From the Latin word for wine, Vinum, and Demere meaning ‘to take’ or ‘take away’, the Vendimia is an event that takes place in all wine producing regions usually between July and October (in the Northern Hemisphere). During this time of harvest the grapes are picked from the vines and the process to turn them into wine begins. It’s a time for celebration and… wine tasting!
The two century long wine tradition of the region is the focus of this event. The Guadalupe Valley is just one of seven valleys between Ensenada and Tecate that are dedicated to the cultivation of grapes. The valleys produce 90% of all Mexican wines, or 1.2 millions cases of wine a year, of which 25% is exported abroad. The Guadalupe Valley, located 15 minutes inland from the Ensenada coast, has been the host of the biggest event in the region for the past 22 years. For nearly over two weeks every August wine aficionados will have the opportunity to attend wine tastings, savor gourmet meals, attend workshops and concerts. Last year’s activities included an opera concert in the vineyard at Villa Montefiori Winery with Italian dinner and wine tasting, a cheese party with artisan bread, house wine and live music at Viña de Liceaga Winery and a gourmet dinner prepared by renowned Chef Enrique Olvera, pairing with Vena Cava wines and performances by Zirk Ubu at Villa de Valle Winery, just to name a few.
If you are travelling from the US to attend this event, don’t forget you are not usually allowed to bring back more than one liter of wine per person.
For a map of the Guadalupe Valley click here.
Here are some of the events that will take place during the Festival:
August 3rd: “Wine Show” (Muestra de Vino) marks the beginning of the Vendimia. Live music, regional food, wine tasting and cultural exhibits at the ex Hotel Riviera at 7:00pm (Civic and Cultural Center).
August 4th:
- 2nd Cheese, Bread and Wine Festival at the L.A. Cetto Vineyard starting at 12:00pm. Live music, dancing, and many surprises.
- Paulina Rubio’s Concert in the Vineyard at Rancho San Gabriel in San Antonio de Las Minas.
- 1st Visitas Enológicas to various Vineyards in the region starting at 9:00am. This is a great way to get acquainted with the different local productions.
August 11th: 2nd Visitas Enológicas to various Vineyards in the region starting at 9:00am.
August 14th: Festin de Queso (Cheese Party) at Viña de Liceaga
August 16th: Fiesta en el Valle at the Parque del Porvenir starting at 4:00pm, food and wine samples available. Free admittance.
August 17th: Tango and Wine, Art and Passion at Vinícola Barón Balché, two nights with some of the best Tango dancing acts in the world.
August 18th:
- 3rd Visitas Enológicas to various Vineyards in the region starting at 9:00am.
- Tango and Wine, Art and Passion at Vinícola Barón Balché, two nights with some of the best Tango dancing acts in the world.
- Dinner and Concert on the old Wine Route at the Viñedos Aldo Cesar Palafox in the Ejido Uruapan with musical performance by the Orquesta de Cámara from Ensenada directed by Maestro Álvaro Díaz.
- Box Internacional at the L.A. Cetto Vineyard.
August 19th: ”Ramón García Osejo” Paella Contest at the Viña de Liceaga starting at 12:00pm. This event closes the Vendimia Festival. The winners of the Preconcurso de Paella will be cooking for the title.
The official date for this event has been announced. The 22nd Annual Grape Harvest Festival will take place August 3rd through August 19th, 2012. However, events’ dates and details are subject to sudden change and cancellation. Please confirm with the event organizer before booking your trip.
