Sadly I did not have the opportunity to visit the wineries, but I did try some of both Domecq and L.A. Cetto's wines while traveling in Mexico last summer. I have to say I was not impressed with what I tried, though I don't think I was trying their best stuff (Pedro Domecq Vino Blanco Calafía 2005, Pedro Domecq XA Cabernet Sauvignon Valle de Calafía 2006, L.A. Cetto Fumé Blanc Valle de Guadalupe 2005, L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah Valle de Guadalupe 2005). When searching the supermarket, I believe I saw a Barbera, but no Nebbiolo. Regardless, I was hesitant to go with a grape from Piedmont grown in Northern Mexico, I figured California grapes would have a higher chance of success.

Both wineries seem to be on the large side, and the wines I tasted had a mass-production quality to them. The Domecq name also makes me think that it's part of the much larger Domecq empire...is that true? Are there smaller wineries in the area? Do the larger wineries produce the best wines?

What are the best grapes for the region's climate?

Thanks for the post.
S

I will start by saying, I am not sure what grapes are best for the region. But they try a lot of things that you don't find here very often. One of my favorites being the Tempranillo.

I agree that the wines are not the best, and most of you know the best! However, I live in the Temecula valley (you have maybe heard of our "wine" region?); and I would have to say I prefer the wines in Mexico. The big wineries down there are not the best, especially Domecq! The items you, Stephen, tried from L.A. Cetto are not there best (although I like the Fume Blanc because it is about $5). When at the winery, if you push, or they aren't too busy, they have about 20 wines, including there reserve label called "Don Luis." You can't get these wines many other places.

Yes, it is my understanding that Domecq is part of the larger empire. I only went there once and didn't like it, but it is quite popular.

My favorites are the smaller ones. They are growing in number every day! There is a small area down there that was originally inhabited by Russian immigrants. with small wineries surrounding a russian museum.

After tasting at a few wineries, we go to Naranjas, a quail restaurant (I am a vegetarian, but my family says the have the best quail). This restaurant makes there own wine and it doesn't even have label on it, but it's good. Then we hit some more wineries.

I love traveling down there and would have too agree with Philip, it is pure heaven!

I agree, there are some good ones up here that get there grapes from Guadalupe valley, especially here in Temecula, since we are so close. I however never find them to be quite as good.

As a side note, I told my dad about my post and he says I am not to tell you all about the great Nebbiolo because he doesn't want the price to go up, so just pretend I didn't mention it! He also gave me a contact for a guy that does tours and wine dinners down there if anyone is ever interested. (Or if anyone at snooth needs a contact in Mexico.)

All in all, a great region but very down played and not something to compare to Napa or all these amazing places some of you have been! But I love it just the same!

It's pretty nice. We also love that video, offroading is one of our other passions and we have friends that race in the Baja 1000 and 500! Definitely not like what you see around here.

Just spent the day in the Guadalupe valley. Nice to see things getting better down there every time I go. It does become confusing to keep track of because a lot of the wines don't even have labels. I picked up a bottle where the wine maker had to write what it was with a sharpie, another one used masking tape to write on and stick to the bottle - I love every minute of it.! LA Cetto is definately one where you have to know what you are aking for. If you go in and don't say much, they just pour the cheap stuff, but they have some great wines as well. Picked up a case of their Nebbiolo for $15 a bottle - always a bargain.

We have had crazy fluctuations. In one week we have gone from 100+ to 40 and back up again. Vegas is probably fluctuating even more. I, fortunately, had wonderful weather the whole time I was in Mexico. It rained on my way down, but then cleared up and got down right hot. Too bad it wasn't a little warmer for you, but at least it wasn't 120 degrees like it will be come August. We're you in Vegas for work or pleasure?