Santa Fe is a special city. The New Mexico capital is perhaps best known for its world-class art and unique architecture. Foodies come here though for another creation: the unique New Mexico cuisine. Santa Fe has managed to retain much of its historic charm, with Pueblo Native American architecture and Hispanic influences particularly strong throughout the city. These two cultures are poured into the cuisine as well, then wrapped up in a distinctly US package.
There are dozens of excellent food tastings, tours and winery trips available to Santa Fe’s visitors. Some of the best combine aspects of the city’s unique culture and history with food tastings, while others head straight for the restaurants and stay there. Here are five of the best tours in Sant Fe for food lovers, taking price, tour duration and quality of the food into account.
FROM $113/per person
New Mexico cuisine is on the menu during this tour, as you visit local eateries serving up at least four food tastings. Chili is one of the staples of a New Mexico dish, so expect things like green chili cheeseburgers and tamales. There will occasionally also be drink pairings, such as wine, margaritas and sangria. This walking tour also takes in some of Santa Fe’s top landmarks, including Loretto Chapel and the Palace of the Governors. This added historical context is designed to give guests a better idea of how the food you’ll taste came into being. This tour runs weekly from Weds-Sun.
From $102/ per person
Surrounded by contemporary art galleries this old railyard has been repurposed as one of Santa Fe’s trendiest neighborhoods. And that means lots of excellent dining options too. This highly rated walking tour combines a little history of the area with tastings at four different restaurants over three and a half hours. Two of these are sit down tastings that come with drink pairings. On Tuesdays this tour includes a trip to Santa Fe Farmer’s Market. Please note that at certain times of the year this tour only runs once a week.
From $138/ per person
As the title of this Santa Fe food tour suggests, this is one for the foodies. Rather than doing multiple tastings at different restaurants, you will get a full lunch at one, complete with alcohol pairings, for example wine and local beers, polished off with dessert. The tour also visits many of the city’s best sights, including San Miguel Chapel and The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. This is a shorter tour, so best for those who have fewer hours to spare. This tour runs on Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun each week.
From $152/ per person
Nobody wants to be left out of a wine tour. Just as well then that this six-hour-plus tour is all about inclusivity. Starting with a door-to-door pickup service, you will then head into the wine-producing hills to the north of Santa Fe to taste local produce. Three wineries are included in the itinerary, with at least an hour allowed at each. A lunch is included at one of the wineries, with snacks at another. Transportation, food and your guide are all included in the price. Please note that tastings at each site cost a little extra.
From $208/ per person
For an upscale food tour that delves into the gourmet side of New Mexico cuisine, this Savor Santa Fe tour comes highly regarded. As with other tours, a little time is allowed to explore the local sites of interest, adding context to your understanding of the city, before tasting how the city’s history has created such unique dishes. A full dinner with wine pairings and dessert are included in the price, with appetizer tastings at two other restaurants included.
