Santa Fe Culinary Tour for Women
Sorry you missed this tour! See our 2013 Santa Fe Culinary Tour.
Number of days: 5
Itinerary dates: June 20 – 24, 2012
Tour Leader: Beth Whitman
Join Beth Whitman on this 5-day culinary extravaganza to one of her very favorite destinations in the U.S., Santa Fe. You’ll be treated to cooking demonstrations, take a guided downtown tour, learn about the area’s Native American history, culture and cuisine. Each day includes chocolate-tasting at local specialty chocolate shops 🙂 This tour is suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
The tour begins on Wednesday afternoon. Arriving via Albuquerque, participants will make their own way to the hotel in Santa Fe (airport shuttles available, a rental car is not necessary).
Day 1
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 (Meals: D)
The group will begin this exciting long weekend with a 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the historic downtown
Santa Fe Plaza, beginning at 3:30pm.
With a local expert leading the group, you’ll walk through more than 400 years of history, art and culture as this personal guide presents an extraordinary introduction to Santa Fe and provides an entertaining, humorous and accurate portrayal of the “City Different.” The group will visit both the historic Plaza and the Palace of the Governors while you learn about St. Francis Cathedral and explore the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous staircase.
You’ll end the tour at a local restaurant to enjoy an authentic New Mexican meal. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2
Thursday, June 21, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Breakfast will be at a nearby bakery before the group heads to a local farm in Nambé to meet Erin Wade, owner of Vinaigrette Restaurant. You’ll tour the farm and learn about agriculture in the high desert before enjoying a healthy lunch.
On the return trip to Santa Fe, the group will stop at a winery for a tasting of the local delights.
You’ll have time for a short rest in the afternoon prior to dinner at a wonderful Spanish restaurant and for a sherry tasting with the chef. Overnight at hotel.
HIGHLIGHT! Seventy percent of the organic produce served at Vinaigrette during peak season is grown on this bucolic, 10-acre farm. The property includes a 1,200 square-foot greenhouse bursting with micro-greens, herbs and other cool-season delights in the winter and a jungle of tomatoes and hot house crops in the summer.
Day 3
Friday, June 22, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Following breakfast at a wonderful French bakery, the group will take part in a 3-hour class at the Santa Fe Cooking School to learn the intricacies of making tamales. You’ll have a chance to try 3 different types (Red Chile and Pork, Southern Mexican Chicken and Sweet Anise Seed) that highlight techniques helpful in tamale-making. You’ll then make your own and receive some in-depth information from the chef while the tamales cook!
After a break for some rest time, the group will reconvene for a “Free Friday” walk (gallery entrance is free) to see several museums which, depending on time, will include the O’Keeffe Museum, History Museum and the 
Palace of the Governors. You’ll end the day at a local brewery that overlooks the historic Plaza and enjoy (if you like) beer and pizza. Overnight at hotel.
HIGHLIGHT! Tamales are an important part of New Mexican cooking. Today, not only will you get to enjoy a variety of these delicious treats, but you’ll take away detailed instructions so that you can prepare them at home.
Day 4
Saturday, June 23, 2012 (Meals: B, D)
This morning you’ll walk to the nearby Santa Fe Farmer’s Market for a guided tour by a local chef. You’ll be able to sample fresh breads, cheeses and produce and there will be plenty of free time for browsing and shopping for spices, food and souvenirs.
Today, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore!
In the evening, the group will enjoy a cooking demonstration and incredible dinner of Native American foods in the home of local chef and food photographer, Lois Ellen Frank. You’ll learn about the flavors of the real Southwest reflecting the unique cultural mix of Santa Fe. Overnight at hotel.
HIGHLIGHT! You’re in for a real treat on this evening. The food will be superb but you’ll also learn about the history of pre-contact food in the region and how the food has evolved. Lois is a Native foods historian and is a winner of the James Beard Award for her latest cookbook.
Day 5
Sunday, June 24, 2012 (Meals: B)
After a group breakfast at the hotel, you may have time to wander the Plaza and do any last minute shopping before departing on your own for the airport in Albuquerque.
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Costs:
Contact us for 2013 dates and costs – info (at) wandertours (dot) com
Interested in sharing? We do our best to pair up same-sex travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing – PLEASE send in your deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)
Final payment due no later than April 20, 2012.
Price includes: 4 nights hotel accommodation in downtown Santa Fe, 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners, guides, transportation included in events above, all services and gratuities and local taxes.
Price does not include: airfare, airport transfer or alcoholic beverages.
We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.
This trip is limited to 15 women and requires a $300 deposit to secure your spot.
Minimum required: 8 people
Santa Fe Culinary Tour 2012 Registration Form (PDF)
For deposit and payments, please make payable and mail check to:
WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116
For questions, please contact Beth at:
info (at) wandertours (dot) com
206-317-1860
It’s easy to make your deposit of $300! Simply click on the Buy Now button below and you’ll be taken to PayPal where you add your debit or credit card information. Subsequent payments may be made through PayPal by sending to: beth (at) wandertours (dot) com.
Santa Fe packing list: Provided upon registration
Santa Fe Culinary Tour 2012 Itinerary (PDF)
Tour Leader
About Beth
Though Beth has been a globetrotter for nearly 25 years, one of her very favorite destinations is Santa Fe (with New Orleans a close second). She’s pulled back to this city time and again and is delighted to be sharing her love of this region with a group! As a vegetarian, she is constantly amazed at the variety of options and the depth of flavor to be found in New Mexican cooking.
Related links:
Santa Fe Photo Gallery
