About the Author

Donna Blake Birchell is a native New Mexican and wine enthusiast, whose passion for history developed at a young age. Birchell is a former librarian, a current board member of the Southeastern New Mexico Historical Society and the author of two books on New Mexico history. Gordon Steel is the owner of Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery as well as the winemaker. He is currently serving as President of the New Mexico Wine Growers Association.