Ensenada: Old Wine Route Tour with 4 Winery Visits

Exploring Ensenada’s Old Wine Route offers a delightful taste of Baja California’s wine-making tradition for just $54 per person. This 8-hour private tour features visits to 4 distinguished wineries, including Santo Tomás, MD Wines, and Viñedos Palafox. It is perfect for those who want a structured, educational experience with guided vineyard tours and wine tastings. The tour includes convenient pick-up and drop-off from hotels or Airbnbs in Ensenada’s urban zone, making transportation straightforward and hassle-free.

While the tasting fees are not included and range from 300 to 600 MXN per winery, the experience remains an excellent value for anyone eager to learn about Baja’s winemaking heritage. This tour suits visitors who appreciate guided insights and want an organized, private group setting. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with back problems.

Key Points

• Price: Only $54 per person for an 8-hour all-inclusive wine tour.
• Number of wineries: Visit 4 renowned vineyards, including Santo Tomás, MD Wines, and Viñedos Palafox.
• Includes: Transportation and hotel/Airbnb pick-up and drop-off in Ensenada’s urban zone.
• Guide: Live tour guides speak Spanish and English.
• Tasting fees: Not included, range from 300 to 600 MXN per winery.
• Availability: Tours run Thursday to Sunday with flexible starting times between 10 am and 6 pm or 12 pm and 8 pm.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Unique Wineries of Ensenada’s Old Wine Route

The Old Wine Route in Ensenada is a well-known corridor lined with historic vineyards and modern wineries. This tour takes you directly to 4 distinguished wineries, where each stop offers a chance to explore vineyard landscapes and learn about traditional and modern winemaking techniques. Each visit is led by a knowledgeable guide who shares stories about the region’s heritage and the specific winery’s history.

The first stop at Santo Tomás introduces visitors to one of Baja’s oldest and most famous wineries. Here, a guided tour reveals the winemaking process and the history of the estate. The subsequent visits to MD Wines and Viñedos Palafox continue the theme of learning and tasting, with each stop offering insights into regional styles and wine production methods.

Transportation and Pick-Up Details for Convenience

This tour offers hotel or Airbnb pick-up and drop-off within the urban zone of Ensenada, simplifying logistics. The transportation is arranged by the tour provider, Viva Ensenada Excursiones & Tours, ensuring a comfortable and smooth journey between vineyards. For travelers staying outside the city center, an additional fee applies, so confirming your pick-up location in advance is recommended.

The guide either acts as a tour leader or chauffeur, depending on the group size, combining local expertise with professional driving. This arrangement means you can focus entirely on enjoying the scenery and wine without worrying about navigation or logistics.

Each Winery Offers Guided Vineyard Tours

At each of the four wineries, the tour includes a guided tour of the vineyard. The guide explains the winemaking process and the history of each estate, providing context to the tastings. Visitors can expect to see vineyards stretching across the landscape, with some wineries offering viewpoints or picturesque scenery.

After the tours, wine tasting sessions are available, giving a chance to sample varieties crafted in Baja. Since tasting fees are not included in the price, it’s advisable to budget between 300 and 600 MXN per winery for tastings if you wish to indulge more fully.

What to Expect at Each Stop

The first winery, Santo Tomás, is notable for its heritage and broad selection of wines, making it a perfect starting point. The second stop, MD Wines, offers a more contemporary experience with innovative wine styles and modern facilities. At Viñedos Palafox, visitors find a boutique winery with a personalized tour experience. The final stop provides an opportunity to reflect on the day’s learnings while enjoying the scenic vineyard surroundings and sampling wines.

Each location emphasizes varietals typical of the region, allowing guests to compare different styles and winemaking techniques. The entire experience is designed to be informative and relaxed, with ample time for tastings and photo opportunities.

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Pacing and Duration of the Tour

The 8-hour itinerary balances guided vineyard visits, tastings, and transportation comfortably. The tour starts as early as 10 am or as late as 12 pm, accommodating different preferences. The pacing is steady, with enough time at each winery to explore, learn, and taste without feeling rushed.

The return trip concludes with a relaxing journey back to your accommodation in Ensenada’s urban zone. This structured pacing ensures visitors can savor each stop without fatigue, making it ideal for those seeking an educational yet leisurely experience.

What You Need to Bring for the Day

To make the most of the tour, comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through vineyards. A hat and sunscreen help protect from the Baja sun, and a camera is perfect for capturing the beautiful vineyard scenery. Since food and drinks are not included, packing a small water bottle is advisable. Wearing comfortable clothing ensures ease during vineyard tours and walking between stops.

Important Tour Policies and Considerations

The tour not allowed smoking, bringing alcoholic drinks or food in the vehicle. Also, pick-up outside the urban zone incurs an additional cost. The tour operates Thursday through Sunday, with flexible starting times.

Tasting fees are not included and should be budgeted separately. The tour is conducted in both Spanish and English, providing clear explanations regardless of language preference. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users due to the physical nature of vineyard visits.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Ensenada Wine Experiences

This private, guided tour provides a more personalized experience compared to larger group offerings. The focus on four specific wineries gives a well-rounded introduction to Baja’s wine scene in a single day. Many similar experiences, like those in Guadalupe Valley or Ojos Negros Valley, are comparable, but this tour’s convenience and focus on heritage make it a strong choice for those seeking an immersive yet manageable outing.

Final Thoughts on the Ensenada Old Wine Route Tour

For $54, this tour presents a compelling way to discover Ensenada’s wine heritage without breaking the bank. The guided visits to Santo Tomás, MD Wines, and Viñedos Palafox—plus the convenience of hotel pick-up—make it a practical choice for visitors eager to learn about Baja’s winemaking traditions.

While the additional tasting fees should be kept in mind, the structured itinerary and private group setting ensure a tailored, engaging experience. It’s especially suitable for those who want a rundown of the region’s wineries in a single day, with professional guides leading the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The transportation to four wineries and hotel or Airbnb pick-up and drop-off within Ensenada’s urban zone are included. Guided vineyard tours are part of each stop.

Are tasting fees included?
No, tasting fees are not included and range from 300 to 600 MXN per winery.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts 8 hours, with flexible starting times between 10 am and 6 pm or 12 pm and 8 pm.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Since wine tastings are a core part of the experience, it is best suited for adults. The tour not suitable for pregnant women and those with physical limitations.

Can I join this tour outside the urban zone of Ensenada?
Yes, but additional costs apply for pick-up and drop-off outside the urban area.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera, and water are recommended for the day.

Is the tour available year-round?
The tour runs Thursday through Sunday, with availability subject to seasonal scheduling.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication throughout the day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby