‘Labor Day tradition’: Harvest Wine Festival came back after 2 year absence in southern New Mexico

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- After two years and three canceled festivals, thousands were back on 'cloud wine' in southern New Mexico over the Labor Day weekend.

“Obviously, we haven’t had a festival in two years," said Chelsea Cano, assistant director of the The New Mexico Wine Growers Association. "It’s been a really challenging time through Covid. We're bringing back the Labor Day tradition.”

Cano told ABC-7 that during the pandemic, the association lost about a million dollars. She hopes the 12,000 festival visitors will bring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy.

“I think it’s wonderful," said Lidia Crandall, who attended the festival. "I think it’s great to help all the local businesses out.”

“Whether you’re little like me or big like St. Clair’s, we all are in the same boat together," said Sam Aragon, the owner of Las Nueve Niñas Winery. "We’re all building this together.”

Aragon told ABC-7 that his revenue dropped about 90% during the pandemic.

"People hadn't had the chance to go out," Aragon said. "It's been really busy. It's been really good."