Savor Santa Fe: Wine Pairing Dinner

An Intimate Gourmet Dining Experience in Santa Fe

The Savor Santa Fe: Wine Pairing Dinner offers a unique way to explore the city’s culinary gems. Priced at $233.50 per person, this tour spans approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, providing a generous sampling of high-end New Mexican dishes paired with carefully selected wines. It departs from 63 Lincoln Ave, right in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic Plaza, making it easily accessible and perfectly suited for foodies eager to discover authentic local flavors. This experience is capped at 16 guests, ensuring an intimate atmosphere, and it’s ideal for those wanting a leisurely, detailed look into Santa Fe’s food culture.

The tour is particularly popular, with bookings often made about 32 days in advance, reflecting its appeal among visitors seeking a curated, high-quality dining experience. While the cost is on the higher side, reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, excellent wine pairings, and the chance to visit three top-rated restaurants—a perfect choice for those who enjoy pairing gourmet cuisine with local history and sights.

Key Points

• Price: $233.50 per person, including all food, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks
• Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, starting at 4:00 pm
• Stops: Visits to Santa Fe Plaza, the Basilica of St. Francis, Palace of the Governors, and the Scottish Rite Temple
• Highlights: Gourmet, multi-course dinner paired with excellent wines and insights into Santa Fe’s food culture and landmarks
• Physical Requirements: Moderate walking of 1.5-2 miles, suitable for those in good walking condition
• Group Size: Limited to 16 guests for a personalized experience
• Booking: Usually reserved 32 days in advance, with a mobile ticket for convenience

Meeting Point and Tour Logistics in Santa Fe

The tour begins promptly at 4:00 pm at 63 Lincoln Ave, placing guests right in the lively center of Santa Fe. The tour ends back at the start point, making it easy to continue exploring the city afterward. The meeting point’s proximity to public transportation adds to its convenience, and the activity is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness owing to the walking involved.

Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 16 participants, which fosters a more relaxed and personalized atmosphere. The tour includes all gratuities for servers, though guides are not tipped, and the dinner, wine pairings, and non-alcoholic beverages are all covered in the price.

Exploring Santa Fe’s Landmarks During the Tour

The walking component begins at the Santa Fe Plaza, the historic heart of the city where the tour’s introduction to Santa Fe’s history takes place. As guests stroll towards the restaurants, they pass by the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, built in 1866, and the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the US, both offering visual insights into Santa Fe’s historic architecture.

The route also includes a stop at the Scottish Rite Temple, completed in 1912 and known for its distinctive design. Along With these landmarks, the guide shares stories about Santa Fe’s food scene and cultural significance, enriching the culinary experience with local context.

Visits to Three Local Restaurants

The core of this experience involves visits to three Santa Fe restaurants that are popular among locals. Each restaurant offers high-end New Mexican cuisine with a focus on presentation and quality. The tour emphasizes culinary diversity, allowing guests to sample different styles and flavors at each stop.

Of particular note is the inclusion of wine pairings with each course. Reviewers highlight how the wines complement the dishes perfectly, elevating the overall dining experience. The chefs’ recommendations for wine selection are a key feature that adds a refined touch, making the meal feel like a true gastronomic event.

The Guide’s Role: Knowledgeable and Passionate

The tour is led by guides who are praised for their expertise and enthusiasm. One reviewer specifically mentions Jose as a fabulous guide, noting his passion for Santa Fe’s culture and cuisine. The guides also provide background stories about each restaurant, as well as insights into Santa Fe’s history, landmarks, and food traditions, which adds depth to the experience.

Guests appreciate the personalized service and the knowledgeable narration that makes the evening both educational and enjoyable. The guides’ storytelling enhances the appreciation of local cuisine and history, making the tour more than just a meal.

The Food and Wine: A Culinary Showcase

Each of the three restaurants provides distinctive New Mexican dishes, prepared with care and presented beautifully. The multi-course dinner is designed to showcase Santa Fe’s flavors, with each course paired with carefully selected wines.

Guests enjoy delicious dishes with complimentary wine pairings, which receive high praise for their quality and how well they complement the food. The dessert rounds out the meal, completing a satisfying and refined culinary journey.

Physical Considerations and Accessibility

Participants should be in good walking condition as the tour involves covering 1.5-2 miles on foot, with some sightseeing in between stops. The activity is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, and service animals are allowed.

The tour is designed to be accessible for most guests, but those with mobility issues should consider their walking capacity, especially since some stops involve outdoor walking and standing.

Cancellation Policy and Weather Considerations

The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked. If canceled due to bad weather, the organizer offers a full refund or a reschedule. Since the tour relies on outdoor walking and restaurant visits, good weather enhances the experience, but plans are flexible to accommodate weather-related issues.

Final Thoughts: A Curated Santa Fe Food Journey

The Savor Santa Fe: Wine Pairing Dinner combines culinary artistry, local landmarks, and cultural insights into one engaging evening. The expert guides, high-quality wine pairings, and visits to three top-rated restaurants make this experience stand out.

While the price may seem on the higher side, reviews suggest that the value for money is justified by the thoughtful curation, personalized attention, and delicious food. It suits food lovers, history buffs, and visitors who want an elevated, immersive introduction to Santa Fe’s dining scene.

This tour is particularly recommended for those wanting to start their visit with a memorable, cultural culinary experience that combines sightseeing, storytelling, and gourmet dining in one package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour focuses on New Mexican cuisine, which may include meat-based dishes. It’s best to contact the provider directly to ask about vegetarian options, though dietary restrictions are not specifically mentioned.

Are beverages included?
Yes, all alcohol pairings and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the tour price. The wines are selected to complement each course, enhancing the dining experience.

What is the tour size?
The group size is limited to 16 guests, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, starting at 4:00 pm.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 63 Lincoln Ave, centrally located in Santa Fe, making it convenient for further exploration.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, if the weather is poor, you’ll be offered a full refund or a reschedule; the tour is weather-dependent.

Is this tour appropriate for children?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate physical activity and adult-oriented food and drink suggest it’s best suited for older children and adults.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 32 days ahead, reflecting its popularity and limited group size.

Are gratuities included?
Gratuities for servers are included, but guides are not tipped as part of the booking.

What makes this tour different from other food experiences in Santa Fe?
This tour uniquely combines multiple restaurant visits, wine pairings, and landmark sightseeing, all led by knowledgeable guides who share stories and insights about Santa Fe’s culture and cuisine.