VARA Winery & Distillery - Winery in Albuquerque - 315 Alameda Blvd NE, USA

We were here 4 years ago and now they have expanded to the next level. Our host was so friendly and informative, she recommended Vermut sampling and we loved it . You can sample Wine, spirits ( Whisky/ Gin ) and have really delicious cocktails. We had different cocktails and wines and quite few plates and dishes and like them all . Vara is one of the finest places to hang out with friends while having drinks and small plates. For now I give them 4.5 ⭐️ till I go there and have more experience.

I came here for a bachelorette dinner with a group of friends. The atmosphere is nice for a quiet meal with drinks. We sat in the inside area and got the popcorn, spinach salad, tapas board, papas bravas, grilled asparagus, and the chicken pintxos. When I made the reservation I was informed that there was a limited menu due to there being only one chef in the kitchen, but you really couldn't tell. The food came out quickly and was so delicious. The group ordered several different cocktails and the bar even offers Bubly and some of their cocktail as mocktails- which was great for our group because half the ladies don't drink and I'm pregnant, so it was nice to get to order something besides water. The staff was polite and welcoming. I like the gift shop at the front as well and the outside seating looked very peaceful. I don't live in ABQ, but I would come here again when I visit. Just FYI they do not have high chairs, so be prepared to hold your smaller kiddo/s if you happen to bring them with you. I brought my 1.5 year old daughter and she sat on our laps which wasn't a problem for us.

I would highly recommend this place to any foodie. My husband took me on a date and we sat inside. It has a very industrial feel, so to be more romantic I would recommend to sit outside. The food at this restaurant is exquisite. we ordered the seafood paella and duck. I wish I could have ordered 3 more plates of duck. It was small but savory, rich and decadent. The small paella was enough to feed a small family. I would definitely go back and order the same thing!

I had a wonderful experience here. The serving staff made me feel welcomed and were extremely helpful when I had to decide on what wine flight to get. The sweet vermut I had was delicious and the pours were generous. I definitely reccomend going here.

This place was just ok. I wasn’t a fan of any of their wines personally. The indoor space looked like it is still being finished. They do offer liquor which could be great for couples who don’t both love wine. There was good seating and our hostess was lovely.

This was our first visit here. We enjoyed our selves. We had drinks and food. The wait staff was very frendly. It is a small venue and was very pleasant. The food was tasty although portions were small (tapas size). We decided to order the paella, it is a 55min wait, but drinking with friends made the time go fast. The flavor was good, although slightly salty. We enjoyed the meat balls, the papas, the chicken skewers and the tapas platter. They do have drinks other than wine (which we were told are all dry). They have brandy (aged and young) and whisky (no other alcohols). For 2 people with drinks and food we spent about $130. We gave it 4 stars because we did enjoy it, but the limited spirit selection and slightly salty paella kept us out of the "love it" rating. We will be returning.

Great service, with nice portions of food for tapas! My husband and I split three tapas and felt like it was an excellent dinner. He very much enjoyed the whiskey flight, as well.

First night, y'all took over Public House, and we felt like we had to leave. I understand the celebration, but 5 - 6 kids making the place loud and crying is not welcoming to a couple on a date night trying to reconnect and get away from their own kids for a grown up chat and some drinks. Then the guy from the distillery walked up to the bar with a baby in his arms to order a drink, and my husband made a light-hearted joke about carding the baby, to which he responded that he owned the place. The vibe isn't the same. It's only day 1! While we enjoyed being regulars, I'm not wanting to go back. Love Chip, but no, thank you.