Enjoy a cold one: WinterBrew showcases 16 New Mexico breweries

When the temperature drops, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market transforms into a New Mexico craft beer wonderland named WinterBrew.

The cozy space will host 16 breweries from around the state that will introduce eventgoers to new releases or tried and true favorites during WinterBrew 2024 from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, 1607 Paseo de Peralta in Santa Fe. VIP ticket holders will be allowed early entry at 5 p.m.

“For those that have been to WinterBrew in the past, I’m sure that they know that it gets very crowded towards the end so sometimes if you want to avoid that crowd, get that extra hour, get that VIP ticket,” said Ebbie Edmonston, executive director of the New Mexico Brewers Guild. “It’s a little bit more mellow, you have that one-on-one time with the brewers, and sometimes the brewers bring special beers just for that hour.”

Breweries are selected to participate in the event using a lottery system, with Santa Fe breweries getting first dibs.

Enjoy a cold one: WinterBrew showcases 16 New Mexico breweries

“One of the things that we did, for the first time I believe, is since this is a Santa Fe event, Santa Fe breweries get priority,” Edmonston said. “They’re basically guaranteed entry if they want to participate.”

City Different breweries that are part of event are Beer Creek Brewing Company, Rowley Farmhouse Ales, Santa Fe Brewing Co., Second Street Brewery and Tumbleroot Brewery. Other participants include Albuquerque’s Bosque Brewing Co., Canteen Brewhouse, La Cumbre Brewing Co., Marble Brewery, Sidetrack Brewing Co., Sunday Service Motor Co. and Thirsty Eye Brewery; Corrales’ Ex Novo Brewing Co.; Los Alamos’ Bathtub Row Brewing Co-Op; Red Rivers’ Red River Brewing Co.; and Ruidoso’s Downshift Brewing.

The capacity for the venue is 600 people and the event usually sells out. Tickets are $45 VIP, $35 general admission, and $10 designated driver, plus fees, at eventbrite.com. VIP and GA tickets include 16 samples, one free pint fill of your choice, and a commemorative pint glass.

“We will have a few tickets at the door, but it’s completely based on how many people are inside,” Edmonston said. “I will say the VIP tickets are half sold out. If you can’t get VIP, there will be GA tickets.”

Next up for the New Mexico Brewers Guild is the 2024 Stout Invitational that will be held on March 2 at Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op, 163 Central Park Square in Los Alamos.

“Currently, we’re a little too far out to do a brewery lineup for that,” Edmonston said. “But just in case you don’t make it to WinterBrew, and maybe stouts are your jam, that may be one to keep on the horizon.”