The Taos Winter Wine Festival combines mountain charm, world-class wine, and culinary artistry. Set against the snow-covered peaks of northern New Mexico, this annual celebration draws wine lovers and foodies from around the country.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Taos, this vibrant event offers unforgettable tastings, elegant dinners, and cozy après-ski experiences worth building your itinerary around.
What Is the Taos Winter Wine Festival?
Held every January, the Taos Winter Wine Festival is a multi-day celebration of fine wine, regional cuisine, and mountain culture. Launched in the late 1980s, the event has grown into one of the most anticipated winter gatherings in northern New Mexico. It pairs Taos’s snowy landscapes with exceptional wine experiences, offering a unique blend of elegance and adventure.
The festival showcases premier American wineries and local restaurants, making it a favorite for wine enthusiasts, culinary travelers, and ski vacationers alike. With its mix of intimate tastings, educational seminars, and gourmet dinners, the festival appeals to those seeking both relaxation and refined experiences in one of the Southwest’s most artistic mountain towns.
Key Events and Activities
The Taos Winter Wine Festival features a packed schedule of events that blend world-class wine with local flavor and culture. Guests can expect tastings, educational experiences, and social gatherings in cozy mountain settings.
Signature activities include:
- A Grand Tasting at the Taos Ski Valley, featuring over 150 wines from top American wineries
- Wine dinners hosted by Taos’s best restaurants and visiting winemakers
- Seminars led by sommeliers and experts covering wine regions, tasting techniques, and food pairings
- Après-ski tastings that let guests sip and socialize after a day on the slopes
- Reserved tastings for those looking to sample rare and premium selections
Together, these events make the festival a rich, immersive experience for wine lovers.
Participating Wineries and Restaurants
The Taos Winter Wine Festival brings together nearly 40 wineries from across the country and over a dozen top-tier restaurants from northern New Mexico. Together, these partnerships showcase the region’s best flavors and elevate the festival into a gourmet winter getaway.
Guests can sample boutique vintages from acclaimed producers like Black Mesa Winery, Vivác Winery, and Gruet, alongside offerings from national names featured at Grand Tastings and special pairing events.
Participating restaurants include Lambert’s of Taos, The Love Apple, El Monte Sagrado, Medley, Snakedance, and more! Each venue offers curated menus or hosts multi-course dinners designed to pair perfectly with featured wines.
Stay at Hotel La Fonda de Taos
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Taos, even amidst the plaza’s transformation! Make your Taos your home at the historic Hotel La Fonda de Taos, perfectly situated in the heart of the action. While the plaza undergoes its makeover, there’s still a world of Taos adventures waiting for you to discover. Explore our cozy rooms, enriched with Southwestern charm, and relish affordable rates as you embark on your Taos journey, construction, and all. Book your adventure today!
