Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta: A World Class Culinary Destination in the Southwest

There are two things that happen in New Mexico without fail every fall. The first is the crack and sizzle of famed Hatch chiles being tossed in roasters in every grocery store parking lot, sending a rich and lovely burned perfume into the air. The second is the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta—a gathering of 60 of Santa Fe’s finest restaurants and 90 wineries against the spectacular silhouette of the City Different’s Opera.

The Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta, known as The Wine Event with All Those Great Restaurants, will celebrate its 17th year September 26 – 30, 2007. The packed four day event begins with Guest Chef Luncheons where local chefs mingle with those looking for wine and cheese pairings hailing from Spain or Slow Food preparations promoting regional culinary heritage as well as wine seminars, blind tastings, and discussions on biodynamic, organic and sustainable wineries.

Other highlights include:

Mark Kiffin, The Compound Restaurant owner/chef and winner of the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef in the Southwest 2005” hosting chef luncheon. Silent Auction of week’s best wines from all 90 wineries, including 45 rare wine lots to benefit the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta’s education programs.

Grand Food & Wine Tasting at the Santa Fe Opera on Saturday, September 29 from 1 pm to 4 pm.

14th Annual Gruet Golf Classic scramble featuring six sparkling Gruet wine and dishes from six different Santa Fe restaurants every third hole.

Tickets go on sale July 5, 2007.