Here @ eatdrinkbaja, we noted the need for a calendar that curates, promotes and links to interesting Baja-related culinary & beverage events & festivals on both sides of the border. Presenting our first draft; look for it to grow as we head into the busy Vendimia & Baja Culinary Fest seasons over the next few months!

Saturday, July 18: Ruta del Vino Bike Ride

The inaugural 40-mile race and 20-mile fun ride through Valle de Guadalupe promises wine tastings, cuisine from award-winning chefs and live local music (oh, and clean restrooms, too). Put on by the Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride folks, so it’s gotta be good, right?

Saturday, July 25: Verbena Campestre, Vinedos San Cosme, south of Ensenada

A best bet; we’ll be there! $20 (or a bit less if you can figure out where to buy tix in advance) gets you a commemorative glass, wine tastings, live music and a fun, festive atmosphere. Not sure if food is included; we’ll find out! Look for a report after July 25. We’re really looking forward to our first visit to this annual event, which seems to be completely off the gringo radar.

Saturday, July 25: Wine Tasting & Baja Ingredients, Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park
If we weren’t heading to Verbena Campestre to actually BE in Baja, we’d be here for sure. Mingei has recognized the important connection to Baja for years, thanks to the direction of Rob Sidner & outreach of Johanna Saretzki. Four or five years ago we learned about wineries like Lomita (off our favorite Valle de Guadalupe back road, the road to Ejido Porvenir) and food purveyors such as Baja Terra through Mingei events, and have since become fans/patrons of both. If you can’t get to Ensenada or the Valle, don’t miss this great taste of Baja in Balboa Park!

AUGUST CALENDAR: Stay tuned! It will be posted this weekend.