Pairing Cannabis with NM Cuisine (Wine & Chile Fiesta)

The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta 

For the last 30 years, the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta has welcomed foodies and wine lovers from across the state and the country to celebrate Santa Fe’s rich culinary traditions. 

Years ago, the Fiesta was a one-day gathering in a parking lot. In 2026, it offers five full days of pairings, educational seminars, explorations of local businesses, and delicious dinners. Over 65 restaurants and 90 wineries are participating in this year’s Fiesta. Come for the whole week to soak in every opportunity, or cherry-pick the events that stand out to you. 

Settled in the mid-17th century, Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the country, with a vibrant arts scene, rich history, and stunning architecture unlike anywhere else in the US. Our culinary traditions blend Spanish cuisine, Mexican dishes, and regional flair. Our wineries grow grapes that thrive at high elevations in dry climates. 

The result is world-class pairings with a regional flair you won’t find elsewhere. 

Pairing Cannabis with Iconic New Mexican Dishes 

Pairing cannabis with food is a lot like pairing wine and food. Cannabis contains terpenes, aromatic compounds that give each strain a unique flavor profile. When pairing flower with food, it works best when you match terpenes with the ingredients on your plate. Of course, it all depends on your personal taste, and you should play with your pairings to find what you enjoy most. 

Here are some suggestions to explore:

Green Chile 

New Mexico’s most iconic ingredient, green chile is a centerpiece of the Santa Fe Fiesta. Whether it’s roasted and chopped, stuffed with cheese, or covering a hearty burrito, green chile is at the heart of many dishes.

Green chile needs a strain that can match its power, so look for a strain with a robust flavor profile. Strains with earthy, hop-forward flavor profiles, similar to a malty beer, would pair well with green chile. Alternatively, you could try a light, fruity strain that floats above the pungent pepper.

Strains at Verdes:

• Earthy, hop-forward: Ringo’s Gift, with a strong aroma of musky earth, herbs, and clove. 

• Light and fruity: Ice Cream Sundae, mixing notes of creamy vanilla with sour citrus. 

Chile Rellenos 

These cheese-stuffed green chiles are a staple on Santa Fe menus. The Wine & Chile Fiesta is the perfect time to treat your taste buds to this classic dish. 

Chile Rellenos are both cheesy and fried, making them quite rich. A good cannabis pairing would bring a little lightness to the dish and your palate. Look for bright strains with notes of lemon or lime. 

Strains at Verdes:

• Bright and lemony:  Miami Mami, with notes of zesty citrus fruits and a floral undertone. 

Chilaquiles 

This iconic Mexican combination of tortillas, chile sauce, and eggs is a New Mexico favorite. Since this is typically a breakfast dish, look for a strain that complements the flavor and also keeps your day going. 

Chilaquiles can be spicy, so pair them with a bright, fruity strain, or choose one that matches the dish’s pungency and smokiness. 

Strains at Verdes: 

• Light and fruity: Mad Dog, with notes of candied orange and bright citrus 

• Dank and heavy: Cream & Cheese, with a complex aroma of skunk, musky cheese and a pop of creamy fruit. 

Carne Adovada 

A traditional New Mexican dish, carne adovada is slow-braised pork cooked in a vibrant red chile sauce. It’s rich and spicy, and needs a strain that matches its intensity. You could lean into the depth of flavor with an intensely aromatic strain, or try something that provides a pleasant contrast with notes of ripe berries. 

Strains at Verdes:

• Rich and aromatic: Florida Wedding Cake, with a complex nose of pepper, spice, and cloves

• Bright and berry-forward: June Plum, with notes of ripe plums and rich earthy notes 

Tacos 

With tacos, a cannabis pairing depends on the meat and sauce you’re enjoying. Complementing a pulled chicken taco with avocado crema is very different from matching a barbacoa taco with green sauce. 

Explore playing the aromas and flavors of tacos and terpenes against each other. For lighter tacos, a strain with skunk and fuel notes could be interesting. For barbacoa or carnitas tacos, try something with earthy, fruity notes. 

Strains at Verdes: 

• Dank and gassy: Gas Nana, with notes of funky diesel and a pop of creamy banana
• Earthy and fruity: Mellowz, with citrus notes and a rich, hoppy earthiness