by Sylvia Mendoza

Coming from generations of a winemaker family, Dora Villarino had a passion for the natural beauty of her homeland and sharing that Baja beauty with others. “I am the daughter of Ensenada natives,” says Villarino. “My parents were from the Santo Tomas Valley, where I grew up, which is also where my relationship with wine began.”

But it was her background in tourism and transportation that took her passion down a different path. Now she is the owner of Baja Wine Tours, a Tijuana-based company dedicated to giving clients, tourists and locals a glimpse of what makes the wine industry and tourism such a winning combination. Although they offer a variety of different group tours and tourism packages, the wine tours have grown in popularity over the last few years. Major contracts with wineries center mostly around July and August when the “Fiestas de la Vendimia” – the Grape Harvest Festival—occurs, but business is good year-round.

For local tourists, one day tours are offered. For visitors, packages may include airfare, lodging, and transportation. “We want them all to enjoy and get to know our beloved Baja.”

Baja Wine Tours also offers customized tours that can begin in Mexicali, Tecate and Rosarito. Although tours are offered in Spanish, also available upon request is English, Italian or French. Villarino has worked with governors and company presidents, special guests and vacationing tourists. She has set up grand escapes, spectacular special events or cozy, educational ventures. She has worked with wineries such as L.A. Cetto, Monte Xanic, Santo Tomas and Casa Domecq that show the variety of wineries in the region.

A typical tour includes visiting three vineyards, such as an organic one, a mid-size winery and a more established one that has won international awards and sharing a meal at a local eatery. However, what makes the tours unforgettable and unique is that historians are the guides and enlighten visitors on Baja California history, geography, climate, and culture, as well as how vineyards started in Baja.

“Our personnel is local and we value and know our cultural wealth,” Villarino says. “Our goal is for clients to go back home with a sense of a great unforgettable experience and excellent service. It is intangible but very important.”

Villarino started working in the transportation business twenty years ago, promoting the tourist attractions of Baja. She worked her way up to management positions but the thought of going independent always simmered in her mind. Two years ago she took the challenge. The results have amazed her.

“I flew solo with zero contracts on my desk.” It was April. By June, however, she had closed deals with some of the major wineries of the region. “They trusted me and I focused on bringing them quality service. It was my first test and I could not fail them. I knew if I did it right, it would assure me contracts for years to come.”

She did it right. Her company vision has exceeded her expectations. Voted on by media editors and leaders specializing in the field, Valle de Guadalupe received the prestigious “Distintivo W” award as the “Best Mexican Touristic Route” by W Radio in México City.

Villarino’s interest in transportation began while pursuing a degree in tourism at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California. She took a private bus rented by students to transport them from Ensenada to the Tijuana campus. She learned the importance of quality service and what she wanted as a client. She became active in student committees that gave her more hands-on experience with the politics of getting things done. Little did she know that this experience would be the platform for her future career.

At the heart of her success now is her family influence. “My great uncle was the founder of Bodegas de Santo Tomas. My grandfather was a winemaker and sold distilled liquor.” Her brother Francisco and cousin, Luis Villarino, are also award- winning winemakers. Her daughter also has an interest in the family business. “As you can see, I come from a hard working family who is very devoted to this business.”

It is all about making customers happy, Villarino says. Even though there may be times when unexpected, stressful, or even funny situations arise because of the alcohol involved in the wine tours, for example, Villarino has every confidence in her staff. “We come up with a solution so that everyone comes back happy and satisfied from the tour. We work very hard, sacrificing personal and family time, but it gives me great pride and joy.”