Last Saturday, October 18, 2024, Bodegas Entrevez became the heart of Baja’s boldest flavor experiment — Wine & Mezcal Fest 2025. What started as a refined tasting under the theme Productos de Nuestra Tierra evolved into a vibrant celebration of craft, culture, and community.
The Calm Before the Smoke
The event began elegantly. Valle Golf poured reds that danced on the palate, while Maglén impressed with structure and balance. Vinos ATP shared a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon–Malbec 2021 that tasted like velvet. Meanwhile, Pie Franco offered earthy depth that reminded everyone why the Valle matters.
Castillo Ferrer and XOLO brought youthful energy, and Casa Luna’s whites shone with citrus and sunshine. Agua Hechicera charmed guests with floral hints and soft minerality. Andana’s team told their story with enthusiasm. “You can stay, drink, and get married without leaving,” smiled Emiliano. It sounded like the perfect business model for love.
More importantly, many of these wineries are family-led. Viñas de Toranzo showed up together — parents, siblings, and cousins pouring side by side. Por Siempre Valle melted hearts with bottles named after their children. It’s hard to compete with that kind of legacy.
Enter the Rebels
Then the mood shifted — in a good way. The mezcaleros arrived from Oaxaca and Puebla, bringing smoke, laughter, and unmistakable pride.
Don Maclovio, Dueño de Nada, Inspiraty, El Rey de Matatlán, Don Mosqueda, and Aroma Ancestral filled the air with roasted agave and citrus. Each pour told its own story. Some offered Espadín and Tobalá, others introduced Madre Cuishe and Coyote. One even served mezcal infused with cannabis. “No THC,” the producer grinned. “Just flavor.” Everyone believed him — mostly.
Of Worms and the Brave
Next came the traditional pairings: orange slices, sal de gusano, and roasted seeds. Soon after, the brave took things further with toasted chapulines and chicatanas. But nothing topped the gusano vivo — the live agave worm.
“It’s only for priests and governors,” joked a mezcalero. That night, Ensenada was full of both. One taster declared, “It’s creamy, explodes in your mouth like… mezcal.” And with that, the crowd roared.
A Toast to Family and Effort
Between the laughter and smoky finish, the message was clear: these are families who live their craft. They grow agave, harvest grapes, and distill patience into every bottle. “To make good mezcal, you need time, water, and love,” said one producer. “But mostly love.”
The Government of Puebla deserves recognition for supporting this gathering and bringing southern producers north. Their participation turned this tasting into a true national celebration.
And, of course, applause goes to Emprendedores del Valle de Guadalupe (EDVG). Their vision and hard work keep each Viñada alive and thriving. Thanks to them, these events blend professionalism with warmth — and a healthy dose of Baja soul.
The Perfect Ending
As the sun dipped behind Casa Entrevez, glasses shimmered like tiny lanterns. Friends lingered, exchanging smiles and phone numbers. A guest swirling her final sip said it best:
“Every bottle has a story — and tonight, we drank them all.”
Wine met mezcal, families met families, and Baja reminded everyone that the best stories always come in liquid form.