Historical Beer and Food Celebration merges past and brews
At the heart of New Mexico's vibrant brewing culture lies the Santa Fe Beer and Food Festival, an annual event held on the grounds of El Rancho de las Golondrinas, an outdoor living history museum [1]. This unique festival offers more than just a celebration of craft beer; it provides a hands-on, educational experience that takes visitors from the hop fields to their favourite pint [2].
The festival's location, El Rancho de las Golondrinas, is a 500-acre property with 34 historic buildings and over 100 volunteer interpreters, offering a glimpse into the region's rich colonial and agricultural history [3]. As part of the festival, visitors can participate in the hop harvest, gaining insights into the brewing process [2].
Three distinct types of hops - CTZ, Chinook, and Sterling - are grown on the property, some of which are used to create a brew in collaboration with Beer Creek Brewing called Golondrinas Gold "La Vieja," a Dusseldorf altbier [4]. In addition, the museum staff and brewpub have worked together on various variations in recent years, and Beer Creek utilizes the rest of the Las Golondrinas hops in some of their other recipes [5].
The festival features 11 New Mexico breweries, offering attendees a chance to sample a wide range of local brews. Each ticket includes five samples from the participating breweries [6]. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, a VIP ticket is available, offering special access, little appetizers, and even air-conditioned spaces [7].
Beyond the beer, the festival offers a variety of vendors, including artisan gifts, treats, art, and food-based vendors [5]. Visitors can also enjoy live music and artisan vendors, adding to the festival's cultural ambiance [1].
It's important to note that alcohol can only be carried in designated areas, and self-guided tours are available during festival days, although guided tours are not offered [3]. El Rancho de las Golondrinas aims to provide a unique learning experience by taking history out of locked cases and allowing guests to interact with it [8].
In essence, the Santa Fe Beer and Food Festival offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the region's history and brewing culture, all while enjoying local craft beers and food in a beautiful, historic setting.
[1] https://www.santafenewmexican.com/entertainment/arts_and_entertainment/santa-fe-beer-and-food-festival-celebrates-new-mexico-s-brewing-culture/article_6e7b7b5e-298c-556a-a8f4-c8834886b63d.html [2] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/santa-fe-beer-festival-nm/ [3] https://www.santafenewmexican.com/entertainment/arts_and_entertainment/santa-fe-beer-and-food-festival-celebrates-new-mexico-s-brewing-culture/article_6e7b7b5e-298c-556a-a8f4-c8834886b63d.html [4] https://www.beercreekbrewing.com/golondrinas-gold-la-vieja-dusseldorf-altbier [5] https://www.santafenewmexican.com/entertainment/arts_and_entertainment/santa-fe-beer-and-food-festival-celebrates-new-mexico-s-brewing-culture/article_6e7b7b5e-298c-556a-a8f4-c8834886b63d.html [6] https://www.santafenewmexican.com/entertainment/arts_and_entertainment/santa-fe-beer-and-food-festival-celebrates-new-mexico-s-brewing-culture/article_6e7b7b5e-298c-556a-a8f4-c8834886b63d.html [7] https://www.santafenewmexican.com/entertainment/arts_and_entertainment/santa-fe-beer-and-food-festival-celebrates-new-mexico-s-brewing-culture/article_6e7b7b5e-298c-556a-a8f4-c8834886b63d.html [8] https://www.elranchode lasgolondrinas.org/about/mission-and-vision/
The Santa Fe Beer and Food Festival, held annually at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, offers a food-and-drink focused lifestyle experience that extends beyond craft beer, delivering a hands-on education from hop fields to favorite pints. Additionally, home-and-garden enthusiasts can explore the 500-acre property's 34 historic buildings and over 100 volunteer interpreters, gaining insights into New Mexico's rich colonial and agricultural history.
