Santiago de Querétaro isn’t just about colonial charm and historic sites—it’s a surprisingly vibrant wine region with plenty to offer. Unlike more famous wine destinations, Querétaro’s vineyards are often combined with visits to colorful towns like Bernal and Tequisquiapan, making for a well-rounded day of tasting, sightseeing, and culture. One of our favorites is the Santiago de Querétaro: Pueblos Mágicos Cheese and Wine Route, which pairs wine tasting with cheese sampling in two of the region’s most picturesque towns, complemented by a visit to one of Mexico’s key vineyards. It’s a full, well-organized experience that captures the region’s varied charm.
While Querétaro might not be as internationally renowned as Napa or Bordeaux, its smaller, family-run wineries and the opportunity to explore local cheese and craft products offer authentic charm. Whether you’re into tasting exquisite wines amidst vineyard views or wandering through lively markets and artisan shops, Querétaro’s wine tours balance leisure and culture. Now, let’s take a closer look at each top-rated tour and see which one fits your style.
1. Santiago de Querétaro: Pueblos Mágicos Cheese and Wine Route
For around $71 per person, this 10-hour tour offers a well-rounded experience, starting from the Museo Regional de Querétaro. It takes you through Bernal, famous for the third-largest monolith in the world, and Tequisquiapan, a charming town perfect for wandering. What sets this tour apart is the combination of wine and cheese tastings, including a visit to a major vineyard in the Bajío region and a cheese tasting session that reveals the region’s dairy prowess.
Highlights include visiting the world’s third-largest monolith and enjoying guided tours of the vineyards and towns, with ample free time for shopping and exploring. The itinerary’s flow allows you to enjoy local flavors while soaking in scenic views, especially in Bernal. The wine tasting at Freixenet México is a standout, with a guided tour and shopping options.
With glowing reviews (4.7/5 from 76 reviews), this tour is ideal for those who want a full-day immersion into Querétaro’s wine, cheese, and cultural treasures. It’s a good choice if you like a structured experience with diverse stops, especially if you’re keen on exploring Pueblos Mágicos.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Querétaro’s wine, cheese, and scenic towns in a single day, with reliable guides and a good mix of activities.
2. Querétaro: Bernal & Tequisquiapan Trip with Wine & Cheese
At $98 per person, this 10-hour tour emphasizes walks through Bernal and Tequisquiapan, two of Querétaro’s most beloved towns, with a focus on wine and cheese tastings. The tour begins at oh! Turismo Querétaro and includes a guided visit to Viñedos Donato for a wine tasting that highlights the region’s semidesertic grape growing. Then, you’ll visit a top cheese cellar, Cava De Quesos Bocanegra, to explore regional dairy traditions.
What makes this tour stand out is the detailed guided experience in each location, plus the opportunity to learn about vine cultivation and wine production firsthand. Tequisquiapan’s charming streets provide perfect scenery for exploring and shopping, and the guide enriches your visit with local insights.
Guests praise the expert guidance and the quality of the wine and cheese tastings. This tour is especially suited for those who want a mix of culinary delights and cultural exploration, with a more relaxed pace for wandering the towns.
Bottom Line: Ideal for anyone interested in learning about local wine and cheese production while enjoying the picturesque towns of Bernal and Tequisquiapan.
3. Querétaro: Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour
This modestly priced $88 tour offers a 10-hour deep dive into Querétaro’s cheese and wine scene. It includes a visit to the Peña de Bernal, the third-largest monolith in the world, which makes for an awe-inspiring backdrop. Participants enjoy wine tastings and cheese samplings at local producers, paired with guided tours that reveal how these regional products are made.
What makes this tour attractive is its focus on regional specialties. You’ll visit Bernal’s streets and Tequisquiapan’s charming town center, making it a balanced cultural and gastronomic experience. While the reviews are limited (4.5/5 from 2 reviews), the emphasis on authentic local flavors makes it appealing for travelers hungry for in-depth tasting experiences.
This tour is suited for those who want a shorter, more straightforward cheese and wine tasting day with scenic exploration. It’s best for visitors who want to focus on culinary delights rather than a full vineyard tour or extensive town exploration.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a focused tasting experience combined with visits to Bernal and Tequisquiapan, emphasizing regional cheeses and wines.
