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    Vara Winery & Distillery

    4.7 (31 reviews)
    Closed 3:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Interior
    Lori A.

    A beautiful wine bar with fantastic service. Their wines are amazing and our server made us feel special. I love the atmosphere and the lighting inside.

    Gin spin on the margarita. Very tasty.

    Super friendly staff, great cocktails and wine, nice ambiance. The pomme frites also were very tasty with an amazing sauce.

    Ben L.

    Four of us stopped in to sample the wine and have a bite. What a pleasure it was. The gentleman who served us was informative and pleasant, the wine was enjoyable as was the food and atmosphere. We purchased a couple of bottles of their brut (highly recommended) and we look forward to returning at a later time.

    Su-chun H.

    Checked out Vara Winery & Distillery after day of admiring art work at the Santa Fe Indian market. We were greeted warmly by Alex who took great care of us throughout our visit. Couldn't decide what we would like to try so we were offered several tasters before committing to our final selection. Vara carries wines made in New Mexico as well as Spain. We didn't try the distilled spirit on this try. After trying the NM sparkling brut, albarino, gadello and zingara, we decided to enjoy a bottle of sparkling brut. Once we settled on our taste of the afternoon, the crowd from other Indian market started came into the tasting room. Luckily for us, we already scored great seating location and drink in hand. There's a great tapas menu in case you want to nosh on something with your beverage. We already had something to eat previously so didn't try the food selection. Overall we really enjoyed our afternoon at Vara and would come back again next time we're in the area.

    Marcona almonds, served with honey and a spoon, along with a red wine flight
    Dan D.

    A pelting Saturday evening rain forced me into Vara Vinoteca, where I went to end the night in Santa Fe before scurrying back to my close-by hotel. Vara sells its own wines here, which its website says come from grapes grown in New Mexico and in Spain. So I tried the red wine flight, which goes Grenache, Carignane, Tempranillo, and then a better Grenache to finish. The first Grenache had no fruit and hardly any tannin, for a borderline harsh mouthfeel - I wouldn't even serve it if I were them. There was a bit more to the 2nd and 3rd selections, and fortunately the final Grenache was actually a wine with a bit of complexity. Not everything has to be a California wine. But what I can't understand are the marcona almonds I ordered, which were so sticky with dried honey that they were served with a spoon so as not to get on my hands. On top of that, they were stale. Can I trouble you for some freshness when I eat out? Why not just drizzle on the warm honey right before serving? I'm also concerned by the spirits selection where one name, Taylor Garrett, supplies more than half the menu. Surely you could add some variety here, for someone who knows what they're ordering? The people behind the bar look and talk like they're in their early 20's. Basically, I think Vara is at best a place to pregame at. Try something else first.

    Interior room
    Leah h.

    Great wine tasting room in downtown Santa Fe. Everything closes early on Sunday and this was open until 9pm. Great wine and small bites to select from. This place has great ambiance and is also reasonably priced.

    LaLa G.

    Stopped in while I was in town for business, and so glad I did. It was on a Friday early afternoon around 2:30pm, I was the only one in for a while then some more people trickled in. I was glad to enjoy the place all to myself for a while and get some fun pics. The location is fabulous, walking distance to The Lensic and the plaza. My server was Ashley and she was absolutely personable and vivacious! We hit it off immediately and she made the experience extra special. The interior design and layout of seating is so nice! The food, drinks, and cocktails are delicious and memorable. I had the STUFFED PIQUILLO PEPPERS, they had whipped artisanal goat cheese, arugula, and Spanish sherry dressing. I also had the GAMBAS PICSNTES, which is grilled shrimp, roasted tomato salsa, sweet bell pepper salsa, on grilled bread. I enjoyed a delicious glass of Tempranillo... my fav red wine! Everything was phenomenal! I'll definitely be back!

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    3 months ago

    Lovely selections of wine with cocktail and mocktail options! Very enjoyable and knowledgeable server. Sweet environment as well.

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    7 months ago

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    10 months ago

    Service and ambiance was nice. The staff was very friendly and the wines and tapas were tasty!

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    2 years ago

    LOVE this wine bar! Great service, nice selection of tapas, and delicious wines. What more could you ask for!

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    4 years ago

    Great place to gather with friends. Great wine, cocktails and tapas. Wonderful staff.

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    3 years ago

    Wonderful drinks and great tapas! The chef, bartender and waitstaff are extremely helpful and friendly. Love this place.

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    4 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Vara Winery & Distillery

    I know the Albuquerque one is, but is the Santa Fe location pet friendly as well?

