Kokoman Fine Wines -World Class Wine and Spirits

World Class Wine and Spirits

By Debbie Stone

Above: Photo supplied by Santa Fe Opera; Image taken by Kate Russell Photography

With Santa Fe Opera season right around the corner, tailgaters are beginning to stock up on provisions for their pre-performance fetes. When it comes to libations, Kokoman Fine Wine & Spirits has you covered.

T

he longtime liquor store, a Pojoaque landmark, is known for offering the largest selection of beer, wine and spirits in northern New Mexico, as well as competitive prices and a friendly staff. It has two temperature controlled wine cellars to ensure the quality of its products, which covers an extensive range of liquors from all around the globe. Currently, Kokoman stocks over 3,500 wines, more than 1,000 types of beer, 220 varieties of tequila, 390 kinds of vodka, 157 brands of rum and 105 types of scotch.

Owner Keith Obermaier, who has had the establishment since 1984, continually brings in new products to expand the store’s diversity, making it an ever-evolving entity.

Every Saturday, from 4 to 7 P.M., he holds free wine tasting sessions to help increase his customers’ awareness of the diversity of wines available. For those who prefer beer and spirits, there are often free tastings on Friday afternoons when folks are preparing for the weekend.

Kokoman’s employees are well-versed on the products they sell. “We each have our special niche,” comments general manager Jerome Valdez, “and we are happy to give recommendations and suggestions, especially when it comes to coordinating food-wine pairings. We consider personalized customer service a definite priority here.” The store sees many repeat customers from the area, including commuters driving through from Taos and Los Alamos, who have made Kokoman a favorite stop along the way. Santa Fe residents and second home owners regard the establishment as their go-to place when it comes to purchasing alcoholic beverages for their private consumption, as well as for parties and celebrations. And folks from out-of-state soon learn that the shop has the best selection for miles around.

And believe it or not, we do sell those top end bottles every once in a while.”

According to Valdez, the store has seen steady growth over the years. “2016 has started out well,” he adds, “and we hope to continue this positive trend moving forward.” From your summer fiestas to your opera tailgating treats, Kokoman has everything you could want and more.

Kokoman Fine Wines 34 Cities of Gold Road, Pojoaque 505.455.2219

“We also offer a number of special services,” adds Valdez, “like special orders for those hard-to-obtain products and providing outside bartending services for various occasions. In addition, we buy select barrels of whiskey, rye and tequila.

These are hand-selected from assorted distilleries within the country. The response to our barrel program has been extremely good.”

As to the popularity of its extensive array of products, Valdez comments that spirits sell the best and have been very strong for the past several years. Beer takes second place, followed by wine. “When it comes to wine,” he says, “the value types that are under $20 do well. We carry bottles starting at $2.99 all the way on up to $1,280 – that’s for a DRC La Tache.

Photos Carolyn Wright