Ensenada Shore Excursion: Entre Santos and El Cielo Winery Tours with Lunch

Planning a cruise stop in Ensenada and looking to combine scenic vineyard visits with a taste of Baja California’s renowned wines? This private tour, offered by Top Private Tours, promises a full-day experience blending history, flavor, and natural beauty. With a focus on personalized service, you’ll visit two distinct wineries, savor seven tastings, and enjoy a gourmet meal amidst breathtaking vineyard scenery—all within approximately six hours.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers wanting a curated, intimate experience away from the hustle of larger group excursions. We’re fans of the way it offers personalized attention and includes round-trip transport, making logistics simple. However, some travelers have found that communication can be inconsistent at times, so keeping in touch with your guide beforehand helps set expectations. If you’re eager to explore Baja’s acclaimed wine country in comfort and style, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience ensuring tailored attention.
• Seven tastings across two historic wineries in Valle de Guadalupe.
• Includes a gourmet lunch featuring Baja-inspired flavors.
• Round-trip transport from Ensenada cruise port simplifies planning.
• Historically significant Santo Tomas winery and scenic El Cielo.
• Ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking authentic, relaxed wine country visits.

What to Expect from the Tour

This shore excursion is designed to maximize your limited time in Ensenada while giving you a taste of Baja California’s famous wine region. It starts with a pickup at the cruise port, usually scheduled to fit your ship’s timetable, and then a comfortable drive inland to Valle de Guadalupe, known for its fertile lands and innovative wineries.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Santo Tomas Winery
As the oldest winery in Baja California, Santo Tomas offers a tangible sense of history. We loved the way their tour immerses you in the entire wine-making process—from grape to glass. You’ll get to walk around the barrels and cavas, learning about the winery’s legacy and how it has evolved over the decades. The tasting here includes several of their best bottles, giving you a good sense of their style and quality.

A common highlight, according to reviews, is the knowledgeable guides—they often share engaging stories that make the tasting more meaningful. One reviewer praised Frieda for her “great conversation and entertainment,” making the drive feel like a fun chat instead of a formal tour.

Second Stop: El Cielo Winery
This modern winery offers a different vibe—more contemporary architecture and scenic vineyard views. After a guided tour here, you’ll get to sample another set of curated wines—a total of seven across both locations, carefully divided to showcase a variety of styles. Many guests comment on the excellent wine selection, with some calling it “beautiful locations and very good wine.”

The walk around the barrels and cavas at El Cielo is often described as picturesque, and the tasting process is designed to help you appreciate the nuances of Baja wines. Several reviews mention the friendly guides and good organization, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

The Lunch Break: Baja-Inspired Gourmet Meal

After the tastings, you’ll sit down for a seasonal lunch at the vineyard’s restaurant. The menu blends steakhouse fare with Baja flavors, offering a satisfying and locally inspired meal. One reviewer appreciated the local restaurant suggestion during the tour, calling it “awesome,” which shows how flexible the experience can be—some guides help customize your experience to fit your preferences.

The lunch provides a well-earned break, letting you relax and enjoy the scenery while savoring dishes that reflect Baja’s fresh ingredients and culinary creativity.

Return to Ensenada

After lunch, your driver will return you to the cruise port, with plenty of time left before your ship departs. The entire trip, from pickup to drop-off, takes about six hours—making it a manageable yet comprehensive way to experience Baja’s wine culture without rushing.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Personalized Service
Being a private tour means fewer crowds and more flexibility. Some reviews highlight guides like Jorge and Frieda, who go above and beyond—taking photos, engaging in friendly conversation, and even securing special requests like cheese or charcuterie trays.

Quality of Wineries
While some guests noted that communication with the tour operator can be inconsistent, most agree the wineries are worth the visit. Santo Tomas’s historical significance and El Cielo’s modern vibe offer a well-rounded taste of Baja’s wine scene.

Authentic Food and Wine
The lunch at the winery restaurant features seasonal, Baja-inspired ingredients, making it more than just a quick bite. Many reviewers appreciated the local flavors and the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings.

Ease of Logistics
The round-trip transportation and pickup/drop-off service at the cruise port eliminate the stress of organizing your own transport, especially important in a port city like Ensenada where traffic can be unpredictable.

Considerations Before Booking

While most reviews are positive, some travelers have expressed disappointment with the overall organization or communication. It’s wise to confirm your pickup time and details directly after booking, especially if you’re on a tight cruise schedule.

The cost of $166 per person reflects a premium for a private, all-inclusive experience, which many feel is justified given the personalized attention, quality of tastings, and convenience. Still, if you’re budget-conscious, comparing with larger group tours might be worthwhile but note those often lack the intimacy and customization of this private option.

This tour is probably best suited for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, or anyone interested in a relaxed, scenic way to experience Baja wine country. If you’re after a more bustling or adventurous activity, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This Ensenada shore excursion offers a well-balanced blend of history, scenery, and flavor—ideal for travelers eager to enjoy Baja California’s wine heritage without the hassle of planning every detail. The private setting means you can focus on what interests you most, whether that’s learning about wine production or just soaking up the beautiful vineyard views.

Most reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the excellent selection of wines—these really bring the experience alive. The lunch adds a satisfying pause and a chance to connect over local cuisine, making this more than just a tasting tour.

While some logistical hiccups have been reported, the overall consensus remains positive. If you value personalized service and want a taste of Baja’s best wines in a relaxed atmosphere, this tour is a solid choice, especially if you’re willing to pay a bit extra for comfort and exclusivity.

Who should consider this tour?

It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, or travelers who prefer a private, tailored experience. If your cruise schedule allows the time and you want a memorable, authentic taste of Baja’s wine country, this tour will serve you well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, round-trip transport from the Ensenada cruise port is included, making it easy and worry-free to get to the wineries.

How many wineries will I visit?
You will visit two wineries—Santo Tomas and El Cielo—each offering guided tours and tastings.

How many wines will I taste?
A total of seven wines are included across both wineries, giving you a good variety to sample.

What is the lunch like?
The lunch is a seasonal, Baja-inspired meal served at the winery restaurant, blending local flavors with gourmet ingredients.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, guides are usually flexible. Some reviews mention guides helping with special requests, like cheese or restaurant choices.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately six hours, including pickup, winery visits, lunch, and return to the port.

Do I need to confirm my pickup time?
Yes, contact information is provided after booking, and it’s a good idea to confirm your pickup time to match your cruise schedule.

In the end, this tour offers a taste of Baja’s winemaking history and scenic beauty in a relaxed, personal setting. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that rewards wine lovers with a memorable day out—well worth considering for your Ensenada stop.