    There's a large patio, and I would for sure think it would be pet friendly, but I don't know for sure.

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    Review Highlights - Vara Winery & Distillery

    After trying the NM sparkling brut, albarino, gadello and zingara, we decided to enjoy a bottle of sparkling brut.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Secreto Lounge

    Secreto Lounge

    3.5
    (220 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    The drinks here were solid. But the service started out terrible, so not sure I would return. I…read morewould more likely go to Tonic (reviewed separately) for cocktails. When I arrived, I originally wanted to visit the restaurant, which was closed for the week due to a family emergency. So I presented to the open seating bar. Was ignored a long time. Got up to go to the bar and someone else stole my table. Took a long time to be acknowledged by the bar tender and finally made an order. Took quite a while to get it. Things got better when a bar seat opened up and I moved to the bar. But keep in mind, a different bar tender pretty much took over and kept my drinks flowing. That first bar tender could not hang, demonstrating poor time management skills and appeared to be moving slowly. The second bar tender, I think his name is Hector, really turned things around for me. I visited Secreto (another hotel based outfit, in the Hotel St. Francis) because they are supposed to be a "cocktail experience," boasting "garden to glass" cocktails. Dark wood and southwestern palate for decor. I had: Smoked sage margarita: flagship drink, smoked washed premium margarita (super herbal) Ghost ranch reverie: Tequila with peach, apricot shrub, lemon, seltzer, smoked rosemary (light, not too sweet, an "homage to the passionate artists of the southwest) Madonna of the Mesa: tequila blanco, pomegranate, mouth herbs, lemon, rose water (soft and balanced) Secret garden: basil infused gin gimlet with lime and chomilre infused honey. "Botanical crispiness meets honeyed serenity." I liked the basil, but the honey wasn't my thing. But a good cocktail. Again, drinks were good. On a Thursday afternoon, it was initially crowded and the initial service was terrible. But Hector saved the day.

    We thoroughly enjoyed spending an hour here prior to dinner…read more 'The cocktails were inventive (lots of smoke and infusions) and the surroundings were pleasant. We sat on the veranda out front and it was the perfect spot for watching the world go by. Recommended cocktails; Smoked Sage Margarita, Secret Garden and the Secreto Old Fashioned.

    Photos
    Secreto Lounge
    Signage
    Signage
    Secreto Lounge

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    Milk of the Poppy

    Milk of the Poppy

    3.7
    (13 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Definitely the best bar we visited in Santa Fe…read more When we arrived there was still seating at the bar so we promptly sat ourselves there. We ordered a charcuterie and cheese board which was much larger than expected and had plenty of local options. I started with a See You At Dusk, which was a combo of Melleti, souchu, balasmic, ginger and walnut. I found it to be a very flavorful drink that paired well with the board. I next tried a Bywater which was rum, falernum, genepy and Averna. It was a very deep and rich cocktail which I also enjoyed. The bartender was very friendly and offered us small samples of a few unusual items they stock. Overall a very fun experience.

    I close my eyes and I imagine the scene- that last tasting session before approving this menu. When…read moreR.R. Martin insisted the Dark Winds cocktail integrate even more beets- so many beets that the mezcal itself was stifled like a flame under shovelfuls of fecund loam and that homey odor of fresh earth itself somehow overpowering a smoke-scented spirit- when this titan of imagination demanded more beet! in his signature drink, did he bang his closed fist against the table in passion? Did tears of certainty spark his eyes as he sat under those moody lights, standing firm that yes So Long, See You Tomorrow needs not one or two but three different types of sesame- what did he feel? What did intend to bankroll? And the sickest joke of all- the Bellow's Breath- a bone broth mocktail like some crystal cup of soup. Was that beverage intended to pogo stick my friend off the proverbial wagon into the depths of glugging Long Island ice teas just to feel something familiar again? Because it did. And my heart aches for that friend but I too would lose my mind if I were to stare into such a void and see whatever it is that stares back. Was this menu the vision of a team- a baffling Frankenweenie invented by committee- or the secret wish of one troubled mind? I see it all so clearly and yet I can't help but doubt my own memory. That many beets on such an expensive cocktail menu? Who salts blueberries? This total disregard for the green chile cult that runs this city like a delicious cabal? Had no drink technician ever walked from front door to car, inhaled the piñon perfumed air outside and thought, I can do something with that. I don't know what happened and I don't think I ever will but I know I did not like it. Also the bartenders were vacant and so confused that human beings wanted to order cocktails in a cocktail bar.

