Although the reds from Spanish Rioja and the sparkling whites from Bordeaux are world-renowned, Baja California is home to some of the best vineyards in America and the world. Their hectares of vines are the epicenter of the Mexican wine movement, producing high-quality wine that is exported to other countries. To help you learn more about Mexican wines, we share the main vineyards of Baja California.

A bit of history

Wine is not of Mexican origin; it was actually brought by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was also the Franciscan monks who implemented grape cultivation on Aztec land, thus starting an industry that is now flourishing. In Baja California alone, there are over 20 wineries producing more than 80% of the total Mexican wine. This is not surprising, as there are just over 730 km² of planted vines throughout the state and its various valleys. These are the four most important wine valleys of Baja California, and we include the most representative winery of each:

1) Valle de Guadalupe
- Casa de Piedra A family-owned winery specializing in Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, red wines. Their wines are distinguished by earthy and salty flavors due to their proximity to the sea and the gravel of the land where they are planted. They are a relatively new house but are leaders of the new Mexican wine movement to the world.

2) Valle de Calafia
- Casa Domecq This was the first commercial winery in the valleys, and you can find their labels Calafia, X-A, and Padre Kino, although the most acclaimed is the Blanc de Blanc: 100% Chenin Blanc. Its name has noble origins; the brand comes from Spanish ancestry, and its wines reflect that aging in their flavor. They are dry, strong, full-bodied wines with notes of Brandy.

3) Valle de Santo Tomás
- Bodegas de Santo Tomás Inaugurated in 1888, this is the oldest winery in the country and produces award-winning wines like their Duetto made from Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon, which won a gold medal at the 2012 Brussels World Competition.
4) Valle de San Antonio
- Tres Valles With 15 years of history, this young winery is gaining ground thanks to the diversity of its grapes and wines that come from three valleys: San Antonio, Guadalupe, and San Vicente Ferrer. Their signature wine is the red Kojáa, 100% Petit Syrah, fresh, with fruity notes and a hint of salt.

And if you're in the mood to pair a good wine with a delicious dish, try these gourmet recipes:

Filete Mignon with Bernaise Sauce	Pasta with Asparagus and Goat Cheese	Salmon Fillet with Asian Sauces
Salmon with Pistachio Crust	Gratinated Artichoke Hearts	Shrimp Skewers

Discover the special wine and Gourmet Cooking section of Kiwilimón