Jim Hammond

More about the Southwestern Wine Guy. 

Jim Hammond, columnist, blogger and raconteur, has been searching the world for the best wines for more than forty years.  Known as the Southwestern Wine Guy, Jim was the wine columnist for the Albuquerque Journal before launching his own wine blog (http://southwesternwineguy.blogspot.com) where he describes his experiences and insights on a wide range of topics and wine regions.  Recently he became the Albuquerque Wine Examiner for Examiner.com, the nationwide online newspaper.

He has a light, humorous, and information-packed style that provides something of value for readers from the novice to the seasoned wine connoisseur.  He also writes food and wine reviews for Albuquerque Arts magazine, and gives numerous presentations on wine for several organizations. As host on the blog talk radio program On the Road with the Southwestern Wine Guy, he dispensed advice on wine, wineries, bargagns food and wine pairing.

Hammond seeks out excellent wines, regardless of price, recommending best value wines in the $10 to $20 price range as well as high-ticket wines that are not to be missed.  His Wine Maestro series of presentations and events offer an imaginative tour of the wine and food palate, and generate rave reviews.  Hammond is a delightful raconteur, a skill honed by more than 30 years as a technical instructor to IT professionals – a tough crowd to please. 

His book, “Wines of Enchantment, A Guide to Finding and Enjoying the Wines of New Mexico”, published in 2008, is the first of a planned series of books on the wines and wine industries in the Southwest.  And with New Mexico's wine industry growing so quickly Jim decdided he needed to publish a 2nd edition - the "Centennial Edition".

What others have to say:

"Maestro indeed!  Like listening to the finest harmonic melodies of the Boston Pops, Jim provides the perfect harmony for understanding wines worldwide.  His charm and effervescent personality make him a long time acquaintance after but a short visit." 
Ken Shirley, Albuquerque, N.M.

“Jim's presence is like a good friend sharing his years of knowledge with you - whether you are an experienced wine enthusiast or a beginner just learning the ropes”? 
Cris Abbott, Albuquerque, N.M.

“Setting aside his extraordinary knowledge of houses, vines and all related topics, what sets him apart from many wine experts is that he is as enthusiastic about a decent $10 bottle as one which many would literally sell the farm to buy."
Theresa M. Cross, Ph.D., professor emeritus, cookbook author and self-confessed wino.