Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most beautiful and exclusive destinations. It is a place rich in traditions and cultural heritage. Los Cabos is even home to the magical town of Todos Santos. And Todos Santos is home to the Gastrovino Food and Wine Festival in Baja. Los Cabos insider and Amstar reservation specialist Elodia Crespo takes us there.
Todos Santos is a special place full of magic and history. The town is a stop on the way from Los Cabos to Espiritu Santo Island and its nature reserve full of sea lions and more sea life. Todos Santos’ church, theater, cultural center, museum as well as numerous historical buildings each possess their own rich and storied pasts. Especially relevant, the infamous Hotel California is in this quaint town.
In recent years, Todos Santos is increasingly becoming the focus of artistic and cultural endeavors that celebrate the creative spirit of this wonderful town. Even more, one of the most successful and delicious examples of these great regional cultural initiatives is the Gastrovino Food and Wine Festival. Going into its eighth year, Gastrovino is a great stop if you’re vacationing in Cabo after Easter.
When and Where in Baja is the Gastrovino Food and Wine Festival?
From May 17 to 19, 2019, food and wine lovers will be lured to Todos Santos by the alluring aromas and exquisite tastes offered up by some of Baja California’s top chefs and wineries. There will also be musical performances by great local artists.
Things to Do at Gastrovino in Baja
The Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival takes place each year in celebration of the typical food and wine of Baja California. Several wineries offer tastings and special discounts on bottles, and the best chefs of the region tempt your taste buds with some of the local specialties. Moreover, there will be live music all throughout the day as well as a silent auction to benefit local charities.
Wine Tastings
Each paid festival-goer will receive the right to try five hors d’oeuvres. They will also be given a Gastrovino Food and Wine Festival wine glass which gives them the right to experience the taste of seven different wines. All exhibitors will also have their products on sale at a special price. The impressive list of participating Mexican wineries includes Shimul, Cavas Valmar, Cavas Maciel, Freixenet Querétaro, Monte Xanic, El Cielo, L.A. Cetto and Alximia, among others.
Live Music
Several different local artists will grace the stage at the Gastrovino Food and Wine Festival. There will be performances as well as live acts of mariachi music, jazz, and Mexican trios. The musical highlight of the Gastrovino Food and Wine Festival will be an evening of incredible Mexican folk music with the great Luna Itzel.
Silent Auction
Each year the Gastrovino Food and Wine Fest organizes a silent auction to benefit local charities. This year, proceeds from the auction will go to a local boarding school and a governmental program that subsidies low-income families (DIF Todos Santos).
The boarding school provides housing and education to area children who come from families with limited resources. For its part, DIF Todos Santos serves the local community while working on a very limited budget. The program provides diverse services to people of all ages, offering classes and workshops on topics such as physical therapy.
More Gastrovino Baja Highlights
In the past, Gastrovino Food and Wine Festival had several new features. A few years ago, wine expert Lluís Raventós from Cataluña, Spain, led a blindfolded wine tasting. Furthermore, there was an exclusive wine pairing dinner at the famous Hotel California accompanied by Argentinian violinist Luciano Pavan as well as a Sunday Brunch at the new beach club El Faro by Guaycura.
Finally, remember to contact Amstar if you’re in the region or want to make a last-minute escape. So come savor this incredible three-day festival of food, wine and Baja Californian hospitality!
