Mexico: Culinary series lets guests drink deeply of Riviera Maya

Catch some rays and become a oenophile — connoisseur of fine wines — at the same time in Riviera Maya, Mexico, where a new program highlights wine and food.

Riviera Maya, which stretches south from Cancun along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, is in the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The week-long Culinary Series, a collaboration between Jackson Family Wines and Karisma Hotels & Resorts, takes place monthly at El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort. Each program spotlights a chef and winemaker.

“We invite aficionados and amateurs alike to discover new wines and foods,” said Jeroen Hanlo, vice president of food and beverage for Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “Collaborating with Jackson Family Wines on this terrific partnership allows us to offer guests a selection of unforgettable wine and gastronomical experiences.”

Scheduled events include vertical tastings, educational classes with sommeliers and winemakers, cooking courses, special pairings and a guest chef and winemaker dinner.

The complete Culinary Series takes place the first week of each month with the next four courses planned Feb. 4-9, March 4-9, April 1-6 and May 6-11.

The daily events take place in various venues, including the beach and at a culinary theater where dishes are prepared in one of five open kitchens. The series includes topics such as “Yucatan Meets California, Pairing California Wines with Mexican Cuisine,” and “Wine Class, Everything You Wanted to Know about Wine but Were Afraid to Ask.”

The program costs $300 and is offered to guests at the 10 Karisma Hotels & Resorts in Riviera Maya, where nightly room rates begin at $229 a person a night, including à la carte meals and beverages.

Info: (866) 527-4762.

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