San Lucas Winery, and its five sister wineries, are dedicated to producing quality wines that reflect the unique tastes and flavors of Mexico.
From their vineyards in the central highlands of Mexico (Guanajuato region), they hand-craft some of the most flavorful varietals and blends, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and other varieties.
San Lucas strives to bring the best of tradition and modernity together in their winemaking.
This begins with hand-picking grapes from the vineyard during peak ripeness and ends with aging the wines in French and American oak barrels to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. In between, the winemakers use state-of-the-art technology to ensure that every bottle of wine meets their high standards.
| Location coordinates: | 20°54’59.8″N 100°39’28.1″W |
|---|---|
| Elevation: | 6,679.5 feet — 2,035.9 meters |
| Local time zone: | Central Standard Time (CST) |
| Best time to visit: | Spring, end of summer, and fall months |
| Handicap accessible? | Some areas are |
| Wifi available? | Yes, there is free wifi throughout the property |
| Dogs allowed? | Not in the hotel rooms |
| Closest city | San Miguel de Allende (30 minute drive) |
Things to do in San Lucas Vineyard
1. Take a tour of the vineyard and taste 3 to 5 excellent wines — Guests can explore the vineyards with guided tours led by knowledgeable staff who provide insight into all aspects of wine-making, from harvesting to fermentation.
The guided tour includes a visit to the wine cellar and the tasting room where guests are provided with a few glasses of San Lucas’s award-winning wines alongside a variety of regional cheeses, fresh fruits, and homemade bread. The different grape varieties this vineyard specializes in are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay Syrah, and Tempranillo.
2. Take part in the olive and lavender workshop — Visit the lavender fields and olive tree groves. Learn how lavender and olives are cultivated and distilled, as well as the many uses of the essential oil produced here.
3. Taste the olive oil and cheese board — During our time at the vineyards, we enjoyed at least four cheese boards. These cheeses are locally made and they pair perfectly with the wines, as well as the homemade focaccia bread. To say it was delicious would be an understatement!
Their olive oil is made from the olive trees planted on-site and is delicious when drizzled on their homemade focaccia bread.
4. Learn the science of wine and food pairings — Participate in a wine-paired dinner and private tour of the vineyard. Guests can learn about the winemaking process from the experts themselves, spend time in some of the oldest Mexican vineyards, and enjoy unforgettable food and drink pairings along the way.
Savor a four-course meal and three wines from La Santisima Trinidad vineyard. The first course is your choice of salad or soup, accompanied by a white wine blend. The second course is truffle salmon accompanied by a glass of merlot. The third course is rib eye steak accompanied by a glass of cabernet sauvignon. And finally, for dessert, you will be served cheesecake and coffee or tea.
To make a reservation, click here.
5. Enjoy fine dining — There are two restaurants on the property, both of which offer Mediterranean-style cuisine in addition to some local favorites. The vineyard’s restaurant is open daily, whereas the hotel’s restaurant is only open Thursday through Sunday as well as holidays (días festivos, in Spanish).
6. Go shopping at the Tienda de Regalos— There is a gift shop on-site where you can purchase bottles of your favorite wines or other souvenirs, including hats, candles, bath bombs, and many products derived from the olives and lavender grown on the property.
7. Take time to rest and relax — Relax and take in the breathtaking views of hills dotted with lush grapevines. The hotel features an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. For the ultimate relaxing experience, soak in the hot tub, relieve muscle tension in the sauna, and detox your body in the steam room.
8. Pamper yourself at the spa — Book a massage or facial during your stay. To inquire about making an appointment, talk to the staff in the hotel lobby.
9. Realign yourself with yoga — San Lucas offers private and group yoga classes, as well as workshops taught by certified masters in different techniques.
10. Play polo or go horseback riding — Whether you’re new or experienced in playing polo, there are teachers, horses, and facilities available in the vineyard, as well as the opportunity to go horseback riding.
11. Play tennis or paddle — The court that lies next to the vineyards is perfect for those who want to get a workout in a beautiful environment.
12. Enjoy the outdoors — San Lucas is the perfect place to ride bikes, take a walk, or go on a run through the countryside. There are many kilometers of open roads lined by beautiful trees and colorful flowers with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
13. Attend featured events — San Lucas hosts several events throughout the year, including grape-treading where guests can take part in the traditional grape-stomping method used for wine-making.
14. Cozy up next to the fireplace — During both of the nights we were at the hotel, the staff provided us with a warm fire and plenty of firewood to keep it going. This is an option for hotel guests only.
15. Spend the night at the Hotel Viñedos San Lucas — Overnight guests can enjoy all the amenities of a 5-star resort while exploring everything San Lucas has to offer. Continue reading to see what my experience was at their boutique hotel.
