The 4 Best Wine Tours In Santa Fe

The 4 Best Wine Tours in Santa Fe

Santa Fe isn’t just about stunning landscapes and Southwestern art — its wine scene has grown into a delightful mix of local flavors, historic landmarks, and elevated dining. With a mix of walking tours, dinner experiences, and even outdoor adventures, Santa Fe offers something for every wine lover eager to explore the city’s evolving culinary scene. Whether you want a relaxed walk with bites, a multi-course dinner paired with wines, or a full-day adventure that includes rafting and wine tasting, this guide covers the best experiences to consider.

In this roundup, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, what makes them stand out, and who they’re suited for. From intimate, local-favorite eateries to sophisticated wine pairings at top restaurants, each option provides a unique way to soak in Santa Fe’s flavors. Planning ahead will help you choose the experience that fits your schedule, interests, and budget — so let’s dive into these top-notch wine adventures.

Quick Overview

Santa Fe’s best wine tours span from lively food walks to gourmet dinners, and even outdoor adventures like white-water rafting combined with wine tasting. The Taste of Santa Fe Wine and Dine Lunch offers a relaxed walking experience with three local eateries and historic landmarks. For those seeking a more refined evening, the Savor Santa Fe: Wine Pairing Dinner features a multi-course meal at Santa Fe’s top restaurants with expert wine pairings. If you’re interested in an active day, the White Water Rafting and Wine Tour combines the thrill of river rafting with visits to three local wineries. Lastly, for a casual, guided walk through downtown Santa Fe, the Downtown Santa Fe Walking Wine, History, & Tapas Tour offers tapas, wine, and stories about the city’s culture.

Now, let’s explore what makes each of these tours worth considering.

1. Taste of Santa Fe Wine and Dine Lunch

This walking food tour is a standout for its combination of culinary exploration and cultural insight. Meeting at Santa Fe Plaza, you’ll visit three local eateries, sampling everything from spicy New Mexican dishes to handcrafted chocolates. What’s unique here is the blend of tasty bites with landmarks like the Palace of the Governors, San Miguel Mission, and the Miraculous Staircase inside the Loretto Chapel. The tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a perfect way to get a feel for Santa Fe’s historic center without the need for a full day.

Your guide, often personable and knowledgeable, will share stories about Santa Fe’s past while you enjoy generous tastings that often serve as a meal in themselves. Each stop is carefully selected for its authenticity and flavor, providing a sense of local life. Reviewers consistently praise the variety and quality of food as well as the in-depth cultural commentary. One remarked, “Peter was fun and so informative — nonstop narrative of Santa Fe!”

Bottom Line: This tour appeals to travelers wanting a combination of food, history, and landmarks in a relaxed setting, with ample food to keep you satisfied.

2. Savor Santa Fe: Wine Pairing Dinner

If you’re looking for a gourmet experience, the Savor Santa Fe: Wine Pairing Dinner is a must. Starting in the late afternoon at Santa Fe Plaza, this tour takes you to three highly-rated restaurants, where you’ll enjoy multi-course dishes paired with local wines. The focus here is on elevated cuisine and wine craftsmanship, making it ideal for foodies wanting to indulge.

What sets this experience apart is the attention to wine pairing, with each course thoughtfully matched to highlight local flavors. The tour lasts roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a perfect evening outing. Many reviews highlight the delicious presentation and excellent wine pairings, with one reviewer noting, “The wine pairings truly complimented the dishes and made the experience memorable.”

This tour is best suited for those who want to combine culinary sophistication with local culture in a relaxed, guided setting. Because it involves multiple restaurants, it offers a taste of Santa Fe’s high-end dining scene without the hassle of planning.

Bottom Line: Perfect for food and wine lovers who want a luxurious, guided dinner experience with expert pairings.

3. White Water Rafting and Wine Tour

For travelers craving adventure alongside wine, the White Water Rafting and Wine Tour offers a full-day combo of thrilling river rapids and wine tasting. Your day begins early with door-to-door pickup and a trip to New Mexico River Adventures, where you’ll challenge the Rio Grande’s most popular sections. After your morning of rafting, you’ll visit three wineries—Vivac, La Chiripada, and Black Mesa—for tastings and snacks.

This tour is about balance — the adrenaline of rafting mixed with the relaxed pleasure of wine sampling. The wineries are well-regarded, and the tour includes tote bags so you can carry your wine bottles home. The approximately nine-hour experience is perfect for active travelers who want to combine outdoor excitement with local flavors.

With only three reviews, it’s a smaller-scale operation, but reviewers rave about the professional guides and the variety of experiences. One noted, “The rafting was thrilling, and the wine tastings were a great way to unwind after.”

Bottom Line: Best suited for adventurers who enjoy outdoor activities and wine, willing to spend a full day out of town.

4. Downtown Santa Fe Walking Wine, History, & Tapas Tour

This walking tour runs about three hours and offers a more casual, social experience. Hosted by Vigilante Guides, it takes you to three local spots: Gruet Winery for sparkling wines, Hervé Wine Bar for tastings of local and French wines, and VARA Santa Fe for wine and Spanish selections. Throughout, drinks are paired with snacks and tapas, making it a relaxed, interactive way to explore Santa Fe’s libation scene.

The tour appeals to those who like a light, social vibe with storytelling about Santa Fe’s wine culture and local businesses. Reviewers mention the engaging guide and the variety of wines sampled, especially enjoying the award-winning sparkling wines at Gruet.

It’s a good choice for balancing wine tasting with a social, informal atmosphere. The tour ends at Herve Wine Bar, so you can easily extend your evening afterward.

Bottom Line: Ideal for casual wine lovers looking for an engaging, social experience with a focus on local wines and tapas.

How to Choose the Right Santa Fe Wine Tour

Choosing between these options depends on your interests, schedule, and what kind of experience you want. If your priority is sampling food and learning about Santa Fe’s landmarks, the Taste of Santa Fe Wine and Dine Lunch offers a relaxed pace with plenty of bites. Want an evening of refined dining and expert pairing? The Savor Santa Fe: Wine Pairing Dinner is perfect for a more upscale experience.

Looking for adventure? The White Water Rafting and Wine Tour combines outdoor fun with wine tasting, great for active travelers. If you prefer a more social, low-key outing with a focus on local wines and tapas, the Downtown Santa Fe Walking Wine, History, & Tapas Tour offers a lively, informal atmosphere.

Remember to book early, especially for the popular tours, and consider the best times to visit — spring and fall tend to offer more comfortable weather for outdoor and walking tours. Planning according to your interests—whether it’s food, wine, history, or adventure—will ensure you get the most out of your Santa Fe experience.

Santa Fe’s diverse wine tours open a window into its culinary and cultural life. Whether you choose a relaxed walking lunch, an elegant dinner, or an adventurous day on the river, each offers a memorable taste of this unique city. For those eager to explore, booking early guarantees a spot on these highly-rated experiences, so don’t hesitate to secure your place.