The Old Wine Route
Posted on Wed, Aug 31, 2011 @ 11:15 AM
When we think about the Baja California’s wines we all talk about “The Wine Route” located in the valleys at Ensenada, Mexico; but just some people know about “The Old Wine Route” in which the wine culture of Baja California started.
The Old Wine Route include the wine valleys of La Grulla, Santo Tomas, San Vicente and Llano Colorado, all located south of Ensenada. In these valleys are cultivated the Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes to produce white wines and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Carignan, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Zinfandel for red wines. In this route you will find the special regional gastronomy, artisanal products and lots of history. The oldest vineyard was established in 1888 even though the harvest of grapes for the wine production started in 1791 at the Santo Tomas mission.
As part of the vineyards that integrate the old wine route we can mention: Santo Tomas, the oldest vineyard in Baja California; Rincón de Guadalupe that additional of its wine production, also produces table grapes; Santo Domingo Vineyard that started in 2006 with the wine production of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; Palafox Vinyard, whose label Marijá was appointed as one of the top 30 best Mexican wines by Dia Siete Magazine in 2008; and MD Wines, which was established in 2006 and with the help of the enologist Laura Zamora created different combinations to expand the labels offered to the public. Also you can find the “Cava de Marcelo” a special place which gives the opportunity to the visitor to taste a variety of artisan cheeses of the region.
An activity that you should do during your stay at Ensenada definitely is to visit these beautiful places; it does not matter if you choose The Wine Route or The Old Wine Route you will live an unforgettable experience.
Sources:
Discover Baja California
MD Wines
Santo Domingo Vineyard
Palafox Vineyard
Santo Tomas Vineyard
La Cava de Marcelo
Buen Viaje Magazine
Rincón de Guadalupe Vineyard