Whitewater and Wine Tasting Day Trip

River

Rio Grande

Duration

Full Day

Minimum Age 21

Meals

yes

Price

Starts at $275

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About the trip

This is the perfect combination of adventure and culture for the wine enthusiast in Northern New Mexico. We have specially curated this trip for those guests that want a completely, all inclusive experience. From the time we pick you up until we drop you off in the afternoon, everything is taken care of including but not limited to your rafting trip with complimentary photos, all tasting fees, and a delicious lunch. Come let us take care of you for an incredible day in Northern New Mexico!

Trip Highlights

Custom pick up and drop off in Santa Fe
Enjoy the famous class 2-3 rapids of the Racecourse
Award winning wine tastings
Delicious lunch preparred at the winery

Where to Meet

This trip meets at our private, Rio Grande Headquarters which is conveniently located 1 hour north of Santa Fe and 30 min. south of Taos. Our fully stocked Headquarters and Outfitters Shop is in the heart of the Rio Grande Gorge right across the street from the river, less than 1 mile from the finishing point of the most popular trips and offers safe, secure parking in our private parking lot.

For directions to our Rio Grande Headquarters click here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Whitewater and Wine Tasting Day Trip?
This all-inclusive experience includes a guided Racecourse rafting trip, a full photo package, wine tasting fees, lunch at a winery, chilled bottled water, a preselected bottle of wine with lunch, and world-class guides. Gratuity and additional wine purchases are not included.

Do I need rafting experience for this trip?
No rafting experience is required. The rafting portion takes place on the Racecourse section of the Rio Grande, a Class II–III trip that works well for first-time rafters and guests who want an approachable whitewater experience.

How many wineries do you visit?
Guests typically visit 2–3 local wineries after the rafting portion of the trip. The afternoon includes wine tastings, time to purchase wines, and a relaxed tour through New Mexico wine country.

Do you have to be 21 for the wine tasting trip?
Yes, guests must be at least 21 years old and bring a valid ID to participate in the wine tasting portion of the trip.

What happens after the rafting portion of the trip?
After the half-day rafting adventure, guests return to NMRA’s headquarters with time to change and freshen up. Then the trip continues to local wineries for wine tastings, lunch, and a scenic afternoon in New Mexico wine country.

Do I need to know how to swim?
It is recommended but not mandatory that guests know how to swim. All guests are given Type V, US Coast Guard approved flotation devices designed to float you high in the water. For Class III and above sections on the Rio Grande, guests are also issued a helmet.

What do I need to wear?
Wear clothing appropriate for rafting and changing weather conditions. NMRA provides packing lists by trip type, and guests should be prepared for cooler weather during March through May. Bring clothes you can get wet in and a dry change of clothes for after rafting.

Can I bring my dog?
No, pets are not allowed on river trips. Guests are asked to leave pets at home before heading to NMRA’s headquarters.

Can I leave my dog with you?
No, NMRA does not have a secure area to keep dogs at headquarters. Temperatures can get extremely hot during the season, so pets may not be left in vehicles. Guests are asked to leave pets at home before the trip.

REVIEWS

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Start

Your day will start off with your Trip Leader picking you up from your hotel, home or where ever. Traveling into the Rio Grande River Valley toward New Mexico River Adventures’ Headquarters, where we will begin the half day river rafting adventure. Upon arrival at New Mexico River Adventure’s Headquarters, you will meet your guides who will outfit you with all the gear necessary for the morning on the river. At the Headquarters, you’ll find clean restrooms, changing rooms, shaded picnic tables on our patio rooms and any last minute items you might have forgotten including sunscreen, water shoes, hats and much more. Then it’s off to the river to challenge the Rio Grande’s most popular section of whitewater, The Racecourse.

The Trip

The Rio Grande Racecourse is the perfect trip for first timers or those whitewater enthusiasts who only have a limited amount of time available. It is class II-III (IV at high water) and absolutely perfect for everyone. When the water levels are especially high (usually in late May and June), we do raise the minimum age as this section grows into an extremely fun and continuous section of class III and IV whitewater. Please call if you have any questions about water levels or our minimum ages for any of our trips. We’ll tackle rapids with names like The Maze, Eye of the Needle, Big Rock and the infamous Souse Hole. The Racecourse is a great trip and it’s located a mere mile away from our headquarters. If you are looking for a memorable addition to your vacation in Northern New Mexico, stop by our headquarters or reserve your space for this wonderful whitewater rafting experience.

Our guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority. All are extremely knowledgeable about the area’s geology, ecology and history and just love being on the river. Many have experience on rivers all over the country and across the globe. I know you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do and they will certainly help to make your day on the river the best possible.

The Wine

After your half-day river adventure, at our Headquarters, you will have a little time to change and freshen up. Then off we go for a wonderful lunch and wine tasting experience at some of New Mexico’s wonderful wineries in New Mexico’s wine country! Relax in comfort, during a delightful afternoon of wine tasting, as we take you for a fun-filled scenic tour of local wineries & attractions. We’ll visit 2-3 wineries, where you will have the opportunity to taste & purchase wines. Along the way, we just might stop at a scenic vista or out of the way attraction so our guests can enjoy the natural beauty of New Mexico. After our visits to the local wineries, you will be returned to your hotel in time for dinner reservations.

Details

Morning trip pick-up will depart from Santa Fe & all surrounding resorts at 7:15 AM. Trips starting in and close to Taos will pick up and depart at 7:45 AM. Taos Ski Valley pick-up time is 7:15 AM.

The rafting trip usually wraps up between 11:15 and 11:45 am then off to wine tasting and lunch.
(We welcome groups up to 13 people per van at this time. With advance notice larger groups up to 26 passengers.)

What is included

Door to door service!
Rafting trip including a full photo package of your rafting trip
All Transportation, pick up/drop off in Taos or Santa Fe, and all surrounding resorts (Buffalo Thunder, Bishops Lodge, Taos Ski Valley, etc.)
A delicious lunch will be served at one of the wineries and chilled bottled water to drink. We will also provide a preselected bottle of wine with your lunch. You are welcome to purchase a different selection if you would like.
All Wine Tasting Fees
World-class Guides

Not included

Gratuity for your Trip Leader (15-20% Recommended)
Any wine purchases beyond the scheduled tasting

Reservations for this trip are only available on a custom basis and prices vary depending on group size. Please call us for more information 505-983-7756. You must be 21 and have ID to taste wine!

Gallery