Wine and Waves on the Rio Chama: 3-Day River Trip with Winemaker Katie Hagan

Wine and Waves on the Rio Chama is a three-day river expedition that launches from Abiquiu, New Mexico, blending mellow whitewater, backcountry camping, and small-batch wines from Embudo Valley Vineyards. Meet at Bode's General Store • 21196 US-84, Abiquiu, NM 87510, then shuttle an hour to the put-in near El Vado Ranch and float into the evergreen-lined Chama Canyon Wilderness. The river runs a mix of Class II riffles and occasional Class II–III stretches, offering options: paddle boat, oar boat, inflatable kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. The first day threads beneath the massive Brazos Cliffs, vertical walls that exceed three thousand feet, and passes the village of Tierra Amarilla, a place tied to the Reies Tijerina land grant history. Camps sit on old high-water benches under ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, delivering pine-scented evenings primed for gourmet camp cooking and curated wine pairings led by Embudo Valley Vineyards' winemaker, Katie Hagan. Katie Hagan, an award-winning vintner, joins guests to explain vinting, terroir, and sustainable practices, connecting each bottle to the landscape. That winemaker presence transforms the trip from a simple float into a sensory weekend of tasting, story, and river rhythm. Day two opens with a slow morning, optional hikes into side canyons or the climb to Navaho Peak for wide views of multi-hued sandstone. Afternoon returns guests to camp for another evening of food, song, and stargazing. On day three the canyon tightens, cliffs reach up to one thousand feet, and the river delivers livelier whitewater requiring attention and teamwork. Paddlers glide past the Christ in the Desert Monastery before launching into a spirited run toward the headwaters of Abiquiu upper Reservoir, with a mid-afternoon takeout that returns guests to Abiquiu by 4:00 p.m. What makes this adventure special is the marriage of place-based winemaking and accessible river terrain: scenic canyon walls, shaded camps, and local culinary care. No prior river experience is required, making it ideal for couples, families over six, and small groups seeking a relaxed wilderness escape with excellent food and thoughtful wine programming. Bring curiosity, a sense of adventure, and readiness for three days of fresh air, river miles, and campfire conversation. Practical notes: expect variable temperatures between canyon shade and sunlit benches; waterproof storage and layered clothing keep gear comfortable. Groups meet at the designated Bode's General Store checkpoint, and Embudo Valley Vineyards staff handle shuttles, meals, and on-river instruction. This trip honors the landscape through sustainable camp practices, thoughtful food sourcing, and a low-impact footprint, offering visitors a memorable way to taste northern New Mexico's geology, history, and winemaking culture. Reserve early; spaces on wine-focused river trips are limited. Pack layers, a camera, and good footwear to handle slick river rocks and changing light.