Southwest Grape & Grain

They’ve got everything I need for beer brewing, good selection, alright prices. Always someone around to help if you need it.

Nerd alert, so I have been interested in making my own cream cheese for a couple months. So I had been on the lookout for a key component called rennet. I have friends that are scientists, and they were championing making their own cream cheese. Saying it tastes whey better, and is much cheaper. So after asking for this item at whole foods and the co– op, the cheese buyer at the co– op directed me here. What a fabulous store. I would say it fits all levels novice to advanced for wine, beer, and cheese making. Unlike other reviewers the staff was polite, friendly, and helpful. I was directed to a cooler in the back that has all kinds of brewing yeast strains, and cheese making cultures. I also bought a tunable thermometer, and a USA made cheese cloth– specially made for making soft style cheeses. Making cheese is easier than you think, same with bread. Cream cheese is a good gateway cheese. Maybe I preparing for the downfall of society, learning to make all that I covet. Or maybe it is my moms German and Swedish crafty heritage, and wanting to know that there is just wholesomeness and love, and not a bunch of preservatives and additives in what I am eating.
We will surely be back when we decide to delve into the art of brewing beer.

Very friendly staff. Went in for my first time to buy hops and malt for a beer recipe and was given first class service and informed help on what I need and what I didn’t need. I look forward to going back for supplies and classes.

Great place has everything you need except friendly service. I brought in 10lbs of grain to be cracked as I live out of town and left my mill at home. I purchased a 6 gallon glass carboy from here also. Kid refused to crack grains. Insisted on a 99¢/lbs to crush. I offered to buy a whole sack of 2-​row and he still wouldn’t crack the grains for free. Come on guys throw a guy a bone here. Never come back here again.

What are you waiting for. Make some beer!

hello my name is Ernesto, and I am addicted. Addicted to craft beer. I had no idea how big the craft beer scene was here in central New Mexico. Since moving to Albuquerque I have made it my mission to try out all of the breweries in New Mexico. Since I have this addiction, I always wondered if I could in fact brew my own beer. I was always hesitant since my friend told me a story on how his beer blew up in the bathroom. I always thought it was a complicated process and I didn’t have the patience to produce some great suds. Well this all changed when I started doing more research and was fortunate to watch an experienced home brewer work his magic and answer a whole bunch of questions at the same time. That’s when I knew I was capable of making a batch, now I needed to get my supplies.
This is where Southwest Grape and Grain comes into the picture. I was told about this awesome place by a few people. I went to browse the store and check out the products. The place is located in a strip mall next to a MMA gym. I’m not a big fan of browsing in specialty shops because it seems like the employees just stare at you. This was not the case at SW Grape and Grain. They let you just wander and look at everything, and if you have a question or look like you have a question they are on it. When I went, I didn’t really plan on buying anything but I ended getting the supplies I needed to start brewing my own beer. This place have everything you can think of. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Which was great because I must have asked a million questions while I was getting what I needed. This is definitely you one stop for your brewing needs. They also have supplies to make wine and cheese. I thought it was great that you can also sign up for classes that show you how to brew too. As I write this my English Brown Ale is fermenting, and I can’t wait to see how it comes out. If you are looking to home brew or make wine, this is place to go. Cheers!

I have several friends that brew and I have recently started brewing myself but I’m definitely a noob. Despite this, I’ve been to a lot of brew stores throughout NM and this is bar far the best. The size, selection, layout, knowledge, and staff are all outstanding. I have literally walked in and said I was searching for a gift but I had no idea what I was doing but I knew what I wanted– they were patient, extremely helpful, and, more importantly, didn’t steer me wrong. Everything worked out we went to build out everything. I can’t say the same for other stores I’ve been to. Other places always seemed to either sell something that was broken, didn’t fit, or didn’t tell us everything we needed. Sure, that’s partly my fault but when having to swap certain things because they’re out of stock, you’re sort of trusting them to get it right…
ALL the guys at SW are excellent. Although people drive like bats out of hell in the parking lot, once you get inside, it’s a relaxing beer (and wine) oasis. They have display builds for kegging systems, taps, etc. which is EXTREMELY helpful when you’re trying to figure out how the heck to build your own and what it should look like.
Although the prices seem expensive, they’re very reasonable for brewery supplies (which are never cheap). I’m constantly impressed by the knowledge and selection of this place whether you’re a complete novice like myself who hasn’t graduated from doing basic kits (with the exception of cider) to the full blown all grain brewing, the supplies are quality and the guys don’t try to jip you. Even the kits they have are good from Brewer’s Best. The only kit that was less than stellar, especially for the price, was the Rogue Dead Guy Ale. But you live and learn.
Overall, if you’re into brewing– novice or advanced– this place is a must visit. Locally owned and great staff– what are you waiting for?!

I just started brewing beers and bought my starter kit here based on Unilocal and personal recommendations. So far my experience shopping there has been amazing. The starter kit included everything I need to brew my first batch of beer which came out great. I’ve been back a bunch of times to pick up some odds and ends as well as more ingredients for subsequent batches.
They have a great selection of malt extracts, whole malts, and yeasts. There is a large selection of recipe kits that are great to get started. They have everything you needed to get started or for more advanced brewing. I think the prices are fairly competitive and I haven’t though of buying ingredients elsewhere because I always have questions that I want answered while I am picking stuff out.
The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They won’t hang over you while you are shopping which can be annoying but will offer their help and answer your questions in as much detail as you want. They definitely make visiting the store a pleasant, interesting, and useful experience.

I was here for a seminar on making wine at home. Very informative.
Thanks

I’ve been to quite a few home brew stores, including many on the crowded east coast. But SW Grape and Grain beats them all. The folks who work here are amazingly helpful and knowledgable, but not pushy. Wan to must wander around and look at stuff? Cool. Want to discuss the finer points of brewing for an hour or so? Also cool. They have everything I could think of with regards to brewing supplies, equipment and information. And, though I’m not an expert, they appear to have a ton of wine making supplies as well. But wait, are you not quite an expert in the craft? No worries, because they have seminars and classes as well! I don’t know why it took me so long to visit here, but you can bet that I’ll be back! Just don’t let your dog sample you brews — ruff!

One of only three brewery supply shows in Albuquerque, these folks are knowledgeable, well stocked and super helpful.

This is one of the better shops around they have knowledgeable staff, wide variety of beer kits, and almost anything you need to brew!

This place was a godsend for my husband. I bought him a starter brewing kit for christmas 2 years ago as a surprise before he knew this store existed. He’s been regularly going back ever since. They even recently expanded to a newer, bigger, space in the same complex. They have a lot of extract brewing kids for the starting home-​brewer and they also have a huge selection of grain and yeast for all-​grain brewers. Kevin, the owner, is very enthusiastic and very helpful when it comes to giving advice and tips. They also have monthly meetings and events for brewers to discuss. They have at-​home wine-​making supplies as well but we don’t plan to use them… Great local brew-​shop with caring, educated staff.