The 5th Edition of the Coffee, Chocolate, and Wine Festival in Ajijic 2026 marks a moment of maturity for gastronomic tourism in Mexico. This event is no longer just about tasting artisanal products—it’s about understanding them, experiencing them, and connecting them to a specific place. For two days, Ajijic becomes a space where flavor, landscape, and culture come together at an unhurried pace.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Coffee, Chocolate, and Wine Festival in Ajijic 2026, explained clearly and practically. If you’ve never attended before, you’ll know exactly what to expect. And if you already have, you’ll see why this edition is considered one of the most complete so far.
What Is the Coffee, Chocolate, and Wine Festival in Ajijic?
It’s an annual gastronomic event that brings together producers, artisanal brands, and independent projects from three main worlds:
- Specialty coffee
- Artisanal chocolate (made with Mexican cacao)
- Mexican wine
The format is simple and effective: free admission, dozens of exhibitors, live music, and a series of immersive experiences—such as tastings, workshops, and guided activities—for those who want to go beyond basic consumption.
Here, you don’t just buy a product. You talk to the people who make it, taste different styles, and learn why each flavor is unique.
Festival Dates, Location, and Schedule
Location
Ajijic Malecón (Lakefront Boardwalk)
Calle Del Parque, Ajijic, Jalisco
Right along the shores of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest lake
(For international readers: a “malecón” is a pedestrian boardwalk, typically located along the water, where people walk, relax, and enjoy outdoor events.)
Dates
- Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Sunday, January 18, 2026
Schedule
- Starting at 10:00 a.m.
- Approximate closing time between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., depending on the day and scheduled activities
Admission
- Free general admission
- Tastings, workshops, and special experiences have an additional cost and require prior registration
What Will You Find at the Festival?
- More than 100 exhibitors offering specialty coffee, artisanal chocolate, and Mexican wine
- Guided tastings, workshops, and immersive experiences
- Live music and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
- Direct sales of gourmet and artisanal products
Payment Methods
- Credit/debit cards and cash (bringing both is recommended)
Type of Event
- Family-friendly and pet-friendly
- Ideal for couples, groups of friends, and visitors of all ages
Why Is Ajijic the Ideal Setting?
Ajijic is not a large city or a mass-tourism destination—and that works in the festival’s favor.
This officially designated Pueblo Mágico (a Mexican title given to towns with strong cultural and historical value) is known for:
- Mild, pleasant weather in January
- A multicultural community (locals and international residents)
- A slow, relaxed pace of life
- Genuine interest in gourmet and artisanal products
From an experience standpoint, the setting reduces stress and increases enjoyment. There’s no rush. No endless lines. The festival feels like a long, leisurely walk filled with flavors.
The Three Pillars of the Festival: Coffee, Chocolate, and Wine
Specialty Coffee: Beyond Caffeine
The coffee you’ll find here is not commercial or mass-produced. It’s specialty coffee, which means:
- Beans from specific regions
- Carefully controlled growing and roasting processes
- Defined flavor profiles (fruity, floral, chocolatey)
Producers come from regions such as:
- Chiapas
- Veracruz
- Oaxaca
- Guerrero
One of the festival’s greatest advantages is direct contact with producers. You can ask questions like:
- At what altitude was this coffee grown?
- What roasting method was used?
- Why does one bean taste different from another?
There are even experiences that combine coffee with wellness activities, showing that coffee today is also associated with lifestyle—not just energy.
Artisanal Chocolate: The Revival of Mexican Cacao
Mexico is the birthplace of cacao, and the festival celebrates this legacy with a strong presence of artisanal chocolate made under the bean-to-bar approach.
This means:
- Full control of the production process
- Use of Mexican cacao
- Less sugar and more intense flavors
Brands such as iXOCOLATE, Feliu Chocolate, and Espuma de Cacao offer everything from 100% cacao bars to creative blends with spices, nuts, or sea salt.
Here, chocolate is understood as:
- A cultural food
- A functional product
- A sensory experience
Chocolate workshops allow participants to learn how cacao is transformed and why artisanal chocolate tastes so different from industrial versions.
Mexican Wine: The Surprise of the Bajío Region
While many people first think of Baja California when it comes to Mexican wine, this edition of the festival places special emphasis on the Bajío region, featuring labels from:
- Querétaro
- Guanajuato
- Aguascalientes
These regions stand out for:
- High-quality sparkling wines
- Red wines with a strong regional identity
- Young, innovative winemaking projects
Guided tastings are designed for beginners. No prior knowledge is required—you’ll learn how to smell, taste, and pair wine in a simple, approachable way, without technical jargon.
Immersive Experiences: The Festival’s Big Leap in 2026
The biggest evolution of this edition is clear: it’s no longer just a fair—it’s an experience-driven festival.
Some activities require advance registration and have limited capacity, including:
- Guided wine tastings
- Mezcal tastings paired with traditional foods
- Chocolate-making workshops
- Experiences that combine coffee and wellness
- Outdoor wine-related activities
These experiences are designed for visitors who want to enjoy the festival on a deeper level, not just walk through the stands.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend?
One of the festival’s greatest advantages is that:
- General admission is free
You can enter, walk along the malecón, browse exhibitors, and purchase products without paying an entry fee.
Special activities—such as tastings and workshops—do have a cost, which varies depending on the experience. These prices are best understood as an investment in learning and meaningful experiences, not just consumption.
Much More Than Food and Drink
Beyond coffee, chocolate, and wine, the festival includes complementary offerings that enrich the visit:
- Artisanal cheeses
- Charcuterie
- Handmade bread
- Salsas, jams, and gourmet products
- Crafts and design objects
This makes it easy to combine flavors and take home more than food—a well-made, useful souvenir.
Music and Atmosphere: A Festival Without Noise
Live music is present, but as background ambiance. This is not a massive concert, but an environment designed for:
- Conversation
- Slow, mindful tasting
- Spending more time enjoying the space
The sound enhances the experience rather than interfering with it—and that’s something visitors truly appreciate.
Practical Tips for Enjoying the Festival
If you plan to attend the 5th Edition of the Coffee, Chocolate, and Wine Festival in Ajijic 2026, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Arrive early to explore at a relaxed pace
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
- Bring both cash and a card
- Check activity schedules in advance
- Taste before you buy—that’s the spirit of the festival
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Access to the exhibitor area is completely free.
Yes. It’s suitable for all ages.
Through the festival’s official website. Booking in advance is recommended since spots are limited.
Primarily Jalisco, Michoacán, Chiapas, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Querétaro, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes.
Conclusion: A Different Way to Start 2026
The 5th Edition of the Coffee, Chocolate, and Wine Festival in Ajijic 2026 is an excellent way to begin the year—unhurried, full of flavor, and with the chance to learn something new.
It’s not just a food festival. It’s an experience that connects product, people, and place. If you’re looking for a well-designed, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable plan, this event more than delivers.
Prepare your senses, walk without rushing, and let Ajijic do the rest.
