Santa Fe is a city that offers more than just stunning adobe architecture and vibrant art scenes. Its craft beverage scene has grown impressively, giving visitors options that go beyond typical bar stops. Whether you’re interested in learning how local spirits are made or exploring the city’s best watering holes through a fun scavenger hunt, Santa Fe provides engaging ways to enjoy its lively drinking culture. The key is finding the right tour that matches your pace, interests, and budget — and luckily, Santa Fe has a few standout options.
Here, we’ve rounded up the top drinking tours in Santa Fe that give you a taste of local spirits, beers, and the city’s lively bar scene. These experiences are ideal whether you’re a craft enthusiast, a social explorer, or simply looking for a new way to discover Santa Fe’s vibrant nightlife.
1. Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting
At number one on our list, the Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting offers a personalized peek into Santa Fe’s craft beverage scene. For just $18, you get roughly 45 minutes to an hour and a half of hands-on insight into how local beer, spirits, and liqueurs are created from scratch. The tour is led by experienced brewers and distillers who share their process using organic, garden-grown, and wild-harvested ingredients — a rarity that makes this experience stand out.
What makes this tour especially appealing is its interactive nature. Instead of a passive lecture, you’ll participate in a multi-sensory experience, learning about fermentation, distillation, and flavoring. Afterward, the tasting room allows you to sample a flight of their products — from barrel-aged rum to coffee liqueur — all made right here in Santa Fe. With a rating of 5.0 based on 17 reviews, it’s clear this experience delivers both education and excellent tasting opportunities.
Key highlights include the behind-the-scenes look at a local brewery and distillery, and tasting exclusive spirits and beers. The small, intimate setting makes it perfect for anyone wanting an authentic, up-close look at Santa Fe’s craft scene. The tour is ideal for curious drinkers who appreciate quality ingredients and skilled craftsmanship.
Bottom Line: For a modest price, you get a comprehensive, engaging tour with high-quality tastings and a chance to ask detailed questions about local spirits. It’s perfect for craft beer lovers and spirit enthusiasts alike.
2. Santa Fe Bar Hunt: Santa Fe-eeling Good
Next on our list is the Santa Fe Bar Hunt: Santa Fe-eeling Good, a lively scavenger hunt experience that takes about two hours and costs $12.31 per person. Powered by the popular app-led platform Let’s Roam, this activity is less about tasting and more about exploring.
Once you start, your team will walk through Santa Fe’s most iconic landmarks and lesser-known spots, answering trivia, solving challenges, and uncovering hidden details of the city. Each participant takes on an interactive role, adding a fun, competitive element. It’s a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with light-hearted socializing, all while learning some surprising facts about Santa Fe’s history and culture.
While it doesn’t include formal tastings, this tour complements a day of drinking by giving you a spirited way to discover the city’s atmosphere. It’s especially suited for groups seeking a relaxed, interactive activity that’s perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays, or even corporate team-building. Since it’s app-led, it offers flexibility in timing and pace, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Key highlights include the chance to see Santa Fe’s landmarks from a local’s perspective, engaging trivia challenges, and the fun of working with friends or family. If you’re more interested in a casual, social activity than a structured tasting tour, this is a winning choice.
Bottom Line: For a budget-friendly, interactive way to explore Santa Fe, the bar hunt is a perfect activity that mixes sightseeing with fun. It’s a flexible option for groups that enjoy a little friendly competition.
How to Choose Between These Drinking Tours
Deciding whether to go for an interactive brewery and distillery tour or a city-wide bar scavenger hunt depends largely on your interests and the kind of experience you’re after. If you’re passionate about craft spirits and want to learn the details behind their production, the Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour offers a hands-on, educational experience. It’s also ideal if you enjoy tasting fresh, locally produced beverages and asking questions about ingredients and processes. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot.
On the other hand, if your group prefers a lively, social activity that combines sightseeing with a bit of friendly competition, the Santa Fe bar hunt is a great choice. It works well for casual groups, parties, or anyone looking to get a feel for Santa Fe’s neighborhoods while having fun. This option is flexible and can be scheduled on the fly, making it suitable for spontaneous plans or as a warm-up before hitting the local nightlife.
Both tours offer excellent value: the Tumbleroot provides an in-depth look at craft production for a modest price, while the bar hunt offers a dynamic way to see the city for a budget-friendly cost.
Final Thoughts
Santa Fe’s drinking scene is more than just a place to sip; it’s an opportunity to learn about local craftsmanship and mingle in a relaxed, fun environment. The Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour stands out for its quality, hands-on approach and authentic spirits, making it perfect for craft enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe bar hunt offers a lively, social way to explore the city’s vibrant streets and hidden corners.
Whether you’re into tasting and learning or just want a memorable group activity, both options deliver a taste of Santa Fe’s rich beverage culture. Booking early and choosing based on your interests will ensure you get the most out of your trip—so raise your glass and start planning your next Santa Fe adventure today.