Bodegas de Santo Tomás (Cavas) - Image 1
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Bodegas de Santo Tomás

4.9
·46 reviews·Ensenada, Mexico

Discover Mexico's winemaking legacy at Bodegas de Santo Tomás, the country's oldest winery, offering exquisite tastings and historic charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Festival Days

Experience vibrant events

CrowdHigh
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Bodegas de Santo Tomás (Cavas) - Image 1

Bodegas de Santo Tomás

Best Time

Festival Days

Experience vibrant events

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Mexico's winemaking legacy at Bodegas de Santo Tomás, the country's oldest winery, offering exquisite tastings and historic charm.

4.9
(46 reviews)

"Skip the cruise tour and spend a few hours at Santo Tomas! Highly recommend."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Skip Cruise Tours

Opt for independent visits over cruise line tours for more time and flexibility. Many find it more rewarding!

🍷 Pioneer Tasting Recommended

The 'Pioneer Wine Tasting' is highly recommended for delicious wines and a great introduction.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Winery & Cellar

Historic Winery & Cellar

Main winery building

Explore the oldest winery in Baja California, with a cellar housing over 3,000 bottles. A journey through over 136 years of winemaking history.

Wine & Olive Oil Tastings

Wine & Olive Oil Tastings

Tasting room and patio

Savor a selection of Mexican wines and exceptional olive oils. Many visitors rave about the quality and the friendly service during tastings.

Summer Cinema Series

Summer Cinema Series

Plaza de Bodegas de Santo Tomas

Enjoy open-air summer cinema events in the charming plaza, often featuring themed nights. A unique way to experience the winery grounds.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Visit in Advance

While walk-ins are possible, booking guided tours or wine tastings ahead of time is recommended, especially during peak seasons or festival days. This ensures you secure your spot and can fully enjoy the experience without waiting.

Embrace the Local Flavors

Beyond wine, Bodegas de Santo Tomás offers olive oil tastings and often features local food vendors and live music during events. Don't miss the chance to savor these authentic Baja California tastes.

Best Times

When
Festival Days
Why
Experience vibrant events
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Evenings
Why
Enjoy outdoor cinema
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Plaza de Bodegas de Santo Tomás con cine de verano. #ensenada #cine #Summer #ghibli #airelibre
@mariana_de_ensenada
6.6K likes • 65.4K views

🚗 Skip Cruise Tours

Opt for independent visits over cruise line tours for more time and flexibility. Many find it more rewarding! Reddit

🍷 Pioneer Tasting Recommended

The 'Pioneer Wine Tasting' is highly recommended for delicious wines and a great introduction. Reddit

Próximamente en Bodegas de Santo Tomás #Ensenada 🙌🏽
neoborneotattoo
59 likes • 5.3K views
En 1888, comienza nuestra historia como Bodegas de Santo Tomás. En el centro de la ciudad, se encuentra parte de la historia que podrás conocer a través de un recorrido guiado en lo que ahora es patrimonio histórico de Ensenada.
bodegasdesantotomas
200 likes • 3.7K views

🫒 Olive Oil is a Must-Try

Don't miss the fabulous olive oil tasting; it's a delightful surprise alongside the wines. Reddit

🎶 Check for Events

Look out for festival days with food, beer, and live music for a lively experience. Reddit

Proyecto de señalización para vinícola Bodegas de Santo Tomás para su viñedo en San Antonio de las minas realizado con materiales reciclados. Gracias por la confianza @bodegasdesantotomas 🍇 🍷 🌿 . . . . #ensenada #enslife #valledeguadalupe #valle #bc #baja #letreros #maderareciclada
bonanzaranch.decore
51 likes • 3.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Skip Cruise Tours

Opt for independent visits over cruise line tours for more time and flexibility. Many find it more rewarding! Reddit

🍷 Pioneer Tasting Recommended

The 'Pioneer Wine Tasting' is highly recommended for delicious wines and a great introduction. Reddit

🫒 Olive Oil is a Must-Try

Don't miss the fabulous olive oil tasting; it's a delightful surprise alongside the wines. Reddit

🎶 Check for Events

Look out for festival days with food, beer, and live music for a lively experience. Reddit

🛍️ Buy Bottles to Take Home

Many visitors leave with bottles of wine and olive oil, so budget time for shopping. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(46 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Bodegas de Santo Tomás for its rich history, excellent wine and olive oil tastings, and friendly staff. Many highlight the value for money and the enjoyable atmosphere, especially on the patio. It's a highly recommended stop for cruise passengers looking for an authentic local experience.

"Nice little bodega. You can purchase a wine tasting for as little as $23 USD and then buy the bottles if you want.
All Mexican wines. Look out for festival days where they have food, beer, live music etc
Good day out"

Ewm002

"We had a lovely afternoon tasting great wines on the tree-covered patio in the beautiful santo Tomas plaza. The olive oil tasting was fabulous too! Special thanks to our host and server Viridiana! This is a must the next time you’re in Ensenada."

