Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta sets 35th anniversary lineup for Sept. 22-27

The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta has released its full talent lineup and schedule for its 35th anniversary, set for Sept. 22-27, 2026. The six-day event will feature wine seminars, chef dinners, auctions, tastings and signature experiences across Santa Fe, with many events expected to sell out.

Why it matters: - The 35th anniversary Fiesta reinforces Santa Fe’s position as a food-and-wine destination with national reach. - The event also supports local restaurants, hospitality workers and nonprofit initiatives. - Limited seating means early ticket demand could shape access to the most sought-after events.

What happened: - The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta announced its official talent lineup and schedule for Sept. 22-27, 2026. - The six-day festival will include wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, guest chef luncheons, culinary tours, auctions and signature events. - The Fiesta is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2026. - The full schedule and tickets are available at the event website.

The details: - Tuesday, Sept. 22 opens with The Duckhorn Portfolio: Five Icons of California Wine, presented with Wine Spectator. - Kay Malaske of The Duckhorn Portfolio and Paige Dana of Kosta Browne and Goldeneye will lead the tasting seminar. - Tuesday also includes Boots & Bolos at the Beck & Bulow Ranch, an open-fire cooking event with wines. - The Santa Fe Culinary Stroll will offer a walking tour with bites from acclaimed restaurants paired with wines. - Wednesday, Sept. 23 features wine seminars, culinary demos and the Ghost Ranch Landscape and Sonoma Lunch Experience. - Chef Graham Dodds will prepare lunch at Ghost Ranch, paired with Sonoma wines presented by Stuart Bryan of Pride Mountain Vineyards, Michelle Wing of Gary Farrell Winery, and Prema Kerollis and Daralyn Christensen of Three Sticks Wines. - Thursday is scheduled to include guest chef luncheons, educational seminars, cooking demos and live and silent auctions. - HALL Wines is the 35th Anniversary Honorary Winery of the Year. - Kathryn Hall will join the Live Auction & Culinary Classic. - Thursday’s culinary lineup includes Jason Fullilove of Tumie Coco, Alex Gates of Cochineal, Nina Curtis of Plant’ish & Co., and Jack Strong of The Ritz-Carlton, Portland. - Friday, Sept. 25 brings back Chile Friday with chile-focused food, cocktails and live entertainment. - Featured beverage brands on Friday include Código, Cointreau, Don Fulano, Herradura, LALO, Patrón, Tequila Ocho and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. - Saturday, Sept. 26 centers on the Grand Tasting at Fort Marcy Park. - The Grand Tasting will feature 75 Santa Fe restaurants, including Coyote Cafe, Zacatlán, Joseph's Culinary Pub, Horno and Tulsi. - The Grand Tasting will also showcase 85 wineries, including Ridge Vineyards, Heitz Cellar, HALL Wines, Caymus Vineyards and Cristom Vineyards. - Sunday, Sept. 27 closes with Champagne PIAFF as this year’s Champagne of the Year. - The final day includes the Champagne & Dirty Boots Brunch at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, prepared by Chef Gregory Joseph. - Sunday activities also include Rosé All Day and the Gruet Golf Classic.

Between the lines: - The lineup blends high-end wine programming with local culinary and cultural experiences, a format designed to appeal to both visitors and Santa Fe residents. - The Fiesta’s mix of seminars, tastings and auctions suggests the event is built as much around education and fundraising as around dining. - The repeated emphasis on limited seating signals a premium, reservation-driven model for the most in-demand experiences.

What's next: - Ticket sales are open, and the Fiesta expects many events to sell out. - Additional attendee interest will likely center on the Grand Tasting, the Champagne brunch and the winery and chef-led seminars. - The festival will return each September as a flagship event for Santa Fe’s culinary calendar.

The bottom line: - Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is using its 35th anniversary to broaden its marquee status with a weeklong slate of chef talent, top wineries and signature events.