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    Devils on Horseback
    Devils on Horseback
    Food 3/11/26

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    Food 3/11/26
    The Dragon Room Bar

    The Dragon Room Bar

    4.0
    (102 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    The Dragon Room Bar was truly memorable. Although there's no reservation for an impromptu birthday…read moregathering of 8, we found a large round table not long after we arrived. We had been few years back for our anniversary and ever since then we had wanted to go back. The waiter did his best to gather extra chairs and we were able to all fit at the round table. To my amazement, we had found a spot for the night to celebrate my birthday. The waiter asked what we had wanted to start with besides water for everyone. We got a bottle of red wine started and some margaritas along with a manhattan. Then afterwards couple of fish tacos and some carne asada arrived. We had great drinks and tasty food. Everything is delicious and so much great fun vibes. A definite memorable birthday to remember at this small but fantastic bar. Here's to coming back to the Dragon Room bar sooner.

    What a lovely hidden gem in Santa Fe! My boyfriend and I checked this place out on a quiet Sunday…read morenight & loved the ambience and decor. Every touch is well thought-out and beautiful! We were surprised to learn the bar has been closed a few months for renovations, and we are some of the first to wander in before their soft re-opening Tuesday (5/5). Our bartender was very kind & attentive, and the cocktails were wonderful! Will definitely be coming back next time we're in town!

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    The Dragon Room Bar
    Chuhily glass sculpture hanging from ceiling

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    Chuhily glass sculpture hanging from ceiling
    Sazon

    Sazon

    4.4
    (815 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$$

    Another pretty great find…read more.. An unforgettable dining experience at Sazón in Santa Fe with the legendary Chef Fernando Olea, a James Beard Award winner. Meeting the chef made the evening even more special! We enjoyed the incredible Pulpo, the famous Sopa de Amor, crispy Pork Belly, the unforgettable Enmolado de Pato (Muscovy duck with sweet potatoes and Chef Olea's signature mole), and ended with the iconic Dulce Sinfonía dessert. Every dish was a masterpiece of flavor, artistry, and passion. If you're visiting Santa Fe, Sazón belongs at the top of your list. Wonderful Ambiance! Must be dressed at least business casual. #SazonSantaFe #ChefFernandoOlea #SantaFe #JamesBeard #FineDining #Foodie #PrettyGreatFinds

    We had a lovely meal here with friends. The decor gives off Mexico and New Mexico vibes…read more The moles are definitely the star of the show, It would be nice if they could be bottled up to be taken home, which apparently they did at one point in time. The service was good after we got settled in, our waiter was attentive and the chef stopped by several time to check-in on us. My husband loved the pork dishes he tried, including the pork belly and the pork with your choice of mole. I agree that they did a nice job with the pork. The Azteca (yellow fin tuna crudite) was tasty, but a bit saucy and a little too salty. The Soup de Amor is a must get! And if you are a fan of tequila, they do flights with sangrita. I read a review that this place would benefit from having a set tasting menu, and I am in agreement. But for now the option is to share multiple dishes if there is a larger group.

    Photos
    Incredible setting
    Incredible setting
    Lamb with Mole Selection
    Lamb with Mole Selection
    Avocado ice cream w/beet sauce

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    Avocado ice cream w/beet sauce
    Tonic

    Tonic

    3.4
    (126 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    I had two cocktail bars on my "must visit" list for Santa Fe. One was Secreto, the other was…read moreTonic. I reviewed Secreto separately. And while their cocktails were good, the service was lackluster and it was loud and crowded. Granted I visited Tonic a little later in the evening, but it was low lit, quiet, not crowded, and playing jazz. The bartender was SUPER attentive, but in a positive way. He really seemed to care that we were comfortable. In fact, most of the negative reviews complain that it was low lit and quiet and only one bartender. I found these things the most attractive. They focus on craft cocktails with seasonal ingredients. I visited late in the night after other stops at Secreto and Coyote Cafe, so I was flagging a bit. I can't even remember what I ordered, but both cocktails were great. Very herbal and complex. They have herbal cocktails, savory cocktails, spicy too. I also love how some of their cocktails have little romance novels or stories to go along with them as a way to describe their flavors/mood.

