tailgate | Saturday, Jan. 24 (11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) | on the deck at the base of the mountain

Texas barbecue, beer tasting, and 72 oz. Steak Eating Challenge. Click here to sign up!

Texas Hold-Em Tournament | Saturday, Jan. 24 (5 p.m.) | Garden Court, next to Legends Grill | FREE entry!

Sponsored by the Big Texan and Jim Beam (must be age 21+). Big Ol’ Bacon Buffet opens at 5 p.m. Tournament doors open at 5:40 p.m. with the first hand at 6 p.m.

Saturday Night Neon Rail Jam | Saturday, Jan. 24 (5:30 p.m.) | $5

Sponsored by K2. Register from 4-5 p.m. for a chance to win a pair of top skis and one park board.

Saturday Night Concert | Saturday, Jan. 24 (7-10 p.m.) | Village Haus | $5

Featuring Curtis Grimes.