Baja California

Mexican Wine and the American Woman

From San Francisco and Napa Valley to Valle de Guadalupe in Baja

*Jo Ann's Zinfandel and Nebbiolo wines, created in Baja

The birds had almost caused an irrevocable accident…but what a lucky accident it turned out to be for me! I entered my wine into a blind-tasting at the invitation of the winemaker at La Casa Vieja. I did it just for the fun and experience…and imagine how thrilled I was when my wine took first place. Not only first place, but it won by a landslide! I felt like a little girl on Christmas Eve…or maybe a little girl whose dreams were coming true.

The next year, I did get a harvest from the Nebbiolo vineyard. I made it at La Escuelita. Alberto Rubio, from Mogor Badan winery nearby, was running the winemaking process at the school that year. He helped me with the process of making a smooth Nebbiolo.

After 18 months in the barrel I have now bottled two barrels of my new creation…and I proudly presented it and my 2011 Zinfandel at the wonderful Guateque. The Guateque is a festival held every year for the alumnae of La Escuelita and it is a semi-private affair for students, their friends and families. I am pleased to report that both my wines were well received there.

So, thanks to some birds, some hand-holding by my mentors at La Escuelita, and to my wonderful Baja friends, my childhood dream has come true. Now, as an American woman who has successfully created wine in Mexico's wine country, I am working on my next dream: presenting my wines in my very own winery. Stay tuned!

info@baja.com

Jo Ann Knox Martino is a former film producer, now winemaker, living in Baja's wine country. Stay posted to read her occasional blogs about an American woman-winemaker living in Baja.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for Baja, California, supported by a full-service travel agency staffed with local "Travel Savants". Baja.com offers Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. To contact Baja.com, call 855-BAJA-411 or email info@baja.com.

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