Just can’t get enough of those New Mexico wines? Love New Mexico chile? The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta has all that and more! Now in its 32nd year, and taking place throughout the city of Santa Fe, it’s a food enthusiast’s roadtrip dream come true. This epicurean extravaganza brings 90 wineries to Santa Fe to partner with 75 of the city’s best restaurants in a weeklong celebration of food and wine events, featuring cooking demos, seminars, winery luncheons, and dinners. Pack your bags for a week of fine dining at the 32nd Annual Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, September 27 – October 1, 2023.
What’s On Tap
For those ready to take a deep dive into the age-old wine-producing traditions of New Mexico, this event is a great way to go. Seminars offered throughout the week will connect the palate-forward among you with sommeliers and representatives of local wineries, who will teach you how to identify different varietals and vintages. Then, too, you can chat the experts up again during the dinners – both large scale or small and intimate, depending on your tastes – each led by a wine expert who will create pairings to accompany the meal.
Among the many restaurants taking part in this event are Terra @ Four Seasons Resort, Alkeme, The Bourbon Grill, Coyote Café, El Nido, Izanami, Joseph’s Culinary Pub, Terracotta Wine Bistro, The Pink Adobe, Agave @ The Eldorado Hotel & Spa, Anasazi Restaurant Bar & Lounge, Luminaria Restaurant, Skyfire @ Bishop’s Lodge, and many more. For a full schedule of Santa Fe Wine & Chile Winery Dinners, including days and hours, visit the website.
Bringing The Heat
Ah, but let us not forget the chile! Though many of the dinners will be introducing our state fruit (yes, fruit!) into their recipes, they are not the only places to find it. Guest chefs will also be giving demonstrations, at various locations throughout town, featuring topics ranging from modernist cooking techniques to traditional dishes based on art and culture. And, of course, tying it all together is New Mexico’s favorite pod. Think you know everything there is to know about cooking with chiles? You may want to think again.
As an added treat, the newest tradition of the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, Chile Friday, returns this year, and word is it will be bigger and better than ever before. Of course, it is only the second time, but any opportunity to sample more food is always a plus. Presented as a “walk-around” event, delicious samples from more than twenty Santa Fe restaurants will be offered, each showcasing a dish with a unique interpretation and integration of our beloved chiles.
But, it’s not just wine and chile that can be expected during this flavorful haute happening. This year, additional margarita tents and tequila partners have been added, including Patrón, Herradura, El Tesoro, and Maestro Dobel. Creating an all-round New Mexico True experience like no other, the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta has a little something for every palate.
Check out the full schedule of demos, seminars, dinners and more at the website.
New This Year
Special programming enhancements that are new for 2023 include a new luncheon on Wednesday, September 27, called Phenomenal Femmes. Celebrating the women who power the hospitality industry, including chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers and wine educators, the event takes place at The Sunset Terrace.
Also on Wednesday, for the first time ever, the Wine & Chile Fiesta will offer an early afternoon train adventure in partnership with Sky Railway, and featuring wine, snacks and, of course, our enchanting scenic views.
The Grand Finale
The weekend culminates with the Grand Tasting at Fort Marcy Park, where all participating Santa Fe restaurants and wineries serve samples of their best food and wine. This is probably the best way to experience all that is available, whether it be world-class wine or delectable culinary delights. Enhancing the experience even more will be Latin musical artist David Manzanaras, who will make sure you feel the heat while on your culinary adventure.
Whether you are a wine and dine snob or are just looking for new ways to look at both, The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is an experience for your bucket list. Just make sure to plan your trip early, and reserve your spots at the various tables, because this event tends to sell out quickly. For more information, visit the website or call 505-438-8060.
Posted by LasCruces.com