The Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s principle wine region, used to be a whisper amongst the most dedicated of wine connoisseurs, with some likening it to “The Napa Valley of Mexico.” Not anymore.

And there is no better way to celebrate the downright fabulous Mexican wines than through the Fiestas de la Vendimia, or annual harvest festivals. Three weeks of wine, food, music, activities all geared towards one thing – indulge and indulge some more! And hey, this isn’t just us saying it; The Guardian, The Independent, Sunset Magazine, amongst countless others all agree: get here now!

Responsible for 90% of Mexico’s wine production, the Valle de Guadalupe is just 1.5 hours south of San Diego, California. Nestled in the hills just outside of the deep container seaport in Ensenada, the Valle is home to 3 million hectares of vineyards that annually produce 2 million boxes of grapes and receives over 750,000 wine tourists a year. Though not a whisper anymore, the region still carries an air of being undiscovered with its dirt roads and the occasional tractor slowing traffic on the highway.

It’s no wonder business professionals and Mexico manufacturing executives all of a sudden feel the need to review their maquiladora operations in the northern border cities during July and August. We have a feeling it’s so they can squeeze in a day trip. Speaking of, if you aren’t manufacturing here yet, you could schedule one of CPI’s no cost, no obligation famous Baja Manufacturing Tours and stay an extra day to zip down the beautiful and well-maintained coast highway 1 to “The Valle.” It’s okay, we won’t tell.

There are so many events throughout the three weeks of celebrating harvest (you can see the full calendar here). We’ve curated the top four events that will allow you to dive right into the glory that is Mexican wine.

Muestra del Vino

Friday, August 2nd from 7pm – 11pm

At Centro Cultural Riviera de Ensenada

Facebook event page:https://www.facebook.com/events/2625541777479653/
Tickets: $800 pesos (around $44 dollars)
Buy Tickets:https://muestra-del-vino.boletia.com/
Why you should go: Wine! Wine! ALL THE WINE! Over 120 Mexican wines from 62 wineries will be available for tastings. The Muestra del Vino is almost the obligatory stop for wine enthusiasts looking to expand their palate and delight their senses with the bounty that is Mexican wine. Over 50 regional restaurants will also give you a perfect gastronomical tour of the famed Baja-Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to the wine and food there will also be 5 stages of music for the evening. Ages 18+. (Note, it is common lore that the margarita was invented at the Riviera!)

Asi se va a las Estrellas

Friday, August 9th from 6:30pm – 11pm
At Finca La Carrodilla 

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/465264294262354/
Tickets: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling +52 1 646-156-8052
Why you should go: With only 100 seats available at this certain to be magical event, Asi se va a las Estrellas (So it goes to the stars) will have you dining at one long table between the vines at one of the Valle de Guadalupe’s only certified organic wineries. You will be treated to a 6-course dinner paired with the best of Finca La Carodilla’s wines. Imagine – just as the sun in setting, the whisper of a warm summer breeze tickles the vines next to you as you dine on course after course, chasing each delectable bite with the most perfect of wines. See, magical! After dinner, guests will be invited up to the bodega for a traditional stomping of the grapes, music and more wine to continue the celebration.

Oaxaca en Valle/Oaxacalifornia Presented by Chef Javier Plascencia

Friday, August 16, 2019 from 6 PM – 11 PM (dinner starts at 8pm)
At Finca La Divina 

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/674049466369982/
Tickets: $150 dollars
Buy Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vendimia-oaxaca-en-valle-tickets-64036480838
Why you should go: Chef Javier Plascencia, credited with bringing BajaMed cuisine to the world, is the host chef of Oaxaca en Valle. (We cover his restaurant, Misión 19, in our article on the Top Restaurants in Tijuana.) Accompanied by four specially invited chefs from the Mexican state of Oaxaca, this evening promises to take you through traditional southern Mexican cuisine (the birthplace of mole sauce!) where farm to table is just a way of life. The six course dinner features wines from Madera 5 and Las Nubes. Ticket cost also includes a welcome cocktail and live music providing a soundtrack to an unforgettable evening.

Paella Contest “Dr. Ramón García Ocejo”

Sunday, August 18th from 10am – 5pm
At Viña de Liceaga

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/379896399299521/
Tickets: $950 pesos (appx $53 dollars)
Buy Tickets: https://concurso-de-paellas.boletia.com/
Why you should go: Though paella is a Spanish tradition, there’s no better place for it to shine than in the seafood-rich Baja California peninsula. Add wine and you have yourself a perfect day. Over 92 teams will battle it out for top honors while 60 wineries representing over 120 wines are there to help tickle your palate between bites. The Paella Contest has become emblematic of the Vendimia festival with over 7,000 people attending in 2018.