Most readers know that I have a strong interest in up-and-coming wine regions around the world. In particular I love exploring those that are in surprising and unknown areas. Baja Mexico clearly qualifies as the latter. I first learned of the area from a loyal Vinography reader, and then subsequently spoke with Eric Asimov after a trip he had taken a trip down there to explore for an article he was writing.

Since then I’ve had only a couple of wines from the Guadalupe Valley, which is the name of the region’s wine country, but they’ve been interesting enough to show that there’s some real potential there.

Of course Baja is a long trip for wine tasting, and it’s not a fully developed tourist region as of yet, so those who might enjoy exploring the region’s wines will find it far easier (though perhaps less picturesque) to attend the upcoming event at the COPIA center in Napa. Held the weekend of January 26th, this event will showcase nearly every wine made in the region, and offer an in-depth understanding of why some people are comparing the Guadalupe Valley to the way Napa and Sonoma were in the middle part of the 20th Century.

Whether this area will become a world-class wine region is anyone’s guess at this point, but you can judge for yourself later this month. This event is actually billed as a wine, food, and art event, so in addition to tasting wines, there will be art from the region on display, and perhaps some tasty food as well. More information can be found on the COPIA web site.

Wines, Cuisine, and Art of Mexico
January 26th, 2008

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Panel: “Is Guadalupe Valley the Napa Valley of the 1970s?”
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Food and wine tasting
1:00 PM – Food Demo with Chef Javier Plascencia (Villa Saverios, Baja)
3:00 PM – Food Demo featuring another Baja chef TBA

COPIA Center
500 First Street
Napa, CA 94559
707.259.1600

Admission is $30 for the walk-around wine tasting ($20 for COPIA members). Tickets can be purchased in advance online.