The Festival del Café, Chocolate y Vino returns to Ajijic this weekend for its fourth consecutive year, offering visitors an enticing array of taste experiences curated by top producers from across Mexico.
The event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, January 18-19, at the Ajijic Malecón, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to the exhibition tents is free, and souvenir wine glasses and mugs will be available for purchase at the entrance.
Festival organizers have arranged nine coffee stands, 16 showcasing various chocolates and cacao products, and another 16 devoted to fine wines. Attendees can sample and purchase a wide selection of these products.
The festival will also feature displays of other alcoholic beverages, gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, baked goods, condiments and stylish designer crafts.
Guided catas (tastings) are on the program, featuring pairings such as wine with chocolate, wine with cheese, and mezcal with cheese. Each cata is priced at 480 pesos per person. Advance reservations are recommended, as these sessions have sold out in previous years. For details, visit festivaldelcafechocolateyvino.com/products/catas-ajijic.
Live entertainment will enhance the festival atmosphere, with the same lineup scheduled for both days:
• 4 p.m. Javier Raygoza (folk harp and psaltery)
• 5 p.m. Black Sapphire Jazz Sounds
• 6 p.m. Elizee Music
• 7 p.m. El Show de Raúl Alfonso
A half-dozen on-site restaurant services will also be available.
Visitors are advised to wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear. Since parking near the Malecón is limited, navigating Ajijic’s cobblestone streets on foot will likely be part of the festival adventure.