Taos Winter Wine Festival 2026
By Ellen Miller-Goins
The 2026 Taos Winter Wine Festival, set for Feb. 5–8, promises four days of alpine indulgence, where fine food, world-class wines, and snowy adventure meet in the heart of Taos Ski Valley.
Founded in 1987, the festival was born from a simple idea: invite winemakers to ski, share their best bottles, and enjoy Taos’ high-altitude charm. Today, under the direction of Greg O’Byrne — also the executive director of the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta — it has matured into a sophisticated yet down-to-earth event that attracts more than two dozen acclaimed wineries and the region’s most celebrated chefs.
The festival unfolds in Taos and the Village of Taos Ski Valley with Reserve and Grand Tastings, chef-led luncheons, wine dinners, and seminars. Festivities begin Thursday with the Champagne & Caviar Reception, followed by the Reserve Tasting and Silent Auction, benefiting Taos High School’s “Great Chefs of Taos” program. Throughout the weekend, après-ski tastings, winemaker dinners, and educational seminars invite guests to savor vintages from storied labels such as Silver Oak, Ridge Vineyards, and Robert Sinskey.
Saturday’s Grand Tasting — the festival’s showpiece — brings together all 28 winery partners and Taos’ top restaurants for an evening of culinary collaboration at El Monte Sagrado. Each bite and pour tells a story of terroir, technique and Taos hospitality.
Smaller than its Santa Fe cousin but equally refined, the Taos Winter Wine Festival retains its intimate, boutique appeal. It’s a gathering where vintners mingle with guests on the slopes, chefs celebrate local flavors, and the spirit of Taos — creative, adventurous, and warmly communal — shines through every glass.
For tickets, schedule details, and participating restaurants, visit taoswinterwinefest.com.
More Tastes of Winter
Yuletide in Taos – Late November through December
This month-long holiday celebration transforms Taos into a twinkling wonderland of lights, luminarias, and local flavors. Enjoy holiday markets, bonfires on Bent Street, and festive menus at Taos restaurants and tasting rooms. taos.org/events/annual-event/yuletide-in-taos
Just Desserts Eat & Ski, Enchanted Forest, Red River
Sweeten your stride during this beloved Feb. 28, 2026, event at the Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski Area. Ski or snowshoe groomed trails to dessert stations where local restaurants and bakers serve up brownies, cookies and other treats. enchantedforestxc.com