White Water Rafting and Wine Tour

If you’re looking to squeeze in a bit of adrenaline and indulge your palate all in one day, the White Water Rafting and Wine Tour in Santa Fe might just fit the bill. This tour, offered by New Mexico Wine Tours, promises a nine-hour blend of river thrills and vineyard visits. Although it’s an activity that requires a full day and a bit of stamina, the payoff is an authentic taste of New Mexico’s vibrant outdoor scene paired with its delicious wines.

One consideration is that this tour is best suited for those who are comfortable with active pursuits. The rafting part alone involves getting outfitted and jumping into some rapids, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially if you’re expecting a leisurely excursion. Funding the adventure is also something to weigh—$289 might seem a bit steep if you’re traveling on a tight budget, but it provides access to three wineries plus an all-in professional guide.

What we love about this experience is its impeccable small-group setting, which ensures personalized attention and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The expert guides receive praise for their knowledge, safety focus, and enthusiasm—making the whole day not only fun but also smooth. The variety of stops, especially as they include iconic wineries like La Chiripada and Black Mesa, adds a flavorful layer to your Santa Fe trip.

On the flip side, the cost of tasting fees ($24 for all three wineries) isn’t included and can add to your expenses. This means you’ll want to budget for wine tastings separately, though the tour’s overall convenience makes it a fair deal compared to planning independently.

Highlights of the White Water Rafting and Wine Tour

• Thrilling white-water rafting on the Rio Grande, led by professional guides.
• Visit three renowned wineries in one day — Vivac, La Chiripada, Black Mesa.
• Small group experience with a maximum of 8 travelers for personalized service.
• All gear and safety briefing included at New Mexico River Adventures.
• Tote bags provided to carry your belongings and tasting souvenirs.
• Door-to-door pickup from Santa Fe enhances convenience.

What to Expect from the Tour: A Deep Dive

The Morning: Rio Grande Rafting Adventure

Your day begins early — they recommend pickup no later than 7:30 am — a solid way to maximize daylight and experience. The nice touch here is the door-to-door pickup service, which spares you the hassle of finding a meeting point.

At New Mexico River Adventures (NMRA), the staff is ready to equip you with all necessary safety gear. We loved that the facilities are clean, with convenient restrooms and changing rooms—important details when you’re playing dress-up in wetsuits and paddling gear.

Once suited up, your professional guide takes you through a safety briefing before launching into the river. The rafting itself lasts about three hours and challenges you with the Rio Grande’s most popular sections. The appeal here is not just the adrenaline but the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valley. One reviewer enthusiastically called their guide “Adrian,” noting she “really knew what she was doing and made sure everyone had a fun time.”

For many travelers—especially those new to white-water rafting—the combination of thrills and safety reassurance makes this a memorable part of the day. While the original reviews highlight the fun and expertise of guides like Cindy and Adrian, most emphasize the focused safety awareness and welcoming atmosphere.

The Afternoon: Wine Tasting with a Twist

Post-river, it’s time for lunch and relaxation. The itinerary has a visit to Vivac Winery, which is more than just a tasting stop — it’s an opportunity to savor local wines paired with a meal. Since admission to tastings is not included, budgeting an additional $24 for all three wineries helps keep your expectations realistic without surprise expenses.

You’ll explore three wineries: Vivac, La Chiripada, and Black Mesa. Each offers something unique—Black Mesa is known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious snacks, making it perfect for unwinding after the morning’s adventure.

Authentic and Well-Organized

The guided tours at each winery emphasize expertise and local charm, with vintners enthusiastic about their products and happy to share their stories. Reviews highlight knowledgeable staff, which makes for not only tastings but also educational and authentic experiences. Many find that visiting multiple wineries creates a nicely paced, full day of indulgence and exploration.

Comparing Value and Cost

While the $289.10 price point might seem steep on paper, it covers several significant components: full-day logistics, professional rafting guides, gear, bottles, and transport. The tasting fees are separate but manageable, allowing for a flexible experience. Compared to booking each activity separately—especially if you factor in transportation and guide services—the tour offers good value for convenience and cost-saving.

Why Travelers Recommend It

Reviews consistently mention the skillful guides and fun, safe environment. One reviewer noted, “The staff was fun and very cognizant of safety,” highlighting the importance of this on an activity involving rapids. Others enjoyed the variety of experience, emphasizing how the itinerary balances exhilaration with relaxation.

Logistics and Practical Tips

• Schedule and Duration: Expect about 9 hours, including transportation, rafting, and winery visits, leaving plenty of time for intros and exits.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour remains intimate, ensuring personal attention.
• Weather: The experience is weather-dependent—a poor forecast might mean rescheduling or refund.
• What to Bring: Pack a change of clothes for after rafting, waterproof gear, sunscreen, and perhaps an extra layer for wine tastings.
• Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and the tour runs daily from early morning through late evening, fitting most schedules.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This adventure is ideal for travellers seeking a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s perfect if you want to try white-water rafting with an expert guide, then unwind at some of the best wineries Santa Fe has to offer. Because of the small-group size, people who appreciate personalized attention and a more intimate experience** will likely find this especially enjoyable.

It’s also well-suited for adventurous first-timers willing to try rafting and who enjoy wine tasting without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. But keep in mind, if standing on a boat’s edge isn’t your thing, or if you aren’t comfortable with active pursuits, this might not be your best choice.

Final Thoughts

For those wanting a full, engaging day in Santa Fe combining white-water excitement with wine indulgence, this tour offers an impressive package. The expert guides, well-chosen wineries, and organized logistics make it convenient and enjoyable. While the price might seem steep at first glance, the experience’s quality and variety justify it—especially for travelers craving diversity and authentic local flavors.

The combination of adventure and taste makes this tour a memorable highlight, particularly if you’re eager to see a different side of Santa Fe’s outdoorsy culture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a unique way to explore, this tour provides a uniquely satisfying way to spend a day in northern New Mexico.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
Many reviews mention their younger family members, like a 17-year-old, having a great time. The guide staff is safety-focused and aware of different ages, so if your kids are comfortable with active adventures, they likely will enjoy this trip.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers activities like transportation, all necessary rafting gear, safety instructions, and guided visits to three wineries. However, tasting fees—$24 for all three—are payable separately.

Can I participate if I’ve never been rafting before?
Absolutely. Many reviews emphasize the guides’ professionalism and safety awareness. First-timers report feeling well taken care of and having a blast.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a change of clothes for after rafting, sunscreen, water, and maybe a snack if you’re hungry. The tote bags provided will carry your belongings during tastings.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, since outdoor activities are involved. If weather cancels the experience, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
About nine hours, including pickup, rafting, winery visits, and lunch. It’s a full but well-paced day.

Does the tour accommodate mobility concerns?
While specific accessibility info isn’t provided, service animals are allowed, and facilities at NMRA are clean and equipped. Confirm with the provider if mobility assistance is needed.

To sum it up, the White Water Rafting and Wine Tour offers a well-rounded adventure—perfect for travelers who want a lively outdoor experience paired with the relaxing pleasure of local wines. With knowledgeable guides, a small-group setting, and visits to top wineries, it strikes a nice balance between thrill and chill, making it a solid choice for a fun and memorable day in Santa Fe.