Santa Fe is a gem for wine enthusiasts craving a taste of New Mexico’s vibrant culinary scene combined with its rich history and stunning landscapes. Whether it’s indulging in a multi-course dinner expertly paired with local wines, combining an adrenaline rush on the Rio Grande with wine tasting at renowned wineries, or strolling through historic neighborhoods sampling tapas and sparkling wines, Santa Fe offers diverse ways to savor its local flavors. This guide highlights the three best wine tours—from a gourmet dinner tour perfect for foodies, to an adventurous combo of white-water rafting and wine, and a charming walking tour blending history, wine, and tapas.
If you’re after a refined evening exploring Santa Fe’s culinary scene, or an active day enjoying the outdoors with a wine twist, this list will help you choose among the top options. You’ll learn about what makes each experience special, the kind of guests they suit best, and practical details to help you plan your trip. Whether you’re on a tight schedule or looking for a more relaxed pace, there’s a Santa Fe wine tour here for you.
1. Savor Santa Fe: Wine Pairing Dinner
For a refined evening of great food and expertly paired wines, the Savor Santa Fe: Wine Pairing Dinner is a standout. This $233.50 per person experience offers a culinary journey through three of Santa Fe’s top destination restaurants, each serving high-end New Mexican dishes complemented by curated wine pairings. The tour lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and is led by local guides who are passionate about Santa Fe’s food scene.
The tour kicks off in the late afternoon right in the heart of Santa Fe at the Plaza, where you’ll meet your guide and set off to explore the city’s culinary gems. As you visit each restaurant, you’ll indulge in carefully crafted, beautifully presented dishes that highlight local ingredients and flavors. Between courses, your guide shares insights into Santa Fe’s history and food culture, making it both a gastronomic and cultural experience. Wine lovers will appreciate the pairing selections, which are thoughtfully matched to enhance each dish.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the wines and the knowledge of the guides. One reviewer notes, “The wine pairings were excellent, perfectly complementing the dishes.” The tour is perfect for foodies, couples, or anyone wanting a sophisticated evening with local flavor. The main drawback is the price, but considering the quality, it’s a good value for a memorable culinary adventure in Santa Fe.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you’re seeking a relaxed, elegant experience that combines Santa Fe’s best restaurants with wine tasting, all led by friendly guides who share their local insights.
2. White Water Rafting and Wine Tour
For those craving adventure mixed with wine, the White Water Rafting and Wine Tour delivers a full day of excitement and relaxation. This $289.10 experience begins with a morning of thrilling white-water rafting on the Rio Grande, suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike. After the adrenaline rush, you’ll switch gears and head to visit three wineries—Vivac, La Chiripada, and Black Mesa—for tastings and tours.
The day kicks off early, with door-to-door pickup from Santa Fe by a professional rafting guide. Once on the river, you’ll navigate some of the most popular sections, enjoying scenic views and an active start to your day. After rafting, the tour moves to wine country, where you’ll sample local wines and learn about New Mexico’s burgeoning wine industry. The small-group size guarantees personalized attention, and the tote bags provided make it easy to carry your bottles home.
Reviewers highlight the well-organized nature of the trip and the friendly guides. One guest mentions, “The combination of rafting and wine tasting made for a perfect day—adventure followed by relaxing wine tours.” The tour suits adventurers who also want to indulge in wine without sacrificing comfort. The main challenge is the long day and physical activity, so it’s best for active travelers.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventure and wine, this tour offers a unique combination of excitement and tasting that’s hard to beat.
3. Downtown Santa Fe Walking Wine, History, & Tapas Tour
If you prefer exploring Santa Fe on foot while sampling wines and local bites, the Downtown Santa Fe Walking Wine, History, & Tapas Tour is a fun and educational choice. Hosted by Vigilante Guides, this $234, three-hour tour takes you through the historic core, stopping at Gruet Winery for a tasting of award-winning sparkling wines. The tour is designed for those who love combining culture, history, and food.
This walking tour balances tastings, local stories, and historic sights. Besides the sparkling wines at Gruet, you’ll visit other local venues where tapas and snacks are served alongside wines. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, creating a lively, inclusive atmosphere. Guests often comment on how much they learn about Santa Fe’s history and food scene while enjoying the wines.
Rated 4.0/5, the tour appeals to those interested in a relaxed pace and a comprehensive taste of Santa Fe’s flavors. It’s also suitable for history buffs and casual wine drinkers alike. The main limitation is the shorter duration, which might leave some wanting more in-depth tasting or history.
Bottom line: Best suited for curious travelers who want a lively, social way to explore Santa Fe’s history, wine, and tapas in a single, engaging walk.
How to Choose
Choosing the right Santa Fe wine experience depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. For a sophisticated, gourmet evening, the Savor Santa Fe dinner offers a refined, multi-course meal with expert pairings—ideal for foodies or romantic couples. On the other hand, if you’re after an active day with a little adrenaline, the rafting and wine tour provides adventure with tastings at three wineries, best for outdoor lovers and thrill-seekers. If you prefer a leisurely, cultural experience that pairs history with wine and tapas, the walking tour offers a relaxed, social way to absorb Santa Fe’s stories.
Practical considerations include budget — the dinner and walking tour are in the $230 range, while the rafting and wine combo is around $290. Think about your fitness level; the rafting tour involves physical activity, while the other two are more relaxed. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and avoid missing out on these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Santa Fe’s wine tours run the gamut from gourmet dinners to active adventures and historic walks. For a romantic, high-end evening with top restaurants, the Savor Santa Fe dinner shines. Adventure travelers will appreciate the rafting and wine combo, blending adrenaline with tastings in one day. And for a fun, educational stroll through Santa Fe’s historic neighborhoods, the walking wine tour is a perfect choice.
Each offers a different way to explore Santa Fe’s rich food and wine culture—so think about what matches your style and interests. Be it a luxury dinner or an active day outdoors, these tours showcase the best of Santa Fe’s local flavors. Book early, wear comfortable shoes or clothes suited to your activity, and get ready to enjoy some of New Mexico’s finest wines and regional specialties.
Happy tasting—and cheers to discovering Santa Fe one sip at a time!