Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco - Puerto Vallarta, in spite of not being a wine growing tourist destination, has celebrated an annual Wine Festival for the last six years with great success, and this year will be no exception.

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

Throughout the 2013 Vallarta Wine Fest, attendees will not only enjoy wine tastings and food pairing events at a variety of restaurants and hotels in the Banderas Bay area, but also a host of free cultural events that are open to the public, including "The Noblest Wines of the World Grand Event-Exposition-Tasting" on Saturday, March 23rd at the Hotel Velas Vallarta.

Scheduled to be held from 11 am to 7 pm in the Salón de Convenciones, this event allows all wine-lovers to enjoy a variety of wines accompanied by various cheeses, breads, and deli meats. Note: A minimal deposit must be made to receive your wine tasting cup, which will be refunded upon its return at the end of the event.

2013 Vallarta Wine Fest Schedule of Events

Monday, March 18th
6 pm - Wine Fest begins at Participating Restaurants

Tuesday, March 19th
11 am - Magristral Conference: "The Origin & Characteristics of the World's Nobelest Wines" - Hotel Friendly Convention Center

6 pm - Wine Fest continues at participating restaurants

Wednesday, March 20th
11 am - Magristral Conference: "The Nobelest Wines of the Old and/or New Word" - Hotel Friendly Convention Center

7 pm - Sommeliers and Press Welcome Meeting - Hotel Casa Velas

Thursday, March 21st
6 pm - Magristral Conference: "The Power of Seduction" with Deby Beard - Casa Velas

8 pm - Wine Fest 2013 Official Inauguration and Poetry Contest Awards - City Hall Patio

Friday, March 22nd
8 pm - Grupo Centenarios Presentation, Virtuoso Harp Concert - Malecón

6 pm - Wine Fest continues at participating restaurants with tastings and wine pairings

Saturday, March 23rd
11 am to 7 pm - The Noblest Wines of the World Grand Event-Exposition-Tasting (detailed above) - Hotel Velas Vallarta Salón de Convenciones

6 pm - Wine Fest continues at participating restaurants with tastings and wine pairings

Sunday, March 24th
6 pm-12 am - Wine Fest Gran Verbena Popular - Featuring free live music and dance performances, including a special presentation by Grupo Sonidos Y Movimientos at 8 pm, as well as gourmet snacks and wines by the glass at truly promotion prices. Everyone is encouraged to participate. It’s a party for the village, designed to diffuse the Arts & Wine culture to all social classes in the region. - Parque Lázaro Cárdenas

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 social classes in the Banderas Bay region, so don't miss it!

For more information, visit winefest.mx.