While tequila may be Mexico's claim to fame, wine is having a moment in the state of Guanajuato, where San Miguel de Allende is located. Spend a day vineyard-hopping in the rural areas surrounding San Miguel — most wineries are within an hour's drive of the downtown core. Hire a private car (approximately $40 / hour) or taxi (approximately $20 / hour), and start the morning with a hearty breakfast at Buen Dia Café on Pueblito 3, a popular ex-pat spot serving eggs al gusto and hot chocolate (a rich blend of Mexican and American milk chocolates).
Take a fifteen-minute drive east on Highway 111 to Two owls, a seven-acre organic vineyard growing ten varietals, including Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc. The owners are art amateurs and designed the winery to feel like a gallery, with original paintings by local artists in public spaces ($25 for two-hour tour).
A few miles down the road, sip the top-notch Cabernet at rustic Rancho Toyan, where the labyrinthine cellar produces just 1,000 cases a year for local businesses.
Next, head back in the direction of San Miguel on Mexico 51 to and Cuna de Tierra in Dolores Hidalgo, the most popular area producing red and white blends. After your tour, enjoy an al fresco lunch (reservations necessary; $45) with regional cheeses, cured meats like chorizo Salamanca and jamon Serrano, and artisanal breads while admiring the vineyard's breezy, open grounds.
Sit out your lunch coma at the interlinked mineral pools of the Mayan Baths ($7; reservations necessary) nearby. For the last vineyard of the day, hop on Highway 110 and drive 30 minutes to La Santisima Trinidad, a 117-acre estate sprawling with olive groves in lavender fields, now dedicating two acres of land to grapes for Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot; there's an on-site equestrian facility as well ($80 for a horseback ride on country trails).
Back in San Miguel, end the day at El Mirador — a hilltop lookout point with the best sunset views. Uncork one of several bottles of wine — they'll go perfectly with the killer view of La Parroquia's spires and bell towers from Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar in the Rosewood San Miguel.
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