16. Plan your wedding — Ok, this one will not apply to most people.. but in case you’re dreaming of getting married in a place that has a Tuscan countryside theme, then this may be the perfect place! There’s an on-site chapel and facilities available.
Even though many of the activities mentioned are for adults, it’s important to mention that it is a family-friendly property and it’s a nice place to bring kids.
Viñedos San Lucas is the ideal destination for wine lovers looking to experience the best of Mexican winemaking in a beautiful and relaxing setting. Whether you’re there for a day trip or a weekend vacation, San Lucas Winery’s welcoming staff will ensure that your visit is truly memorable.
Amenities at the Viñedos San Lucas Hotel
The 14-room hotel offers guests a comfortable stay in a luxurious setting.
It includes spacious rooms, suites, and villas with stunning views of the lake and vineyards, as well as a full range of services including daily housekeeping, an onsite restaurant serving delicious local dishes paired with premium wine from the winery, and a variety of recreational activities.
The property in and of itself is stunning. The Tuscany theme architecture, colorful bougainvilleas, and vine-covered walls truly make you feel like you’re in Italy.
Upon arrival, we were asked to leave our car in their free private parking area. Then, we settled into our room and explored around.
Our room had a sun terrace, king-size bed, large closet space, TV, mini fridge with a variety of beverages, coffee machine, and a spacious private bathroom with a vintage bathtub, robes, slippers, and hand-made soap.
Slide the images to the right and left to see a sneak peek of our room.
The hotel provides the free use of bicycles, which are located just outside the building where our room was. We took advantage of those and went for a little ride around the property.
We circled back around to the hotel lobby and we discovered a semi-covered outdoor patio with a wood fireplace, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room, and a yoga room. The outdoor swimming pool is located on another part of the property.
The restaurant is right around the corner from our room. During our stay, we had dinner and breakfast there. The food was delicious every time and the portion sizes were just right.
In the evenings, we asked the hotel staff to turn the fireplace on for us. They also delivered a cheese and meat board.
In celebration of my in-laws’ 49th wedding anniversary, we brought champagne. 😉
To book a stay at the hotel, visit the vineyard’s website here.
Note that the free cancellation policy varies based on the dates of your reservation, so become informed of that prior to booking.
Best time to visit San Lucas Vineyard
The region where San Lucas is located boasts abundant sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout the year. Apart from harvest season, the best time to visit the vineyard is during the Fall and Spring months.
| Best weather: | Fall and spring months |
|---|---|
| Hottest months: | May and June |
| Coldest months: | December and January |
| Rainy season: | Summer, especially July and August |
| Annual days of sunshine: | Over 320 days |
How to get to San Lucas Vineyard
The vineyard is located on Kilometer 26 of the San Miguel de Allende Highway in the state of Querétaro.
Since it’s located off a dirt road, the best way to get there is by car.
From Mexico City, it took us roughly four hours to get there.
If you’re flying into a nearby airport, it might be a good idea to rent a car there because there are no car rental options in San Miguel de Allende, the city closest to the vineyard.
The nearest airport to the vineyard is the Querétaro International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Querétaro, in Spanish) (QRO). It is located in Querétaro, 70 km southeast of San Lucas.
The other two closest airports are:
- Guanajuato International Airport, also known as Del Bajío International Airport (BJX) is located in Leon, 107 km west of San Lucas.
- General Francisco Mujica International Airport (MLM) is located in Morelia, 196 km south of San Lucas.
How long to stay in Viñedos San Lucas
The San Lucas Vineyard is a perfect day trip if you’re staying in the towns of San Miguel de Allende, Queretaro, or Dolores Hidalgo. However, if you have the time, I highly recommend staying for at least two nights.
A longer stay will allow you to get plenty of rest and relaxation, while also giving you the opportunity to enjoy everything the vineyard has to offer.
During one of the days, you can also visit the sister vineyards that are a short driving distance away.
Viñedos San Lucas’ Sister Wineries
- La Santisima Trinidad — Amenities at this vineyard include: wine tasting and meal pairing, lavender and olive workshops, outdoor activities such as biking, equestrian facilities, and a polo field, a spa center, and a small hotel. It is located in Carretera San Miguel de Allende, Dolores, Kilometer 81.
- Viñedos San Francisco — Amenities at this vineyard include: wine tasting and meal pairing, olive oil and cheese board tastings, a restaurant within the development, lavender and olive workshops, outdoor activities such as biking, tennis, and paddle courts, and equestrian facilities such as a riding arena, a polo field (cancha de polo, in Spanish), a jumping field, and a pool for horses. Their 14-room hotel includes a spa center (pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room) and gym. They’re currently offering opportunities in real estate development. Viñedos San Francisco is located in Carretera, Querétaro to San Miguel de Allende, Kilometer 26.
