The Art, Wine, and Cheese Route in Querétaro

Read about the wineries, cheese factories, and multiple pueblos mágicos that make up La Ruta Arte, Queso y Vino in Querétaro and plan your next trip!

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The semi-desert climate of Querétaro is ideal of the cultivation of grapes and the raising of livestock. The multiple vineyards and wineries in the area produce some magnificent wines. Additionally, the state is one of the most important dairy producers in the country. The ranches and farms in the area produce top-quality dairy products including artisan cheeses from cow, goat, and sheep.

La Ruta Arte, Queso y Vino (Art, Wine, and Cheese Route) takes you through multiple vineyards, wineries, and cheese factories in the state of Querétaro. The route is (roughly) a triangle with the towns of San Juan del Rio, Jalpan, and Querétaro on its southeast, northeast, and west corners.

The route consists of private companies dedicated to the production of cheeses and wines, as well as hotels, restaurants, and other tourist destinations. There are over 20 vineyards and wineries along the route, and about 11 cheese factories.

There are multiple ways to do the route. You can take an organized tour of just a few hours or go on a multi-day tour. Of course you can also plan a road trip and do the tour yourself (my preferred method!).

The route also includes multiple pueblos mágicos of Tequisquiapan and Bernal where you can learn more about the artesanías (handcrafts) produced in the area.

The Wine Along the Route

There are multiple viñedos (vineyards) and wineries along the route to choose from. These wineries offer guided tours during which visitors learn more about how the wine is produced there, from the cultivation of the grapes to a visit to the barrels where the wine is stored. At the end of the tour is a wine tasting and an opportunity to buy some wine.

Some of the wineries you can try on the route include:

• Finca Sala Vivé
• Viñedos La Redonda
• Vinicola San Patricio
• Bodegas de Cote
• Puerta del Lobo

You can find more than 60 wine products in the region including white, red, rose, and sparkling.

The Cheese Along the Route

If you are looking for some good cheese to go along with your wine, you can stop at one of the many queserías (cheese factories) along the route. There you can take a tour of the factory to learn all about the production of cheese and of course try some delicious cheese!

These are some the principal cheese factories along the route:

• Caba de Quesos Bocanegra
• Quesos Pradales
• Finca VAI
• Quesos La Serpentina
• Quesos Santa Marina

The Art Along the Route

Here “art” refers to the artesanías or handcrafts produced in the region. The best way to learn more about these local art crafts is to visit one or more of the charming pueblos mágicos along the route.

Spend a Weekend in Tequis

The town of Tequisquiapan (or Tequis) is a picturesque pueblo mágico at the center of the route. Time runs slower here, and it is an ideal place to relax. Its colonial buildings, markets, boutique hotels, and streets with artesanías (handcrafts) vendors and colorful bougainvillea flowers make this a perfect retreat.

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Here are some activities worth looking into if you spend a few days in Tequis.

• Wine and Cheese Tours: There are multiple guided tours starting from Tequis to wineries and cheese factories along the route. These tours include transportation and you’ll learn about wine and cheese production. And best of all, you’ll get to taste the final product!
• Opal Mines: La Trinidad is a community about 15 minutes from Tequis dedicated to the extraction of opal. You take a tour of the mines and get to know the more about the extraction of this gemstone.
• Artisan Shops: There are three mercados (shops) where you can buy jewelry, mimbre (wicker) products, decorations and other things. El Parador Artesanal, el Mercado de Vara y el Mimbre, and the Mercado de Artesanias.
• Balnearios (Water Parks): There are multiple balnearios with slides and pools for all to enjoy.
• San Juan y La Magdalena: Visit the two oldest areas on which the town was founded.

Finally, the Feria Nacional del Queso y Vino (National Festival of Cheese and Wine) takes place in the town of Tequis. Read on below to find out more!

Marvel at the Peña de Bernal

Another option is the town of Bernal. This pueblo mágico boasts the  third highest monolith in the world—the Peña de Bernal—after the Rock of Gibraltar and the Pan de Azúcar in Brazil. This enormous boulder is actually one of the most touristic sites near the capital of Querétaro.

TIP: It is possible to climb the Peña de Bernal. HOwever, be sure to bring some comfortable, non-slip shoes!

Here are some recommendations if you are looking for some things to do while in Bernal.

• Visit Viñedos Azteca: This winery is located in an old hacienda in the town of Ezequiel Montes. The winery offers guided tours of their installation.
• Casa Museo del Dulce: Founded in 1961 by Don Julio Rodríguez Velázquez, Dulces Bernal offers all kinds of milk, fruit, seed, and tamarind artisan sweets. You cannot leave Bernal without trying some obleas and natillas.
• Centro artesanal La Aurora: You can find some artesanias (handcrafts) typical of the region here.

Relax in Cadereyta

Cadereyta is another pueblo mágico along the route. Here you can do a number of outdoor activities due to its landscape. However, you can also roam the small town and enjoy an ixtle handcraft, and its charming plaza principal (main square), which boasts a colonial architecture with its mature trees and beautiful churches.

Best Time To Do The Route

The Ruta del Arte, Queso, y Vino is available all year round, but it is better to visit between the months of April and September since that’s when you’ll find the best climate. During this time the wineries organize their grape harvests where you can stomp on some grapes!

The Feria Nacional del Queso y Vino (National Festival of Cheese and Wine) takes place in the town of Tequisquipan every year during the last week of May and the first week of June. The festival has been around for multiple decades and is an important event in the town. During the three weekends of the festival you’ll have access to multiple tastings, dinners, and concerts.

NOTE: In 2020, the festival was postponed due to the COVID situation. The festival will take place between the 2nd and 18th of October.

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I hope you enjoyed reading about La Ruta Arte, Queso, y Vino in the state of Querétaro. If you want to learn more about Querétaro and the surrounding region I recommend the following books.

Note that as an Amazon Associate I do earn a small percentage off the purchase off these books.

If you are ready to plan your next trip, be sure to check my itineraries for cool travel destination ideas complete with logistics and other useful travel information.

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