Ensenada: Wine Not?

Does Mexico have wine? Yes! The country that loves beer, tequila, and mezcal also has some of the most delicious tasting wine in the world. Did you know that its wine history is even longer than that of the U.S?

Las Nubes winery in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California Norte.

Mexico has the oldest history of winemaking in North America, dating back to 1594 when Catholic Jesuits arrived and established a mission using the natural hot springs and wild indigenous grape vines of the area. Soon after, the Spanish Crown authorized land grants for producing wine and brandy, establishing what is today known as Casa Madero as the oldest winery in North America.

Since then, Mexico has developed a surprising relationship with wine, producing it in 14 different areas throughout the country. In Northern Baja California is where you can find the largest region for wine growing in Mexico, but it extends as far as Sonora, Valle de Parras, Aguascalientes, Querétaro and beyond. However, as mentioned, the area around the city of Ensenada is home to many boutique producers, more specifically in Valle de Guadalupe and Sonora.

These regions have been found to be the best areas for wine growing in Mexico, offering a Mediterranean climate that is both hot and dry. The nearby ocean breezes keep grapes fresher in the Valle de Guadalupe, while Sonora benefits from being in the high desert. At this high elevation, acidity is maintained in the grapes. The hot climate in both regions creates high alcohol and deeply colored wines. With sandy soils, the wines tend to have a mineral flavor, as well as a "saltiness” or salinity flavor associated with being close to the ocean.

The oldest winery in this region is Bodegas de Santo Tomás, which was founded in 1791 (originally as a Catholic mission) and started production of wine in 1888. Other well-known producers include Casa Pedro Domecq and L.A. Chetto, which were opened in 1972 and 1974 respectively. These wineries started by producing brandy, then slowly shifted into (at the time) low-quality wines. Not long after these wineries opened, Monte Xanic began production and focused more on the quality of wine beginning in the 1980s.

Today, the Valle de Guadalupe has more than 100 wineries, mostly small producers. But don’t let this small number fool you - Since Mexican winemakers do not have to abide by European traditions, many wineries are able to get creative with their blends, one example being a Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache and Barbara. Each winery truly has its own unique energy and vibe. This combined with the up-and-coming food scene is why Valle de Guadalupe is not a wine region that should be missed.

Seeing that the Valle de Guadalupe is located less than two-hours south of the U.S. border with Tijuana, we have created an experience at Gusto México that takes you through the valley to learn about history, wine varietals, and more. Love wine? Check out our Ensenada tour and send us an email for more information!