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Experience Baja’s Wildest Wine Party of the Year

This Ain’t Your Average Wine Tour

More than 4,000 people showed up, and not one of them regretted it. The 33rd Verbena de Santo Tomás wasn’t just a wine fest — it was a time warp. One where art, music, and food collided so beautifully that you forgot what decade you were in.

A Label You’ll Want to Frame

For those who love wine and meaning, Duetto 2022 stole the show. Not just because it’s a Tempranillo–Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva, but because its label was a story in itself. During the event, attendees got a first look at the original painting by artist Héctor Herrera, the creative force behind this year’s bottle design.

You don’t sip this wine without feeling something first. Herrera’s signature? Right there in red. This label matters.
You dont sip this wine without feeling something first Herreras signature Right there in red This label matters

The piece was bold, messy, handwritten, and emotional — much like Baja’s history. Displayed indoors, the artwork pulled in visitors like a magnet. Later, many stood in front of the wine barrel where the final product sat: Duetto 2022, wrapped in art, filled with character.

Glass in Hand, No Plan in Mind

The plaza turned into a maze of flavor. Guests sipped wine and sangría (yes, canned sangría) while wandering between booths. Each glass was branded with “Verbena 33°,” and yes, it became the weekend’s most cherished souvenir.

Meanwhile, food from Comal Bistró, Altabaja Cervecería, La Destilería and others made it impossible to stay on a diet. Wine tastings flowed from Santo Tomás and guest producers like Viñedos Enkanto, making “just one more” the unofficial motto.

Music Everywhere, Silence Nowhere

Music blasted from every corner. And that’s not a complaint.

At Santo Ritmo, Banda Arremangadora and Loquera Tradición fired up the crowd. Meanwhile, Callejoneada delivered raw energy through bands like Mora and Knights. If that wasn’t your style, R.U.D.A. offered breakdancers, lucha libre, stand-up comedy, and even live art auctions.

Santo Tomás Smackdown
When the wine hits and suddenly youre ringside yelling for a masked dude named La Sangría Mortal
Totally normal Totally Baja

Still not enough? BUNKR had electronic sets that made your knees move without asking. La Perlita paired video art with cocktails (because of course it did), while Fronteo and La Bete Noir took turns flipping genres and moods.

There was no “main stage” because the whole event was the stage.

Where Wine Meets Wall Art
Not your average wine fest Santo Tomás brought the drinks the mural brought the drama and nobody wanted to leave

A Taste of Baja’s Soul

Beyond the music and wine, this event served heritage. Grape stomping brought together kids, parents, tourists and winemakers in a messy tribute to the old ways. Nearby, the museum featured an exhibit on Santo Tomás’ 135-year story, and Don Camillo Magoni’s 60 vintages were honored with photos and experimental pours.

It wasn’t just about the past, though. The Centro Cultural Santo Tomás teamed up with private sponsors like Banorte, La Canasta, Xochicalco University, and the Baja Sur Tourism Trust to keep things fresh and future-facing.

So What Was It?

A wine festival? A culture bomb? A pop-up museum with dance-offs?

Let’s just say this: The Verbena de Santo Tomás 2025 felt like Baja showing off its best side — loud, proud, and with wine on its breath. If you missed it, well… you better hope they let you into the next one.

Because some parties are just too good to stay quiet.

author avatar
Luisa Rosas-Hernández
Luisa Rosas-Hernández is a writer for the Gringo Gazette North, where she covers Baja’s wine scene, good eats, and public safety—with a healthy dose of wit and no bad news allowed. By day, she’s a health researcher recognized by Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI), and by night, she handles the Gazette’s finances and dabbles in social media—making sure the numbers add up and the posts pop. When she’s not chasing stories or crunching data, you’ll likely find her in the Valle enjoying a glass of red (or a crisp white with oysters)… for research purposes, of course.

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