Savor a Winery Tour in Ensenada, Mexico
Wine Tasting in the Vineyards of Baja California's Ruta del Vino
Oct 15, 2008
Sipping on Ensenada wine and enjoying beautiful countryside makes for a relaxing weekend getaway. The wine route, or the Ruta del Vino, can be traveled from Tecate in the north to Ensenada in the south, or vice versa. In either direction the acres of vineyards, quaint wineries, and friendly locals will urge you to stay in this undiscovered stretch of wine country that rivals the growing conditions of Napa Valley.
Ruta del Vino: the Tecate to Ensenada Wine Route
In the north, Hwy. 3 begins in Tecate—which, rather than wine, ferments a popular beer of the same name. The border town offers a fair selection of lodging as well as tours of the Cuauhtémoc brewery. Admire the hulking brewing tanks then relax in the quiet beer garden where samples are poured amidst flowers and the red, gold, and black of the Tecate logo.
From the border town of Tecate, the highway wends through lush countryside towards a region rich with farming and vineyards.
The highway first cuts through the Valley De Las Palmas, then the grape-growing heartlands of Calafia, Guadalupe, and San Antonio de las Minas. Continuing further south from Guadalupe, the road heads to the Santo Tomás and San Vicente valleys. There, Bodegas de Santo Tomás continues production as the Ensenada region's oldest winery.
Tradition of Wineries in Baja California
As early as the 1700s missions established the first Ensenada wine production in these fruitful valleys. But by the mid-18th century a change in the ownership of Church property caused the missionaries to abandon the vineyards. About 50 years later, Russian immigrants revitalized wine production.
Today, Ensenada produces more than 90% of the nation's wine.
From Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Syrah and Cabernet Franc, the local Ensenada wineries grow beautiful grapes for rich varietal reds sold worldwide. For lighter tastes, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay become crisp whites. In addition to wine, visitors will also delight in the agricultural bounty of refreshing citrus fruits, honey, and olives.
Wine Valley Tours and Tasting on an Ensenada Getaway
Along Hwy 3, famous wineries border small boutiques creating a blend of young and cellared wine producers for the visitor to discover. Most bodegas offer winery tours and tastings. Late morning and early afternoon are the best times to catch the tastings; however, the larger wineries post tour schedules on their websites as well as the local tourism listings.
The large Ensenada winery L.A. Cetto is situated at 73.5 km in the Guadalupe Valley, just north of Franscisco Zarco (also called Guadalupe). For more than 80 years the bodega has developed award-winning Mexican wines. Other popular local wineries include Casa Pedro Domecq in the Calafia Valley and Monte Xanic in the Guadalupe Valley.
In August, the Grape Harvest Festival, Fiestas de la Vendimia, combines all the elements of a great party: art, music, food, and (of course) wine. Events in the valley twin a grand fiesta in nearby Ensenada.
Relaxing and Authentic Vineyard Accommodations near Ensenad
The Rancho Maria Teresa welcomes guests to the clean and economical Posada Inn at 82.5 km. An on-site restaurants takes advantage of local produce and large swimming pools will help fend off the heat of the day. Close to Francisco Zarco, the bed-and-breakfast Adobe Guadalupe Inn offers a relaxing stay that combines a working vineyard, beautiful artistry, and carefully crafted cuisine.
Local tourism offices can provide a free map outlining the many accommodations, restaurants, and wineries along Ensenada's Ruta del Vino.
The Ruta del Vino Ends in Ensenada
As the highway heads south to meet the ocean, the lush vineyards yield to sand and surf. With views of the Pacific, the port city of Ensenada makes a perfect final destination for relaxing on the beach and sampling fresh seafood. Read more about the beautiful coastline of Ensenada here.
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