6 Food Festivals That Are Worth the Trip

San Diego Spirits of Mexico Festival; September 12

Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, Oh My!

At the San Diego Spirits of Mexico Festival (September 12), you can rub elbows with master distillers while tippling a few of the finest agave-based liquors bottled south of the border, including hundreds of tequilas and mezcals—plus the lesser-known sotol, a spirit derived from the Desert Spoon plant. The celebrations include a parade of Andalusian horses, a silent auction including rare tequilas, and local dishes created by San Diego chefs—many inspired by (and infused with) Mexican spirits. (Tickets $40, PolishedPalate.com/events.)

Can't make it? Take your kitchen down Mexico way with the recipes found in chef Joanne Weir's cookbook Tequila ($17; Ten Speed).