    We didn't even get the chance to sit down or spend our money here. We showed up with a party of 9…read moreand were stopped at the door before we could even step inside. A staff member asked our group size, said she needed to check with the bartender, and then a male employee came up and said he was the bartender. He told us they couldn't accommodate a party of nine and also refused to let us split into smaller groups. The way it was handled made it worse--he was condescending and hit us with, "I don't make the rules, I just enforce them," with zero effort to offer alternatives or show any basic customer service. I've never experienced a place turn away a group that's clearly ready to spend money, especially on drinks. Turning away out-of-town guests like that without even trying to work with us is a pretty bad look. Definitely not a great first impression.

    Photos
    Margarita
    Margarita
    Gin drink
    Gin drink
    Tonic

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    Hervé

    Hervé

    4.4
    (450 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Casual dining

    WOW. Wine here is AWESOMENESS!…read more Yelp friends ... Armando Rosales is the friendliest bartender I've met in a long while He's from Espanola so he's super down to Earth ! (Future manager I think) He let me sample some great wines 1) Signature Canyon Five ~ fruity. Unique 2) Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon ~ AMAZING ! I ordered number 2 to pair with my (incredible) FRENCH ONION SOUP If you have that on your menu I have to try it but this was truly exceptional ! Following that I had the New York Strip. Medium rare. GREAT but I did ask for a side of Green Chile. And Garlic Aioli for the potatoes Nicely cooked but I added some salt and chile to make it pop my taste buds. YES. I would order it again the same way The Pork Chop looked great as well Desert was also very good. Truffles and Port wine ...I love Port wine (Spicy chocolate truffles with lovely RED CHILE in them) I think I'd give these guys 6 stars of if I could because Armando was so cool toward me !

    This wine bar was just ok. When visiting Santa Fe in the summertime, we stopped in for some quick…read morebites and a bit of wine tasting. The wine was not cold. We ordered flights of white and none of them were cold enough. I understand if they had been reds, but on a hot summer day, one just craves a cold glass of wine and/or bubbly. Once we were done tasting our wines and the food arrived, we had to ask a couple of times/people to remove the large glasses and apparatus they rested in from our table since there wasn't room for everything. The hummus and pita with hot honey and feta was pretty good, and our son loved his pasta dish from the kids menu, but that was the extent of the magic here. The paninis the rest of our party ordered were again, just ok. When I went to the restroom I was appalled. There was some really gross stuff sticking to the wall next to the toilet; I couldn't tell if it was barf or poop, but it really turned me off. Good thing we were already on our way out. The atmosphere is kind of a New Orleans vibe with a high ceiling and covered terrace upstairs with plants that you can see from the downstairs area. That was nice. The day before when I was walking around the Plaza, they had a big carafe of fruit-infused ice water outside the restaurant with plastic cups for people to help themselves to, and it was super refreshing. That was the best thing about this place.

    Photos
    Bruschetta
    Bruschetta
    Bacon-Wrapped Dates
    Bacon-Wrapped Dates
    Hervé Board

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    Hervé Board
    The Matador

    The Matador

    4.0
    (162 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $
    Full bar
    Locally owned & operated

    I was in Santa Fe for a ridiculously niche lawyers conference and wandered into El Matador on a…read morerandom Thursday night. Then I came back Friday. And Saturday. Not because of the drinks. Not because of the atmosphere. Not because of the location. Because of Katya. Katya is not my favorite bartender. She is my favorite human being. I've spent enough time in bars to know when someone is good at their job. Katya operates on an entirely different level. She can take what feels like sixteen orders at once, remember every single one, deliver them with absolute precision, keep the entire room moving, somehow do the math in her head, and still make every customer feel like they're the only person sitting at the bar. The basement bar itself is exactly what a great dive should be; a shithole. Heavy hobo stab vibes upon entry, including Katya. Smell: multiple buttholes farting at once. Climate control: sweaty patron dependent. Lighting: liability. TV: playing a rotation of trash 80s DVDs . If business schools were smart, they'd study her. If hospitality groups were smart, they'd clone her. If Santa Fe has any sense at all, they'll do whatever it takes to keep her exactly where she is. Cash only, so come prepared. And bring plenty of it, because she deserves every penny. Katya must be protected at all costs.

    Kind of a grungy, punk, divey vibe. Not exactly my thing, but where that feels unique to me this is…read morethe kind of place to remind yourself it takes all kinds. A busy setting and top candidate for beginning or ending your Santa Fe drunk parade. That is to say, it is fun. It is not refined. But it clearly does not want to be. :)

    Photos
    Bathroom wall
    Bathroom wall
    The Matador
    Entrance to the bar

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    Entrance to the bar

    Vara Winery & Distillery - winetastingroom - Updated July 2026

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