13 Best Sights in Los Cabos and the Baja Peninsula, Mexico

Despite up-and-coming wineries fighting for the spotlight, this premier producer is still considered the Rolls-Royce of Valle de Guadalupe’s wineries. During the pandemic, the grounds were expanded to include a market, café, and restaurant. The wine tours are next level, unveiling an entire underground labyrinth of barrel hallways and tasting rooms where you can sample some of the most intense, bold wines in the valley. The majority of their wines live three years in the barrel, and four years in the bottle before hitting the shelf. Logos on the premium line are based on Mayan numbers, with outstanding selections like the Balché UNO, a Grenache with hints of raspberry and caramel. The Balché CERO 100% Nebbiolo is the king of their wines, having aged four years in the barrel. Even their younger wines are exceptional, which is understandable with old vines and French barrels behind the story, but expect to pay a hefty price to try them. Tastings for top selections will cost you about $60, but considering you are sampling $200 bottles of wine, it just might be worth it. Be sure to end your wine tour here, otherwise the rest of your tastings might pale in comparison.

Adobe Guadalupe makes an array of fascinating old-world-style blends named after angels. Don't miss the Rafael, which is a blockbuster blend; the Serafiel, Gabriel, and Miguel are also excellent. Gaining wide notice is the Jardín Romántico—100% Chardonnay—and, of course, the powerful tequila and mezcal. Tastings are offered daily 10--5 and include four reds, one white, and one rosé for $27 (free to hotel guests). Shipping is available. Be sure to visit the wine store and tapas food truck on your way out.

The brainchild of Hugo D'Acosta, Casa de Piedra is part of an impressive portfolio that includes Paralelo, Aborigen, and La Borde Vieille, known for its Mexican and French blends. Try Casa de Piedra's flagship wine Contraste or their sparkling wines. The space is interesting and modern, designed by the winemaker's architect brother. Visits are by reservation only.

Considered a giant among the region’s vineyards, this winery produces 30,000 cases of wine, has its own concert venue, private villas, and the popular restaurant Latitude 32. Most stop by to sample the fine blends named after constellations in honor of the owner’s love for astronomy. Behind the barrel is winemaker Jesus Rivera, responsible for much of the success of neighboring wineries where he previously consulted. For an elegant Chardonnay, try Capricornius, or for an Italian grape blend of Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, the Perseus aged 24 months in French oak barrels is also wonderful. The Orion is one of their most popular reds. Over 75 percent of their wines are certified organic, with eco-friendly practices at the root of their production (solar power, water wells, and aqua reserves). For the jewel of El Cielo, go big with their reserved collection, Estrellas (stars) that have been preserved up to 20 years. Be sure to book the "Blend Your Own Wine Experience" that includes a tour, tasting, and wine-lab workshop where a certified sommelier will teach you how to create your own wine. 

L.A. Cetto is a giant that produces 50% of the wines that come out of Valle de Guadalupe, making it the closest thing to a California wine country experience south of the border. When tasting or buying, avoid the more affordable wines, and go straight for the premiums. Having earned over 950 international awards for their 40 labels, they are well known for their lovely Nebbiolo and Chardonnay, and their nicely balanced Don Luis Concordia. Don't miss the Peninsula Espaldera, a Sangiovese-Aglianico blend with aromas of black fruit and toffee. Tours take place daily 10–5 on the half hour.

Owned by Fernando Pérez Castro, this new-generation winery creates rich wines made with 100% local grapes. With six labels under their barrel, their blends are sold to top restaurants and hotels in Mexico City, Riviera Maya, and Cabo. The preferred Sacro—a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—has hints of pomegranate, cherry, pepper, berries, and maple syrup, while the Tinto de la Hacienda has characteristics of compote and jam. For something unique, try Pagano, their rebel baby Grenache that comes in a square bottle. The circular tasting room overlooks a pit of shiny wine tanks where vines dangle from above. It's the place where cool people sip, especially San Diego day-trippers who Instagram their pours in front of murals by Mexican artist Jorge Tellaeche. Tastings are by appointment.

Baja's oldest wine producers gives tours and tastings at its downtown Ensenada winery and bottling plant. Santo Tomás's best wines are the Alisio Chardonnay, the Cabernet, and the Tempranillo; avoid the overpriced Único. The winery also operates the enormous wineshop, a brick building across the avenue. The Santo Tomás Vineyards can be found on the eastern side of Highway 1 about 50 km (31 miles) south of Ensenada in Santo Tomás Valley, fairly near the ruins of the Misión Santo Tomás de Aquino, which was founded by Dominican priests in 1791. They have a third facility, Cava San Antonio de las Minas, at the entrance to Valle de Guadalupe at Km 94.7.

This winery produces a variety of Merlot- and Cabernet-heavy blends. Try Liceaga's "L," a complex and elegant wine with hints of cherry, blackberry, cassis, plum and pepper. The tasting room is open most days 9–4.

One of the area’s few vineyards to offer organic wines, this 1950s ranch has gained renown for whites such as their remarkably fragrant Chasselas del Mogor. Their newer Pirineo blends a contemporary Mexican Grenache with a French Syrah. Wine tastings are available by reservation only on weekends 11–5 in their underground cave. After wine tasting, dine at the neighboring garden restaurant, operated by the talented chef Drew Deckman.

Tastings at Monte Xanic take place at the edge of a lovely pond and include three reds and two whites for $35. Most impressive is their consistency, right down to the cheapest table wines. Tastings and tours are available by appointment only. Be sure to check out the impressively styled cellar.

In 2005, this underground bunker-style Paralelo was built by the Hugo d'Acosta clan as "parallel" to Casa de Piedra. The 25-acre vineyard produces two red blends—the excellent and balanced Arenal and the heavier, minerally Colina—as well as a Chenin Blanc Emblema. Although the winery is technically closed to the public, an advanced reservation is likely to land you a rooftop tasting with enologist and director, Thomas Egli.

Even if you’re not into wine, a visit to this award-winning winery is well worth a visit. Winemaker Phil Gregory blended his passion for sustainable practices and wine making into the architecture of this funky wine cave made from old fishing boats. Bursting with character, these 1930s vessels once sailed the waters off the coast of Ensenada. Today they serve as the domes that cap the wine cellar, housing Vena Cava’s labels considered among the best blends in Mexico. Vena Cava is one of the few wineries to produce natural wines, free of sulfites and with no added yeast. The Big Blend Tempranillo is elegant, gentle, and fruit-forward, and the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is remarkably smooth. This fine balance of science and art have become an obsession for the talented winemaker who uses French barrels and organic grapes from local valleys. Tastings are offered 11--5 on the hour for $25. Stay awhile and enjoy a meal at the food truck out front, serving an urban take on Baja cuisine.

Within Vinisterra, expect to find Tempranillo and Cabernet-Merlot blends, which are big and juicy. Tastings are available 11–4. Four tastings will run you about $15 to $64 depending on your selection. For groups of 10 or more, call well in advance for reservations.