4. Querétaro: Art, Cheese and Wine Route
For a more sensory experience, this $65 tour explores the artistic and flavorful side of Querétaro. Starting at the Monument of the Corregidora, it takes you to Viña Tx for a guided wine and cheese tasting in a vineyard setting, and then to Tequisquiapan for a walk through its delightful streets. The highlight is the visit to Freixenet México for a wine tasting and guided tour, plus a visit to Pena de Bernal for some free time and photos.
This experience is about senses—smelling, tasting, and seeing—making it great for travelers who want to combine culinary delights with local art and architecture. The itinerary is well-paced and the reviews (4.3/5 from 3 reviews) reflect its intimate, flavorful approach.
Best suited for those who enjoy small-group tours and want to experience both visual beauty and gastronomic richness. It’s less about large vineyard tours and more about a curated, sensory journey.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking a combination of art, local flavors, and scenic towns in a more relaxed setting.
5. Mexican Wine Tour: Taste Querétaro Liquor and Visit a Town
This premium 12-hour tour at $399 per person is for those who want a luxury experience and don’t mind splurging. It includes visits to Donato winery, Casa Vitivinícola Bodegas De Cote, and a cheese tasting at Quesos VAI. The tour features learning about the winemaking process from local experts, with wine tasting sessions designed to highlight regional varietals.
What makes this tour special is the in-depth interaction with winemakers and a visit to Peña de Bernal, one of Mexico’s most famous magical towns. It’s a slower-paced, luxury-focused experience that emphasizes quality over quantity. Reviews are not provided, but the itinerary suggests a comprehensive, educational outing.
This tour suits serious wine enthusiasts or those celebrating a special occasion, as it offers personalized wine education and access to top wineries. The high price reflects the exclusivity and depth of experience.
Bottom Line: Best for dedicated wine lovers wanting a luxury, in-depth look at Querétaro’s wine and cheese traditions with a cultural bonus.
$399 per person
6. Querétaro: Independence Valley – Guanajuato Wine Tour
Priced at $267, this 10-hour tour takes you from Querétaro to the Independence Valley in Guanajuato, a historic wine-producing region. It includes visits to Valle de la Independencia, Dolores Hidalgo, and Cuna de Tierra for guided wine tastings and tours.
What makes this tour different is its focus on the historical significance of the region, tying the wine experience into Mexico’s independence history. The tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine cultural history with wine tasting, set amidst scenic vineyards and colonial towns.
While reviews are not available, the itinerary suggests a well-rounded educational day exploring Guanajuato’s wine scene. It’s suitable for those willing to venture a bit further for a more historic and scenic experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and wine enthusiasts who want an immersive experience in Guanajuato’s Independence Valley.
$267 per person
7. Querétaro: San Miguel & Wine In A Day
At $109, this 10-hour tour offers a great way to combine cultural sights with wine tasting. Starting from Museo Regional de Querétaro, you’ll visit Santuario de Atotonilco, often called Mexico’s Sistine Chapel of the North, before heading to San Miguel de Allende. The highlight is the Vínicola Toyan, where you’ll enjoy guided wine and food tastings.
This tour stands out because it blends medieval architecture with tasting experiences, making it perfect for travelers who want a cultural tour with wine in a single day. The itinerary includes free time in San Miguel, one of Mexico’s most beautiful towns, and wine/food tastings at a boutique winery.
Reviews are not noted here, but the focus on iconic sights combined with wine makes it an attractive choice for visitors seeking variety. It’s best suited for those who want to explore colonial Mexico along with sampling local wines.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a mixed cultural and wine tour with a scenic town visit.
$109 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Wine Tour
When choosing among these options, consider your budget, interests, and time available. If you want a comprehensive experience with culinary delights and cultural visits, the Pueblos Mágicos Cheese and Wine Route offers excellent value. For a focus on learning about wine production, the Mexican wine tour provides a luxury, in-depth experience. Budget travelers might prefer the Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour, which keeps things simple but authentic.
Those who enjoy historical sights combined with wine tasting will love the Guanajuato Wine Tour, especially if history adds to your interest. For a shorter, scenic trip that mixes art, architecture, and wine, the San Miguel & Wine In A Day is a perfect choice.
Remember to book early, especially during peak seasons, as these tours fill up quickly. Select a tour aligned with your interests, whether it’s culinary, cultural, or luxury, and enjoy exploring Querétaro’s underrated wine scene.
Querétaro’s wine offerings are diverse enough to satisfy beginners and connoisseurs alike. Whether you want a structured, all-in-one day or a leisurely exploration of towns and vineyards, there’s a wine tour that fits your style. Now, all that’s left is to pick your favorite and start planning your flavorful journey.