Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Are you taking enough time to stop and enjoy the finer things in life? If not, you should know that some of the finest restaurants in Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will be hosting the 7th Annual Vallarta Wine Fest from March 18-24, 2013.

The Vallarta Wine Fest is a party for everyone; everyone is not only invited, but also encouraged, to participate. It’s a party for the village, designed to diffuse the Arts & Wine culture to all of the social classes in the region.

In previous years, the festival spotlighted wines from a guest country, but this year the star will be the grape, with a focus on the varieties found in the world that are elaborated to produce fine wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.

Throughout the week-long festival, wine aficionados can 'taste the grape' at wine tastings and food pairing events hosted by the following Banderas Bay area restaurants and hotels:

Restaurants: La Dolce Vita Malecón • La Dolce Vita Nuevo Vallarta • Porto Bello Marina • Porto Bello Bistro • La Terraza di Roma • La Leche Almacén Gourmet • Cafe des Artistes • Le Kliff • Frascati La Cruz • Prime 159

Hotels: Hotel Velas Vallarta • Hotel Casa Velas • Hotel Grand Velas • Hotel Hilton • Hotel Garza Blanca Resort • Hotel Fiesta Americana

In addition to the wine and food tastings, there are plenty of cultural events - poetry readings, music, and dance performances - to enjoy at various venues around town. Many of them are free and open to the general public, including the Verbena Wine Fest, a very popular celebration traditionally held at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas, which features live music performances, gourmet snacks, and wines by the glass at truly promotion prices.

Through events such as this, Puerto Vallarta reaffirms its title as one of the finest gastronomic destinations in Mexico. Do your palate a favor by taking part in this year's Puerto Vallarta Wine Festival. You won’t regret it. In fact, you’ll never forget it.