- Santa Catalina — Amenities at this vineyard include a restaurant within the development with a heated pool (Fridays and Saturdays only), a 10-room hotel, and 90 hectares of property to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Other amenities like wine tasting, spa services, polo classes, and tennis and paddle courts are available at Viñedos San Lucas and Viñedos San Francisco, a short 10 minutes away. They’re currently offering opportunities in real estate development. Santa Catalina is located in Carretera a Corral de Piedras- Kilometro 3.
- Viñedos de Los Senderos — Amenities at this vineyard include: an equestrian center, nature reserve, wellness retreat, restaurant within the development, lagoon, beach lounge, jacuzzi, children’s playground that includes a kids pool with a treehouse and slide, luxury cabins, and other outdoor activities. They’re currently offering opportunities in real estate development (desarrollo inmobiliario, in Spanish). Contact the vineyard directly if you’re looking for specific information with respect to this.
- Santa Jacinta — This vineyard is still a work in progress, however, it appears that in the near future, they will be offering the following amenities: gourmet restaurant, coffee shop, bar, spa services, pool, library, working place, tennis and paddle courts, and a tack room. Currently, they’re offering opportunities in real estate development and specializing in the production of cider.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a lively get-together with friends and family, this winery has something special to offer. Come explore the beauty and wonder of these vineyards!
San Lucas Vineyard is a stunning destination for wine enthusiasts and a must-visit if you’re traveling through! I hope you enjoy your time there as much as we did!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many vineyards are near San Miguel de Allende?
The city of San Miguel de Allende (SMA) is a stunning part of Mexico that is blessed with beautiful landscapes and plenty of sunshine to make it the perfect place for growing grapes and producing fine wines!
The local area boasts more than 16 vineyards, ranging from small family operations to large-scale commercial wineries. From delicious sparkling whites and soft rose wines to robust reds, there are many varieties that can be found in the vineyards near San Miguel de Allende.
Apart from the above-mentioned wineries, some of the popular vineyards and tasting rooms on the wine route near San Miguel de Allende are:
- Octagono Vino Ancestral is the first winery in Mexico to make its wine in clay vessels. That alone makes for a unique experience! They have a tasting room in the center of historic San Miguel de Allende.
- Cava Garambullo is located 6 km north of SMA but it is temporarily closed (as of December 2022). The owners, Natalia López Mota and Branko Pjanic, are vintners. While they don’t grow their own grapes, they buy organic grapes and make their own wine blends.
- Vinícola Toyan (otherwise known as Rancho Toyan) is located 11 km east of SMA. It has a cool wine cave that I’m told is a must-see!
- Bodega dos Buhos is located 13 km east of SMA, and is super close to Viñedos San Lucas and Vinícola Toyan.
- El Pavo Real del Campo Winery is located 14 km east of SMA.
- Bodega Viñedo San Miguel is located 16 km south of SMA.
- Tres Raíces is located 23 km north of SMA and 20 km southeast of Dolores Hidalgo. Tres Raices is the only other vineyard we visited during our time in SMA. It has a very modern feel and spectacular views that are perfect for watching sunsets.
- Cuna de Tierra is located 40 km north of SMA and 12 km northeast of Dolores Hidalgo. This vineyard is known for its red wines and underground cave. Special dinners are available by appointment only.
- Bernat VINICOLA is 48 km northwest of SMA and just 9 km south of Dolores Hidalgo. They feature a great selection of red and white wines.
- Viñedo los Arcángeles is a small winery located 51 km north of SMA and 23 km north of Dolores Hidalgo.
Can I take Mexican wine on a plane with me?
If you’re looking to bring a little taste of Mexico home with you, wine is the perfect souvenir! Mexican wines are known for their bright fruit flavors and earthy undertones.
To bring a bottle of Mexican wine home with you, be sure to check the current regulations of both the airline and the country regarding bringing alcohol in from overseas. Regulations vary from place to place but generally speaking it’s best to keep unopened bottles in your checked luggage when traveling with both domestic and international flights because the liquid limit for carry-on is 3.4 oz.
Keep in mind that luggage gets tossed around and packaging alcohol bottles properly is your responsibility.
As of early 2023, these are the regulations for the following countries:
- United States: According to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), “Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.”
- Canada: According to the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority (CATSA), “You can pack alcoholic beverages (including homemade wine and beer, and commercial products) in your checked baggage if: The percentage of alcohol by volume is 70% (140 proof) or less. The quantity does not exceed five litres per person for alcoholic beverages between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume.”
- United Kingdom: According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, “Alcoholic beverages, containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume, must be in its retail packaging. No more than 5 L per individual receptacle; and No more than a total net quantity of 5 L per person. Note: Alcoholic beverages containing less than 24% alcohol by volume are not restricted.”
Note: The average bottle of wine contains 750 ml. Therefore 6 bottles of wine equal 5 liters of alcohol.
