Every August, wine and food lovers from around the world travel to the Valle de Guadalupe wine region of Mexico, located on the Baja Peninsula. There, they spend several days or a week enjoying wine from more than 150 wineries, paired with delicious Mexican cuisine. Advance event tickets are available at Provino and through individual wineries.
I had the chance to spend a week in the Valle de Guadalupe as a wine judge and was very impressed with the beauty of the land, the vineyards, the delicious food and wine, and the kindness of the local people. The closest airport is Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), which is 1.5 hours away. You can then hire a driver to take you to the valley, traveling partially along the stunning Pacific coastline.
Upon arrival, many people elect to stay in Ensenada, a charming coastal town located about a 30-minute drive from the wineries. However, there are also many beautiful winery resorts within the Valle de Guadalupe where you can wake up amongst the vineyards. A surprising fact is that this region is currently home to five 1-star Michelin restaurants, alongside many other Michelin Selected spots and Bib Gourmand winners.
Participating in Mexico’s Vendimia Events and Celebrations
To participate in Vendimia—which means “grape harvest” in Spanish—you can attend general festival events or opt for individual winery celebrations. Below is a curated list of highlight events across both categories:
- August 4 – Master Class: Chardonnay, the World’s Most Widely Planted White Grape
- Details: A journey through different expressions of Chardonnay from France, the United States, and Mexico, exploring how terroir and winemaking decisions shape one of the world’s most important grape varieties.
- Time & Location: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | El Cielo Resort & Winery
- August 7 – Wine Fair
- Details: A lively celebration featuring 80 participating wineries, culinary offerings from 55 regional restaurants, and a rich musical lineup across 5 stages showcasing different genres. Headlining act: Mi Banda El Mexicano de Germán Román.
- Time & Location: Starts at 7:00 PM (Adults Only) | Riviera Cultural Center, Ensenada
- August 8 – Vive la Vendimia 2026
- Details: Enjoy traditional grape treading, vineyard tours, live music, and fresh Pacific seafood, all paired with the wines of Monte Xanic Winery.
- Time & Location: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Vinícola Monte Xanic, Valle de Guadalupe
- August 8 – Master Class: The History of Wine in Mexico
- Details: An exploration into the evolution of Mexican viticulture from its origins to the present day, accompanied by a selection of representative wines from various producing regions.
- Time & Location: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | El Cielo Resort & Winery
- August 13 – Master Class: The Many Expressions of Tempranillo
- Details: A comparative tasting of Tempranillo wines from Mexico, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero, revealing how this variety adapts to different terroirs and winemaking styles.
- Time & Location: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | El Cielo Resort & Winery
- August 16 – Food Pairing Workshop: Iberian Ham and Wine
- Details: A specialized session exploring pairings between different styles of Iberian ham and a carefully selected range of wines chosen to complement their distinctive characteristics.
- Time & Location: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | El Cielo Resort & Winery
- August 22 – Fiestas de la Vendimia: Bodegas de Santo Tomás
- Details: Featuring the wines of Bodegas de Santo Tomás paired with open-air food options from local gastronomic vendors and dedicated tasting bars. Includes multiple stages with live music, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities.
- Time & Location: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Plaza Santo Tomás, Downtown Ensenada (Bodegas de Santo Tomas)
- August 23 – Paella Competition
- Details: One of the most popular festival events and a deeply rooted tradition in Ensenada. Sample more than 160 wine labels while 90 teams compete to make the afternoon’s best paella. Features live music on two stages and artistic activities for children.
- Time & Location: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Viña de Liceaga Winery
Planning Your Trip to Valle de Guadalupe – Resorts & Restaurants
For assistance in planning your trip, booking a hotel or resort, and scheduling winery visits, check out the Vendimia 2026 Valle Guadalupe Harvest Festival site and the Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Fiestas De La Vendimia in Valle de Guadalupe.
Photos from My Trip to Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. THACH