Gruet Winery Raises a Glass to the Open Road with Brut 66, Exclusive Wines Celebrating the Route 66 Centennial
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 27, 2026 — Gruet Winery, a leading domestic sparkling wine brand based in New Mexico, is proud to announce the launch of Brut 66, a collection of limited-edition sparkling wines to celebrate the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66.
Established in 1926, U.S. Route 66 is one of the original highways within the U.S. Highway System, running 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Passing through eight states including New Mexico, the road became a symbol of American freedom and westward possibility. Its centennial in 2026 is being celebrated nationwide as a landmark moment in American cultural history.
The flagship Brut 66, available at select retailers along Route 66, is a vibrant, fruit-forward sparkling wine crafted in the traditional Méthode Champenoise style. Aged 15 months en tirage, the blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir offer aromas of peach, apricot, and berry, with clean acidity, hints of cherry and apple, and a light toasty almond finish. Its label features a nod to the iconic Route 66 highway sign.
"Route 66 and Gruet are a natural pairing, both built on a legacy of boldness and discovery," said Alex Evans, Chief Marketing Officer, Gruet. "Just as the Mother Road has carried generations of dreamers from one horizon to the next, Gruet has spent over four decades crafting wines that reflect the adventurous spirit of New Mexico and the American West. Brut 66 is our toast to that shared history."
A second expression of Brut 66 is reserved exclusively for visitors to Gruet's tasting rooms, its label bearing Ernst Haas's 1969 image of Route 66 as it passes through Albuquerque. This 66% Chardonnay and 34% Pinot Noir was aged an exceptional 39 months en tirage, delivering aromas of elderflower, lychee, peach, and gooseberry, with a palate of crisp apple, bright lemon zest, and hints of butterscotch, walnut, marzipan, and brioche. Its label features a vintage photograph of Albuquerque's Route 66 corridor, making it a distinctive keepsake for road trip enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.
“Having been born and raised here in the beautiful state of New Mexico, it is exhilarating to showcase our Brut crafted in honor of the Centennial of Route 66,” said Carrie Gurule, Winemaker. “This wine represents our Gruet team, our New Mexico Culture, and our cariño for what we do. Happy 100th, Route 66!”