Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

You just can't beat this event for location, weather and quality food and wine.

The Grand Tasting at the Opera House

If you can only attend one event (due to schedules or finances) plan to go to the Grand Tasting at the Opera House grounds. The event features over 70 restaurants and 90 wineries. All guests benefit from the community’s competitive spirit to make each year’s event better than before. The restaurants, in particular seem to try to one-up their personal best and each other. The entire staffs show great pride in what they are presenting at the tasting. All food items must contain some form of chili. You will find everything from tuna sashimi carved directly off of a fresh tuna to filet mignon with foie gras and deserts made with chilies too. Be sure to come hungry and plan your tasting wisely. It is a benefit to have a tasting partner so that you may share a greater variety of the food and wine. 

The ticket price may seem a bit high, at $150, but there is so much to this experience that should not be missed. In addition to the food and wine tasting, you will receive transportation to and from the Opera House from the center of Santa Fe. It is such a smart idea not to have guests drive after consuming who-knows-how-much wine. You will also receive commemorative Riedel glassware from the Reserve and Grand tastings.

Santa Fe Restaurants

You will certainly want to experience some of the many wonderful restaurants while you are in Santa Fe. It is a distinct part of the charm and culture of the community. I have attended this wine event at least 15 times over the past two decades and can recommend all of the restaurants below. They are all within walking distance of the square. On our most recent visit, our theme was to try restaurants we had never been to. I have included a list of tried and true restaurants as well. Reservations are always recommended, especially during Wine and Chili week.

Radish and Rye

548 Agua Fria St. Santa Fe, NM 87501

http://radishandrye.com/#farminspiredcuisine

Here you will find a truly locally-source menu, one that reflects the seasons. The menu is well-curated (read “short”). With a selection of small and large plates for sampling or sharing. I enjoyed the cornmeal-crusted trout with a sublime green chile corn bake (like a polenta or spoon bread) and spicy tartar sauce. I had been craving trout for some time and this version satisfied. The salads and vegetarian options are delightful too. Be sure to make reservations in advance, this restaurant is popular with locals and visitors.

Being more of a wine aficionado, I did not think to order a cocktail. I later discovered that Radish & Rye has been voted one of the 8 Best Whiskey Bars in the U.S. (by CheatSheet). Other accolades include; Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the U.S. by USA Today and The Best Restaurant Santa Fe by Edible Santa Fe. They are locally owned.

Galisteo Bistro

227 Galisteo Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501

http://www.galisteobistro.com

The original owners, Robert and Marge Chickering have recently taken back ownership of Galisteo Bistro and it is worth a visit, if you haven’t been recently. Their attention to every detail is palpable. You may see them hovering close by checking on every table and plate. You may not speak with them, but your server certainly knows the house standards. There is an extensive menu of Tapas and ala carte dishes, prepared in an open kitchen. You can be sure that your meal will be presented in a deliberate and timely manner. The staff is also very enthusiastic about making wine recommendations to enhance your dining experience. If you can visit with a group of friends, willing to share dishes, I think you would have fun sampling from this menu. So many things sound worth trying. You will find a selection of Spanish Tapas along with International Bistro choices.

Other reliable options-

• Bistro 315 and Wine Bar – French-ish, great wine selection www.315santafe.com
• The Compound – Creative American cuisine, try for a weekday lunch outdoors www.compoundrestaurant.com
• La Casa Sena – Contemporary American, http://lacasasena.com
• Coyote Café – Outdoor patio, margaritas
• Geronimo – Eclectic www.geronimorestaurant.com
• Pink Adobe- a true old-world Santa Fe experience in a 350-year-old house www.thepinkadobe.com
• Santacafé – American/ Southwest https://santacafe.com
• Pasquale’s- Seasonal New Mexico Cuisine http://pasquals.com

Other things to enjoy in Santa Fe

When you arrive in Santa Fe you may feel like you have been transported to another world. It has its unique architecture, history, climate, scenery, natural wonders, flora, fauna and fashion.

Shopping – Start at the main Plaza (don’t call it the “Square”). From here you can make concentric circles to see all the shops in the area. I am not personally much of a shopper when I travel. My husband always seems to schedule our itinerary so that we have time for shopping only when the stores are closed.

Native American Market – Hand-crafted jewelry and crafts are presented at the Palace of the Governors on the weekends.

Farmer’s Market – The Railyard. This is one of the finest outdoor markets in the Fall. Even if your accommodations do not allow for you to cook, you will enjoy the colors and smells of this market. You can grab a quick breakfast or snack here.

Arts Markets – From April-October you will find high-quality open-air art shows at the Railyard and the First National Bank downtown on the weekends.

Galleries – There are permanent art Galleries throughout the historic town center and along Canyon Road. All are an easy walk from the Plaza. Be careful with your checkbook, it’s hard to escape Santa Fe without making a major purchase.

Hiking – There are convenient hiking trails all around the city. You might like to drive up to the ski mountain or out to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Park (about an hour’s drive) to be among the magical rock spire formations.