Are you planning a trip to Valle de Guadalupe and wondering which wineries to visit? One place that should be on your list is Monte Xanic. This article will give you a detailed Monte Xanic Winery review, helping you decide if it’s worth your time (spoiler: yes, if definitely worth it).
Before we start, if you’re looking for more options, check out our guide to Valle de Guadalupe Wineries.
What must you know about the Monte Xanic Winery in Valle de Guadalupe?
Monte Xanic in Baja, California, holds a special place in Mexico’s wine history, marking a turning point for the country’s wine industry. Founded in 1987, this winery emerged during a challenging time when Mexico had just opened its doors to foreign wines, putting many small local wineries out of business.
The story of Monte Xanic is one of determination and vision. Five ambitious men, including Hans Backoff, the main driving force and oenologist, started the winery with a bold goal: to produce the finest wines in Mexico, regardless of cost. This was a risky move, considering that Mexican wine consumers at the time generally assumed foreign products were superior.
What sets Monte Xanic apart is its pioneering spirit. It was Mexico’s first boutique winery, focusing on quality over quantity. Backoff introduced several Bordeaux grape varieties to Mexico, including Petite Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, along with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery’s commitment to quality was evident from the start, as they were willing to pay top dollar for the best grapes even before they could grow their own.
Monte Xanic’s efforts paid off quickly. Their wines began selling in Mexico City within a few years, appealing to discerning wine drinkers and younger generations proud of their Mexican culture. The winery’s reputation grew, leading to their wines being served to dignitaries, including three popes, and at a presidential inaugural dinner.
Over the years, Monte Xanic has earned over 260 medals in international competitions, putting Mexican wines on the global map. This success has had a ripple effect, spurring the growth of the wine industry in Valle de Guadalupe and attracting about a million tourists annually to the region.
Today, Monte Xanic continues to innovate and expand. They’ve invested in modernizing their facilities and increasing production to meet growing demand. The winery now offers tours, welcoming thousands of visitors each year, many from the United States.
Why visit Monte Xanic Winery?
There are many reasons to visit Monte Xanic. The winery is known for making some of the best wines in the region, which is a big draw for wine enthusiasts. The location of Monte Xanic is another selling point, offering beautiful views of the valley that make for a pleasant backdrop to your wine-tasting experience.
For those interested in learning, Monte Xanic provides an opportunity to discover more about winemaking and the history of wine in Mexico. They offer different wine-tasting options to fit various preferences, allowing visitors to tailor their experience. The winery also boasts modern facilities, including up-to-date equipment and a nice tasting room, which adds to the overall experience.
Monte Xanic in Valle de Guadalupe is often called a must-see place for wine lovers visiting Baja California. It’s a good mix of traditional and modern winemaking, which makes it stand out from other wineries in the area.
What wines are produced in Monte Xanic?
Monte Xanic wines include both red and white varieties. This prominent Mexican winery produces around 60,000 cases of wine annually under four distinct labels: Gran Ricardo, Ediciones Limitadas, Monte Xanic, and Monte Xanic Calixa. Each label offers a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and quality. Gran Ricardo, a Bordeaux blend, stands as one of the most prestigious wines from the region, known for its complexity and adherence to traditional French winemaking techniques. It features grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, making it one of the most sought-after wines.
Monte Xanic’s Ediciones Limitadas, as the name suggests, consists of limited edition releases, including special wines like the Bebbiolo Edición Limitada 2016, launched to mark the winery’s 30th anniversary. These wines showcase the winery’s dedication to experimentation and crafting unique experiences for wine enthusiasts.
Monte Xanic, the original line, maintains a balance between traditional and contemporary oenology. Over the years, the winery has evolved its products, incorporating new methods and styles from both sides of the Atlantic. This adaptability is especially evident in the Calixa line, which was introduced in the late 1990s and has since fueled much of the winery’s growth. Calixa offers more affordable wines while maintaining high quality. This line often uses French oak barrels previously used for Gran Ricardo, giving the wines a distinct character.
Monte Xanic favors Bordeaux varieties, with Malbec performing particularly well in the region’s arid terroir. The primary grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Among the most popular wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Chardonnay, which offer rich aromas and flavors ranging from dark fruits and chocolate to citrus and fresh hay.
The winery’s focus on quality is not limited to its wines. The vineyard management and production processes are meticulous, incorporating both traditional and modern techniques. Monte Xanic was the first Mexican winery to harvest grapes at night to preserve the delicate flavors, particularly of white grapes. Their wines are aged in French oak barrels,further improving their complexity and elegance.
Monte Xanic has set a high standard in Mexican winemaking, with its diverse range of wines appealing to both traditionalists and modern wine lovers.
The wine tasting at Monte Xanic
A Monte Xanic in Valle de Guadalupe wine tasting is a fun way to try their different wines. When you participate in a tasting, you can expect a few different options, ranging from a basic tasting to a more detailed one. The staff leading the tastings are knowledgeable about wine and can answer your questions, improving your understanding and appreciation of the wines.
Some tastings include small bites of food that complement the wines, adding another dimension to the experience. The atmosphere of the tasting room is comfortable and welcoming, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy each wine. There’s no rush, so you can take your time to savor each variety.
Remember to book your tasting ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting during the busy season. This helps make sure you get the experience you want.
How to get to Monte Xanic Winery?
Getting to Monte Xanic is relatively straightforward. The journey typically starts in Ensenada, the nearest big town. From there, you take Highway 3 towards Tecate. After about 14 miles (23 km), you’ll see signs for Valle de Guadalupe. Simply follow these signs to reach Monte Xanic Winery in Valle de Guadalupe.
The drive from Ensenada takes about 30-40 minutes. If you’re coming from San Diego, it’s about a 2-hour drive. Many people choose to stay in Valle de Guadalupe for a few days to visit several wineries.
It’s a good idea to have a designated driver or join a tour if you plan to do a lot of wine tasting. The roads can be tricky, especially at night, so it’s important to prioritize safety.
Consider choosing Baja Society Tours as your wine world guide
If you want to make the most of your visit to Monte Xanic and other wineries in Valle de Guadalupe, think about joining a guided tour. Baja Society Tours offers trips to many wineries in the area, including Monte Xanic.
A tour can be beneficial for several reasons. You won’t need to worry about driving, which allows everyone in your group to fully enjoy the wine-tasting experience. Tours often visit multiple wineries in one day, maximizing your time in the region. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the area from a knowledgeable guide, who can provide insights you might miss on your own.
Joining a tour also gives you the chance to meet other wine enthusiasts, adding a social element to your experience. If you don’t speak Spanish, tour guides can help with translations, making communication easier throughout your visit.
To sum up this Monte Xanic Winery review, it’s clear that this is a winery worth visiting in Valle de Guadalupe. With its mix of quality wines, beautiful views, and interesting tours, Monte Xanic offers a good experience for both new and experienced wine lovers. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay in Baja, California, adding Monte Xanic to your list of stops is a smart choice.
Remember to book your tasting or tour ahead of time, bring a camera to capture the views, and, most importantly, enjoy the wines responsibly. Happy tasting!