In light of Mexico’s innate ability to produce sophisticated, world-class food and drink throughout history, it should come as no surprise that the country’s original vineyards, planted over 500 years ago, were forced to shutter by the King Charles of Spain in 1699 for posing an imminent threat to the Spanish wine market. Since then, despite numerous outside setbacks, Mexican winemakers’ success keeps coming back.
Picture yourself living in a magnificent mansion in La Paz, or in a wonderful home in Los Cabos and having the opportunity to make an annual trip to the Ruta del Vino in the same state.
And with granite soil, mild winters, and summers softened by Pacific ocean breezes, Baja California rivals the Mediterranean and Southern California for the best microclimates for wine production in the world.
Only a few decades old, new wine producers in the region deliver 90% of Mexico’s wine exports. Additionally, they have snagged numerous international awards. Participating and winning in competitions such as Decanter World Wine Awards and the Concours Mondial de Bruxelle.
As Mexico’s young, burgeoning wine industry allures wine enthusiasts worldwide, new wineries are springing up, especially in Baja. From only a handful of producers to surviving the arrival of high taxation and import competition in the 1980s, Baja wineries have grown steadily to over 180 producers today.
Ruta del Vino
To experience the heart of Baja wine country, wine aficionados will delight in a drive following the Ruta del Vino. Along Highway 3, road signs mark the route, directing travelers from the US border crossings at Tijuana and Telcata and the port city of Ensenada. Taking them to picturesque valleys lined with vineyards and dotted with olive trees.
The route links over 50 wineries alongside premier hotels, restaurants, and museums. Most of the winneries are nestled in Valle del Guadalupe, northeast of Ensenada. However, other valleys near Ensenada share Valle del Guadalupe’s ideal conditions. Valle Llano Colorado, Valle Santo Tomás, and Valle de San Vicente currently have fewer vineyards. But also run perpendicular to the Pacific, providing the fog and cool summer breezes to produce excellent wine.
Tourists arriving to Ensenada or Tijuana will easily find drivers to book for day trips along the route. Though it’s easy to fill an itinerary if you choose to stay a night or two.
The drive from Tijuana to Valle de Guadalupe is about 80 minutes. Ensenada is about 20 minutes away. La Paz is not as close but for only 100 USD you can go by plane.
A Frontier of Possibilities
A notable characteristic of the Baja wine region is its eclectic variety. While countries with long-established wine industries rely on many regulations to preserve their traditions, winemaking in Mexico is free of government interference with processing and labeling. And this gives producers the opportunity to try new approaches and experiment with growing, processing, and blends in exciting new ways.
Also, nearly all producers in Baja are small, family-owned businesses. Each has its own spirit of innovation. And thanks to local conditions, they can grow a vast array of grapes, including Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Nebbiolo, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Merlo, and Carignan. No particular method of production or variety of grape has come to represent the local market.
Visitors also rave about the serenity and authenticity of the experience. While amenities are plentiful and comfortable, the wild vistas, charming villages, lack of crowds, and the occasional dirt road give a sense that this area is still a hidden treasure.
When to Go
Temperatures are pleasant year-round, though rain is more common in late fall and winter. The high season runs from May through October.
Every May, the Guadalupe Valley Wine, Food & Music Festival brings music concerts and chefs specializing in local, organic, farm-to-table preparations to Guadalupe Valley.
Cyclists can journey the Ruta del Vino in July during the Bicycle Ride & Wine Festival. The festival also brings out award-winning regional chefs to teach about wine pairings of Baja wine with local cuisine.
The Fiesta de la Vendimia (Harvest Festival) takes place along the Ruta del Vino and in Ensenada every August. Top chefs from around the country provide tastings, concerts, fishing contests, cookoffs, courses on wine, and gastronomic delights.
To celebrate the Russian immigrants who grew and maintained vineyards in Baja through most of the 20th century, Bibayoff Winery hosts an annual festival with Russian music, dancing, and, of course, food and wine.
The Enotourism Experience
When you plan your holiday to Baja Wine Country, there are a few things you don’t want to miss.
Top Mexican chefs have created Baja Med cuisine to complement local wines with new tastes. The dishes are based on traditional Mexican cooking, fused with ingredients grown locally but originating in the Mediterranean and Asia, such as olives and lemongrass.
The Museo de la Vid y el Vino (Museum of Vine and Wine) in Valle de Guadalupe explains the history and origins of winemaking from the neolithic period 7,000 years ago in the country of Georgia through Mexico today. It also teaches visitors about the production process with displays of equipment for cultivation, pressing, fermentation, and aging. Further exhibits describe the influence and integration of wine in culture and art throughout civilization.
This Ruta del Vino is just one of the perks of living luxury in Mexico. Contact one of our Top Mexico Real Estate representatives to visit some of our most luxurious peoperties in Mexico. And remember…We make it happen!
