Jenny's View

Wine & Chile Fiesta

Dear Friends,

Whether it’s red or green, Santa Fe’s culinary scene is all about chile all year long, but during the month of September, this tradition particularly shines.  Nearly every marketplace in town features fresh Hatch chile roasting, burning and churning my favorite scent of the season. You’d be hard pressed to find a Santa Fean who doesn’t love Santa Fe’s signature incense!

It's the first warning that winter is on the way and a reminder that we need to soak up the last of the warm days before autumn officially kicks in. There’s no better way to close out an amazing summer season than the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta, now in its 33rd year. The event takes place September 24-29 and draws award-winning chefs and vintners from across the country. The lineup consists of James Beard Award winning chefs, local culinary icons, industry experts and sommeliers, serving up the perfect pairing of chile, spice and everything nice. Purchase tickets here.

At La Fonda, we’re excited to partner with the vibrant and dynamic Michael David Winery from Lodi, California. With wines like Freakshow, Inkblot and Politically Correct, there’s no shortage of quirky delight in these full-bodied flavors. Pair these wines with our Chef de Cuisine, Rafael Zamora’s curated menu and you’re in for an evening that is certain to inspire your senses. The intimate dinner gathering will be held in our historic Santa Fe Room. Seating is limited, so book soon.

This year, Santa Fe witnessed a milestone celebration as Old Man Gloom marked his 100th anniversary. The event, deeply rooted in local culture, was a spectacular tribute to the vision of artist Will Shuster, who first brought Zozobra to life in 1924. The centennial celebration was a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Zozobra, as thousands gathered to cast their worries into the flames, continuing a tradition that has united our community for a century – a tradition that was conceptualized right here at La Fonda!  We're honored to be a part of this community tradition and even purchased a Zozobra sculpture to mark the centennial year by the talented and award-winning local artist, Luis Tapia. The sculpture is currently on display in our lobby.

I know many of us at La Fonda focused our worries and well wishes on one of our dear colleagues in La Fiesta Lounge who has been recently diagnosed with a serious liver disease. Our team in the Food and Beverage Department rallied in support and even organized a fundraising dinner on her behalf. Our Chef de Cuisine volunteered his time and talents toward the event, which was sold out, and so many of our team members contributed time as well as money. It's always so heartwarming to witness our La Fonda family support one another during challenging times.

If you are in town September 7, don’t miss the opportunity to join me at the Santa Fe Conservation Trust’s annual fundraiser featuring special guest, acclaimed journalist and environmentalist Bill McKibben. We are proud to sponsor this event, taking place at the Santa Fe Railyard Farmers’ Market Pavilion. Enjoy festive food, drink, music by Eileen & the In-Betweens, and an opportunity to engage with one of the most hopeful and engaging climate thinkers.  I hope you can make it.

Salud!
Jenny

Jennifer Lea Kimball
Ambassador & Board Chairman Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza