Ensenada: Vintage Ford Model T City Tour & Wine Stop

Ensenada history ride with wine tasting and old stories

You’ll ride through Ensenada in a vintage Ford Model T replica with a local guide, stopping for wine at Bodegas de Santo Tomás and wandering historic halls at the Riviera Museum. Expect laughter over cocktails where legends were born, and maybe a few surprises you’ll remember later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit winery and Riviera Museum

• Visit Bodegas de Santo Tomás winery
• Buy wine or sample wines (optional)
• Visit Riviera Museum and Andalusian bar
• Learn about Margarita cocktail origin

The experience

The morning started with me trying to climb into this shiny black 1903 Ford Model T replica, which is honestly trickier than it looks. Our driver, Jorge, grinned and said, “Careful, she’s got more character than comfort.” He wasn’t kidding. The seat had that old leather smell (kind of sweet, kind of like my grandpa’s workshop), and the engine made this low rumble you could feel in your chest. I kept expecting someone in a bowler hat to tip their cap at us as we rolled through Ensenada’s streets.

First stop was Bodegas de Santo Tomás. I’d read it was the oldest winery in Baja California, but standing there among barrels stacked higher than me, it hit different. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of oak and something tart, maybe the wine itself? Jorge explained how families have been making wine here since the 1800s. I tried a sample (not included in the tour price, just so you know), and even though I probably swirled it wrong, it tasted like sunlight after rain. There was this older woman behind the counter who smiled every time someone mispronounced “Tempranillo.”

After that we rattled over to the Riviera Museum. The building looked like it belonged in another era: white walls, red tiles, palm trees bending in the wind. Our guide told this story about Al Capone supposedly gambling here back when it was a hotel and casino. I couldn’t tell if he believed it or not. He just winked at us. Inside the Andalusian Bar (where they say the first Margarita was mixed), I tried saying “gracias” with my best accent: Li laughed so hard she nearly spilled her drink. The bartender told us about Mrs. Margarita Plant, for whom the cocktail was named. I still think about that: how some stories just stick to places.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, a private driver/guide who shares stories as you ride through Ensenada’s sights in a vintage Ford Model T replica car, with live commentary along the way before returning comfortably to your starting point.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 35 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by carcachitas bc

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is hotel pickup included on this Ensenada Ford Model T tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour.

Does the tour include wine tasting fees at Bodegas de Santo Tomás?

No, wine samples or bottles are not included in the tour price.

What landmarks do you visit during this city tour?

The tour visits Bodegas de Santo Tomás winery and the Riviera Museum (former hotel & casino).

Is there commentary from a local guide during the ride?

Yes, live commentary from a local guide is provided on board.

Can cruise passengers join this Ensenada city tour?

Yes, port pickup is available for cruise passengers.

Are public transportation options nearby after the tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near tour locations.

Is this vintage car tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.