The Spirits of Mexico Festival Tequila Contest In Del Mar

Mexican spirit connoisseurs and tequila lovers will gather in Del Mar on September 28^th for the 11^th Annual Spirits of Mexico Festival. The event is the largest and most prestigious tasting event in North America for Mexican and agave-based spirits, held yearly in San Diego.

The festival, which previously took place in Old Town over a five-day period, will come to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a giant one-night celebration of tequila, spirits and the fine art of Mexican distilling. Over 1,000 guests will gather amidst Spanish architecture and sunshine, sampling sips and bites of Mexico’s finest offerings. An array of spirits, including the popular varieties of tequila, mezcal, sotol and bacanora, will be poured by the industry’s top producers, award-winning brands and new-to-market makers.

San Diego is the ideal location for this international celebration, due to its strong historical and cultural ties to Mexican heritage.  Producers and exhibitors will travel from Mexico, and all around the world, to be in attendance and showcase their spirits. Featured producers include Milagro Tequila, El Jimador, Crótalo Tequila, Mezcal Sacrificio and Gran Orendain. In addition to the tasting exhibition, the event will feature a silent auction and live music by Cantua, a Southern California Spanish guitar duo.

From its inception, the Festival has honored the generations of master distillers and blenders whose art and soul exists in every drop of spirits produced. The festival continues to pay tribute to these producers with the "Meet the Masters" portion of the event, a special opportunity to mingle and chat with the pioneers of the world’s premier Mexican spirits. Seminars will also be hosted by some of the industry’s top producers, teaching the history and culture of agave spirits along with current industry trends.

The evening’s festivities will be rounded out with an announcement of Spirits of Mexico competition winners, judged prior to the event by top industry experts, and a live Cocktail Challenge. The Cocktail Challenge, sponsored by Milagro Tequila, will feature a fierce live battle between local mixologists for the crown of best tequila cocktail.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.thespiritsofmexico.com. For festival updates, promotions and contests follow @SOMFestivals on Twitter.

The Spirits of Mexico Festival, Sept. 28, 2014. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA.

Ticket prices: General Admission $60; VIP $85; Access All Areas $110; Designated Driver $30.

For more information visit: www.thespiritsofmexico.com; @SOMfestivals