Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta

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Food & DrinkSanta Fe
Dates23–27 September 2026Confirmed listing
Duration5 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forRegional food & drinkThe fiesta was dreamed up over wine by
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryFood & DrinkFestival type
The story

Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta in Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta is a five-day culinary festival held every September, built around a Grand Tasting where local restaurants pair New Mexico chile-forward dishes with wines from dozens of winery partners. What began in 1991 as a single afternoon behind a Santa Fe parking lot has grown into a multi-day event with more than 60 restaurants and 90 winery partners, drawing thousands of guests for tastings, winery dinners, seminars, and a benefit auction.

The Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta started with an argument three restaurant people were tired of hearing: that no self-respecting wine list belonged next to enchiladas.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The fiesta was dreamed up over wine by Coyote Cafe's Mark Miller, Maria's owner Al Lucero, and La Casa Sena manager Gordon Heiss, who wanted to prove Santa Fe's kitchens deserved a serious wine following and that chile belonged on a tasting menu next to fine wine

02

The mystery stays covered

Its first edition drew about 350 people to a lot behind the old Sanbusco Center

03

The city starts moving

it survived early debt, moved through the Eldorado Hotel courtyard, a Hilton lot, and the Santa Fe Opera grounds for over two decades before settling into its current format

04

The water draws everyone in

In 2022 the fiesta added Chile Friday, a day built around New Mexico-grown red and green chile paired with local craft beer and margaritas, honoring the ingredient that gave the event half its name

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Grand Tasting format

Water and renewal

Living ritual

where guests circulate between restaurant and winery tables sampling small pours and bites

The sacred route

Living ritual

has anchored the fiesta since its first year and remains its signature event

The local code

Living ritual

The Thursday auction luncheon

Tradition 5

Living ritual

which raises money for the fiesta's charitable partners and crowns a Winemaker of the Year

Tradition 6

Living ritual

has run for decades

Tradition 7

Living ritual

Chile Friday

Tradition 8

Living ritual

added in 2022

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

23–27 September 2026

Getting around

For Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta, plan transport around the exact Santa Fe venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Smart casual works for daytime tastings; evenings turn cool quickly once the sun drops, so a jacket or wrap is worth carrying even if the afternoon felt warm. Comfortable shoes matter for...

Safety

Use normal food-market caution, hydrate, and leave time between crowded stalls.

Where to stay

For Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta, stay near the part of Santa Fe you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map35.69 N, 105.94 WOpen in Google Maps

Santa Fe, NM

Nearest airportABQ — Albuquerque International Sunport
TransportFor Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta, plan transport around the exact Santa Fe venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta, stay near the part of Santa Fe you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Santa Fe via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Santa Fe, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearSmart casual works for daytime tastings; evenings turn cool quickly once the sun drops, so a jacket or wrap is worth carrying even if the afternoon felt warm. Comfortable shoes matter for standing through a long tasting session.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta?

Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta is listed for 23–27 September 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta take place?

The festival is listed in Santa Fe, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

5 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Santa Fe, NM

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLsantafewineandchile.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates23–27 September 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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