The White Water Rafting and Wine Tour combines two of New Mexico’s most alluring experiences. Adventurous travelers can tackle the Rio Grande’s thrilling rapids under the guidance of experienced professionals. After the rush of the river, they’ll visit three renowned local wineries to savor the region’s finest vintages. With thoughtful inclusions like lunch and tote bags, this tour provides a well-rounded day exploring the natural beauty and vibrant culture of northern New Mexico. What awaits those who embark on this excursion?
This experience made our article of The Top 3 Wine Tours In Santa Fe.
Tour Overview
The tour combines white-water rafting on the popular Rio Grande section with an afternoon of wine tastings at three local wineries.
Guests begin the day with exhilarating rafting led by a professional guide. After, they enjoy a provided lunch before visiting Vivac, La Chiripada, and Black Mesa wineries for tastings.
The tour offers the chance to experience both outdoor adventure and local wine culture in one day. Tote bags are provided for personal items, and the tour accommodates up to 8 travelers per group.
Door-to-door service is available from most Santa Fe area lodging.
Inclusions and Costs
According to the information provided, the tour includes tote bags for personal items and a professional rafting guide.
The tasting fees for the three wineries – Vivac, La Chiripada, and Black Mesa – are $24 total, not per winery.
The price for the tour starts at $216.85 per person. However, it’s important to note that the tour is non-refundable, and cancellations don’t receive any refunds.
Ready for another glass? Here are more wine experiences we've reviewed in Santa Fe
Pickup and Booking Information
How does the tour handle pickup and booking?
The tour offers door-to-door service for most lodging in the Santa Fe area.
Travelers can book the tour directly through the New Mexico Wine Tours website or by calling for inquiries.
Booking isn’t available through TripAdvisor.
Participants should confirm the exact start time with the local provider in advance.
The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers per group and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible.
Service animals are allowed, and infant seats are available.
Accessibility and Participation
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed, and infant seats are available. However, the tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, heart problems, or other serious medical conditions. The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers per group.
| Accessibility and Participation | |
|——————————–|——|
| Wheelchair Accessible | No |
| Stroller Accessible | Yes |
| Service Animals Allowed | Yes |
| Infant Seats Available | Yes |
| Maximum Travelers per Tour | 8 |
Reviews and Ratings
The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a rating of 4.7 out of 3 reviews. The high ratings reflect the overall satisfaction of participants:
-
Seamless coordination from pickup to drop-off
-
Knowledgeable guides who ensured a safe and enjoyable experience
-
Perfect balance of white-water thrills and wine tasting
-
Scenic views and picturesque wineries adding to the memorable day
-
Value for money considering the range of activities included
With no ratings below 3 stars and all reviews confirmed as authentic, this tour offers an unparalleled adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike.
Rafting on the Rio Grande
Participants begin the tour with a thrilling white-water rafting experience on the Rio Grande. The river offers Class III and IV rapids, providing an exhilarating ride for adventurous travelers.
Experienced guides navigate the group through the churning waters, ensuring their safety while allowing them to fully immerse in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The tour includes all necessary equipment, such as life jackets and paddles, so participants can focus on enjoying the thrill of the ride.
The rafting portion sets the stage for the wine tasting that follows, creating a well-rounded day of exploration and indulgence.
- Santa Fe Ultimate History Walking Tour
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Walking Tour in Santa Fe
- 2 Hour Pottery Experience (Wheel or Hand-Building)
- Santa Fe: Canyon Road Art & History Walking Tour
- Santa Fe Historic Downtown Smart Phone Audio App Self Guided GPS Walking Tour
- Plaza Sip, Savor, & History Walking Tour in Santa Fe
Visiting Vivac Winery
After an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure on the Rio Grande, the tour group heads to Vivac Winery.
As they arrive, they’re greeted by the picturesque vineyard and inviting tasting room. The tasting allows them to sample a variety of the winery’s offerings, including:
-
Crisp, aromatic whites
-
Bold, full-bodied reds
-
Unique, fruit-forward blends
-
Award-winning reserve selections
-
Seasonal, limited-release specialties
The knowledgeable staff guides the group through the tasting, sharing the stories and passion behind each wine.
With a newfound appreciation for the region’s viticulture, the travelers leave Vivac satisfied and eager to explore the next winery on their itinerary.
Exploring La Chiripada and Black Mesa Wineries
After departing Vivac Winery, the group heads to their next winery stop – La Chiripada.
Here, they’ll sample a variety of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds. The tasting fees are included in the tour price, allowing them to fully explore La Chiripada’s offerings.
The final stop is Black Mesa Winery, known for its unique blends and stunning high-desert setting.
Visitors can stroll through the vineyards, taking in the panoramic views, before settling in for a tasting.
The tour then wraps up, providing participants with a well-rounded exploration of New Mexico’s vibrant wine country.
The Sum Up
The White Water Rafting and Wine Tour offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and indulgence. Thrill-seekers can navigate the Rio Grande’s rapids, while oenophiles savor local wines at three renowned vineyards. With a small group size, personalized attention, and convenient inclusions, this tour provides a memorable day exploring New Mexico’s stunning natural and cultural landscapes.
📍 This experience made our list of the 3 best Wine Tours in Santa Fe
More Walking Tours in Santa Fe
More Tours in Santa Fe
- Small-Group E-Bike Adventure Tour through Hidden Santa Fe
- Santa Fe Architectural Walking Tour
- New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza
- Wander New Mexico Food Tour – Downtown Plaza ‘Sip & Savor’
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Madrid New Mexico Ghost Town
- The Town Too High To Die: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in New Mexico
More Tour Reviews in Santa Fe
Still browsing? Here are more Santa Fe experiences we've covered recently
- Small-Group E-Bike Adventure Tour through Hidden Santa Fe
- Taste of Santa Fe Wine and Dine Lunch
- Santa Fe Revisited
- Santa Fe Architectural Walking Tour
- Viator Exclusive: Gourmet Brunch in Santa Fe with Chef Carolina
- Golden Years in Santa Fe: A Seniors Cultural Journey
- 7 Most Highly Rated Workshops & Classes In Santa Fe
- The 13 Top Walking Tours In Santa Fe: Which Is Best?
- The 3 Top 2 Hour Tours In Santa Fe: Which Is Best?
- 8 Top-Rated Santa Fe Historical Tours
- 2 Must-Try Drinking Tours In Santa Fe
- 2 Must-Try City Tours In Santa Fe