To talk about the grape harvest in Valle de Guadalupe is synonymous with touring splendid vineyards, tasting great wines and, above all, experiencing a great celebration.
As many already know, thanks to the excellent climatic conditions this land is perfect for harvesting grapes. In fact, about 90% of the national wine production is produced in this region. And while it is true that this destination has different tourist attractions, we cannot deny that one of the festivities that attracts more tourists is the grape harvest, in fact, it is considered the most important event in the area.
Year after year the harvest festival in Valle de Guadalupe captivates thousands of people from various parts of Baja California, the rest of Mexico, the United States and Canada. A celebration that brings together the most important wineries in the region, world-class chefs and prestigious restaurants in Mexico.
So, if you are planning to participate in this celebration, Club Valle de Guadalupe tells you when the grape harvest is celebrated in Valle de Guadalupe.
When is the grape harvest in Valle de Guadalupe?
At the beginning of August, the Valle de Guadalupe celebrates the beginning of the grape harvest, a traditional and popular festival which represents, among other things, the work of growing and harvesting grapes, the respect and care for nature, the sacrifice of those who harvest in the face of inclement weather and the process by which wine is produced.
For more than 20 days, the region's main wineries join together to carry out activities related to the grape harvest, such as tastings, wine tastings, concerts, open-air dances, wine courses and pairing dinners with distinguished guest chefs. The celebration concludes with a paella contest, a tradition that brings together the best seasoning.
What is the origin of the grape harvest festival?
The origin of the grape harvest comes from Ancient Greece, where the grape harvest was a reason for great excitement. Dionysian festivals were celebrated as a rite of peace and pleasure to venerate the deity of Dionysus (known in Latin culture as Bacchus), to whom tribute was paid for five days. This great festival was considered one of the most important in the whole empire.
Since then, this festive ceremony is celebrated, in a similar way, by wine producers around the world. In Mexico, the Grape Harvest Festival has been held for more than a decade, trying to blend the ancient wine tradition and the colorful national folklore.
When is the grape harvest in Valle de Guadalupe 2022?
In its 32nd edition, the grape harvest festival will be held from Friday, August 5 to Sunday, August 21. However, some activities will take place the days before, such as the Wine Salon.
More than 70 wineries of different sizes (from the largest for family-owned wineries to the smallest for boutique wineries) produce 90% of Mexican wine and are located in the Guadalupe Valley as well as in the neighboring valleys of San Antonio, Ojos Negros, Santo Tomás, San Vicente, La Grulla, Tanamá, Las Palmas and San Valentín.
There is no doubt, the grape harvest is an irresistible magnet for everyone, both for residents and travelers from different parts of the world. This festivity is enjoyed with all the senses and with the heart, and when arriving here each person lives a unique experience by smelling and feeling the goodness of the vine and, above all, tasting the best reserves of the most important wineries in the region.
