A Sustainable Vision of Mexican Wine
As we approach Clos de Tres Cantos, we see small pyramids in the distance.
I’m curious and point at them. “Look, those structures are fascinating. I wonder what they are.”
When we get there, the pyramids look more like stone huts. In the center, there are some big stone chairs around a fire. It’s a unique welcome, both cozy and a bit daunting.
There’s a story behind all this, and we’re about to discover it.
We then reach a beautiful glass-walled tasting room. Maria Benítez welcomes us with a warm smile and bright eyes.
Maria and I sit at the end of the long wooden table. Then Joaquin Moya, her husband, joins us. They started this wine adventure as a retirement project.
As the first glass is poured, I admire the mountains and valley. What a wonderful place to enjoy a fine wine!
Another couple comes and sits with us. They seem to know each other. When Joaquin continues his explanations, we listen like eager children around a storyteller.
He used to be a philosophy and ethics teacher, and he has many insightful things to say about happiness, instinct and freedom. He even talks about the importance of contemplation – mystical, not religious.
Clos de Tres Cantos was designed for meditation, conversation and knowledge sharing. Coming here is like entering a monastery.
Indeed, the name “Clos” reminds us of a cloister. I should have guessed that.
They met Hugo d’Acosta, a famous oenologist, at a harvest festival in the region. He invited them to join Escuelita, his school where he teaches wine-making.
Maria says, “We loved the region and the people, and we also love wine. I was tired of corporate life, so we thought, why not?
She adds. “When we lived in Mexico City, we already hosted gatherings at home mixing literature, cooking, even with guests who gave presentations on different topics. So naturally when the idea of wine came up, this idea of sharing continued.”
A Responsible Vineyard
“We have a clear vision of being responsible.
Not only is our vineyard organic, but our project was created with sustainability in mind.
Everything was built with local, second-hand or recycled materials, to reduce the carbon footprint. The cellar was carved out of the rock, and the roofs were shaped like Mayan pyramids and mountains, to blend in with the landscape.
And they add: we also use solar energy. Today, Clos de Tres Cantos is probably the most responsible vineyard in the valley!
But being responsible means not only caring for the environment, but also for the culture and society, to contribute to the common good.
Sharing knowledge is very important to us. Joaquin’s family founded the first bookstore in Guadalajara and launched its first book fair. So we have the project of making a library accessible to everyone.”
Clos de Tres Cantos Wines
Here, we use grape varieties that are best suited to the Baja California terroir and that will adapt to climate change: Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah (Durif), Tempranillo.
We start with Tu Mismo, which means “yourself” in Spanish, a red wine with light woody notes, pimento, musk, cedar, vanilla and chocolate.
Then Noesis, intuition in Greek, referring to Plato’s ability to reach truth through intuition. It’s a deep-red Tempranillo with roasted notes of coffee, chocolate and a hint of cherry, licorice and plum. It’s my favorite from Clos de Tres Cantos and definitely one of my favorite Mexican wines!
Next comes Nada, nothing in Spanish. A more versatile wine, purplish-red in color with floral notes, red fruits, coffee notes, but also spicy hints of vanilla, cloves and cinnamon.
We continue with Duda, Spanish for doubt, which won the gold medal at the México Selection Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. A garnet-red color, rather tannic, with aromas of cherry, strawberry and Jamaican flower, which give way to eucalyptus and tobacco, as well as a pleasantly surprising note of chili pepper.
We end with El Otro, the other in Spanish.
Start with yourself and end with the other. It’s an interesting tasting experience and a philosophical reflection.
Mi Opinion of Clos de Tres Cantos
For me, Clos de Tres Cantos is a must-see in the Valle de Guadalupe, not only because it’s an organic and responsible vineyard that makes excellent wines – among my favorite Mexican wines – but above all because Maria and Joaquin are people you absolutely must meet.
Warm, generous and passionate, they radiate such a wonderful energy that we really didn’t want to leave them!
All photos are the intellectual property of Karla Acosta
Clos de Tres Cantos
- Address: Carretera Ensenada-Tecate KM 89.5, Rancho Santa Lucia, San Antonio de las Minas, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
- Tastings: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
- Email: mariabcnd@prodigy.net.mx, yacussi@prodigy.net.mx
Renting a car in Valle de Guadalupe
A car rental is essential for exploring the Valle de Guadalupe, since there is hardly any public transport.
And take my advice: pick a reliable car, because you will encounter many dirt roads, and I have already experienced getting trapped in a big mud puddle with a small car!
To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:
- You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
- Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
- Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort
Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:
How to get to Valle de Guadalupe
The first step is to fly to Tijuana (e.g. Aeromexico, Interjet, Volaris, VivaAerobus, etc.). You can also reach Tijuana airport by bus from San Diego.
To get the best deals on flights to Tijuana and other destinations in Mexico, I suggest using our flight comparator in collaboration with Skyscanner. You will pay the lowest price guaranteed!
From Tijuana to the Valle de Guadalupe (1h30), there are two main routes:
- Escenica Tijuana-Ensenada/México 1D (which runs along the coast), then the Carretera Transpeninsular/Rosarito – Ensenada/México 1
- Mexicali-Tijuana/México 2D, then La Ruta del Vino/México 3
🚗 Rent a car
🗽 Book entrance tickets and guided visits
🏄 Book your sports activities
🌍 Take a travel insurance
🙎 Book a tour
✈️ Book your flight
You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!
Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.
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- Vena Cava (Valle de Guadalupe): a Must on the Mexican Wine Route
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