Baja California’s Wine History

Baja California’s Wine History

In the heart of sun-drenched vineyards in the Valle de Guadalupe north-east of Ensenada, the Museum of the Vine & Wine is now open. The museum is a wonderful resource for wine lovers for both local residents and tourists alike as it houses a collection rich in viticulture history. The beauty of the architecture stands out against the backdrop of granite mountains, fertile soil and lush graceful vines. From the gleaming entrance the visitor walks down into the underground museum, as if going into a wine cellar.

Travelers can make a day of it. The museum is a priceless resource for wine enthusiasts, and a tour can start from here. This is especially beneficial if it is the first visit to the Baja wine country. The museum gives a foundation for understanding wine production, thereby creating a deeper appreciation for wine tasting. Thoughtful organization went into presenting the history and includes wine production icons, such as the hand presses used by many of the smaller wine makers. Fine art and bronze sculptures are a perfect pairing. All art works have a touch of the vine as a theme. Huge oak barrels are embedded in the walls; track lighting spotlights the displays creating a vivid impression of what goes into making good wine. A series of towering glass shelves hold wine bottles from each vintner of the valley. Included at intervals along the way, are movies showing the production, and even how the oak barrels are made. The special attention to detail and the lovely low lighting sets the mood for the whole experience as if being in a cava where the wine is aged.

Baja has a rich ethnic history from the Spanish Jesuit fathers planting grapes for their sacramental wine to the Russian Molokanes who developed the first large commercial vineyards in 1906. Many of their wooden tools are on display from that time period. Today, according to a local winemaker, The wine region is one of my passions, and I have seen the region grow from just 24 vintners to well over 100, including the artisanal winemakers.

Above the underground museum is a modern facility with a panoramic view of the spectacular valley. As far as you can see are the grape vines now lush with leaves and clusters of maturing grapes. The harvest is celebrated as the Vendemia every year in August, while the actual harvest can go well into September. Certainly this is one of the most sophisticated day excursions close to home, and only two-hours from the US border.

Martina Dobesh is a 12 year resident of Baja. She is a journalist, author and editor of her own Baja Sun publication. He recent articles have been featured in the Baja Times, an English voice newspaper. The Vine and Wine museum is an easy destination. Highway #3 to Tecate. Open 9am to 5pm six days a week, closed Mondays.
You are invited to view The Baja Sun on line at http://www.thebajasun.com and check out the newest resource Baja.com!

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