Chihuahua’s ‘Carne y Vino’ Festival 2024: A Culinary and Cultural Experience

The state of Chihuahua, in northern Mexico, is poised to host one of its most exciting gastronomic events—the Carne y Vino (Meet and Wine) Festival 2024, which promises to be a celebration of local flavors, wines, and cultural experiences. Julio Chavez, Director of the Chihuahua Tourism Board, shared key details about this event, which will be held from October 19-20, 2024, at Nogalera San Bernardo, located just 30 minutes from the state's capital city, Chihuahua.

This festival, now in its third edition, has quickly grown in both size and prestige. It's an event that not only attracts locals but also draws attention from tourists eager to explore the state's emerging culinary and wine scene. According to Chavez, the festival's primary goal is to promote Chihuahua as a premier gastronomic destination, highlighting the rich culinary traditions and wine culture of northern Mexico.

One of the key aspects of the Carne y Vino Festival is its impressive lineup of wines and chefs. More than 50 wine labels will be available for tasting, featuring both local and international selections. Visitors will also be treated to gourmet grilled dishes from 25 of the region's top chefs and restaurants, with a strong focus on asado, a grilling culture deeply embedded in northern Mexico's culinary heritage. Chavez highlights notable participants such as Jaime Cavazos and Gualberto Elizondo, who are set to lead a live cooking show, presenting mouthwatering dishes like prime ribs and smoked pork ribs. Chef Chris from Sulawe Restaurant will also bring a unique blend of northern Mexican and Asian flavors to the event.

While the food and wine are the central attractions, the festival goes beyond just indulging the senses. Attendees can expect a holistic cultural experience. Live grilling demonstrations will allow visitors to learn traditional and contemporary techniques, using local ingredients such as Black Angus beef or a variety of chillies. The event will also promote local wine products, offering insight into the growing wine industry in Chihuahua, which has recently shifted its focus from table grapes to producing high-quality wines.

Chavez emphasizes that the Carne y Vino Festival celebrates more than just food—it's about the culinary culture that defines the region. The event showcases the strong tradition of outdoor grilling in northern Mexico, offering a mix of traditional and modern cooking methods to help visitors appreciate the rich food culture that defines Chihuahua. Additionally, the festival will feature a Wellness area, providing activities like yoga and promoting healthy food choices, adding a dimension of physical and mental well-being to the event.

As part of the broader tourism strategy, Chavez is particularly excited about the growth of wine tourism in Chihuahua. The region, once primarily known for its table grapes, has now evolved into a wine-producing area, gaining recognition for its unique, desert-influenced wines. Vineyards like Tres Ríos and Casa Establo are playing a significant role in this transformation, offering visitors guided tours, tastings, and immersive experiences that combine winemaking with local gastronomy and culture. Chavez adds that the Rarámuri culture, native to the region, is also a key part of this tourism experience, adding historical depth to the wine routes.

For wine enthusiasts, the region's distinctive climate creates unique flavors in its wines, making Chihuahua an exciting new destination for oenophiles. The Carne y Vino Festival 2024 is a perfect gateway for travelers looking to discover not just the wines, but the entire culinary and cultural richness of the region.

As this festival continues to grow in stature, it is helping Chihuahua cement its reputation as a premier destination for both food and wine lovers. Whether you are drawn by the idea of tasting rare wines, enjoying grilled delicacies, or immersing yourself in local traditions, the Carne y Vino Festival offers something for everyone—a true feast for the senses.