Kelly Fryer

"Visited as part of a tour while on a Carnival cruise stop and we (wife and 15 year old) loved it. The staff were very nice and the wines and olive oils were really refreshing. We took home some of both and can't wait to enjoy it. My only regret is that we didn't have more time to spend since we were on a bit of a schedule. Highly recommend."

John Vest

What People Like

Historic winery charm
Delicious wine & olive oil
Friendly, attentive staff

What People Dislike

Limited time on cruise tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bodegas de Santo Tomás is conveniently located in the center of Ensenada, making it easily accessible. If you're arriving by cruise ship, many visitors opt to take a taxi or Uber rather than a cruise line tour to have more freedom. Reddit Some social media posts highlight its proximity to other attractions like La Morocha Bar. Instagram

While Bodegas de Santo Tomás is a historic winery with roots in Ensenada, they also have vineyards in the famous Valle de Guadalupe. The main historic site and tasting rooms are often visited in Ensenada itself. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Many cruise passengers visit Bodegas de Santo Tomás. It's highly recommended to arrange your own transportation, like a taxi or Uber, to maximize your time and avoid the constraints of organized cruise tours. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Wine tastings are quite affordable, with options starting around $23 USD. The 'Pioneer Wine Tasting' is a popular choice for experiencing a variety of their delicious wines. Reddit+1

While walk-ins are possible, booking guided tours or wine tastings in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods or festival days, to ensure availability. TikTok

Operating hours can vary, especially on festival days. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening times and tour availability.

Yes, guided tours are available and offer a deeper insight into the history of Bodegas de Santo Tomás, including their impressive cellars. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The historic winery buildings, the tree-covered patio, and the charming plaza are all picturesque. Look for unique signage and architectural details for memorable shots. Instagram

Yes, you can generally take photos during your wine tasting experience, especially on the patio or in designated areas. Capturing the ambiance and your tasting moments is encouraged. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

During festival days, you can expect food vendors and live music. The adjacent La Morocha Bar offers delicious dishes from a renowned chef, making it a great spot for a meal. Instagram

Absolutely! Many visitors purchase bottles of their favorite wines and olive oils to enjoy later or bring back as souvenirs. Reddit+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bodegas de Santo Tomás can be a pleasant outing for families, especially during events. The plaza area is spacious and can accommodate children, and the summer cinema offers a unique evening activity. TikTok While the wine and olive oil tastings are geared towards adults, the overall atmosphere is welcoming. Consider visiting during a festival day when there might be more activities to engage younger visitors, and remember that the focus of the tasting rooms is on adult beverages. Instagram

🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers

If you're docking in Ensenada, Bodegas de Santo Tomás is a fantastic alternative to standard cruise line excursions. Many travelers highly recommend skipping the organized tours and opting for a taxi or Uber to spend a few hours here. Reddit This gives you the freedom to enjoy the wine and olive oil tastings at your own pace and purchase souvenirs without being rushed. Reddit+1 The friendly staff and delicious products make it a highly rewarding independent visit.

🍷 Wine Enthusiasts

For wine lovers, Bodegas de Santo Tomás offers a deep dive into Mexico's winemaking heritage. As the oldest winery in Baja California, it provides a unique perspective on the region's viticultural history. Instagram Explore the historic cellar, sample a range of Mexican wines, and learn about the pioneering spirit of this esteemed establishment. Instagram Don't miss the chance to try their acclaimed olive oils as well, adding another layer to your sensory exploration.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Legacy of Mexican Wine

Bodegas de Santo Tomás holds the distinction of being the oldest winery in Baja California, with a history stretching back to 1888. Instagram+1 This rich heritage is palpable as you explore their facilities. They are considered pioneers in Mexican winemaking, contributing significantly to the reputation of wines from the region. Instagram The winery's commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every bottle produced, making a visit a journey through Mexican viticultural history.

Visitors can delve into this history through guided tours that often include visits to their impressive historic cellar, which houses an extensive collection of over 3,000 bottles. Instagram This immersive experience allows you to understand the evolution of winemaking in Mexico and appreciate the dedication that goes into each vintage. The winery's presence in Ensenada also connects it to the vibrant local culture, with events like summer cinema and popular festivals often held on its grounds. TikTokInstagram

The Tasting Experience

The wine tasting experience at Bodegas de Santo Tomás is a highlight for many visitors. You can opt for various tasting packages, with the 'Pioneer Wine Tasting' being a frequently recommended choice for its excellent selection and value. Reddit Guests often praise the quality of the wines, with many leaving with several bottles to take home. Reddit+1

Beyond wine, the olive oil tasting is another experience that receives rave reviews. Reddit The combination of sampling exquisite wines and flavorful olive oils, often enjoyed on a pleasant, tree-covered patio, creates a truly memorable afternoon. Reddit The staff, like Viridiana mentioned in one review, are noted for their friendly and attentive service, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the visit. Reddit This makes Bodegas de Santo Tomás a must-visit for anyone interested in the culinary and oenological treasures of Baja California.

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