A heritage left behind by the Spanish conquest, Hacienda La Solariega spoke to me like an old soul looking for a long, lost compadre to share a bottle of wine with; the makings of a perfect day.
Founded on May 10, 1529, the hacienda has been restored to grandeur by the owners: Tete Jimenez and Rodrigo Velazquez, along with two other partners, one from Mexico and one from Madrid, who have created a magical spot; a slice of heaven on earth. Every corner of this property is splendid; from the grounds that are planted with thousands of trees and edible, chef gardens to the buildings, both historical and contemporary, that make it a one-of-a-kind wonder.
We are delighted to be here, with Jose Cabrera of Gazzetta Hedone and the team from Hotel Matilda, to become an Amigos de la Vina; to help plant a new vineyard. Like any true romantic, who doesn’t love the thought of planting grape vines; a tale of life during these uncertain times?
A comida of honor, we were called to the table to feast on the bounty of this land and to experience the wines of Cava Quintanilla from San Luis Potaosi. With taste, there is no debate and the only way to really understand a wine is to drink it; at least, that’s my excuse. Will the new wines we planted today hold the same complexity as Cava Quintanilla? Only time will tell.
The chef, Anthony Quintanilla, is young; born in Mexico City. His style is already approaching that of Marco Cruz, the creative and brilliant chef/ owner of Nomada Cocina de Interpretacion in San Miguel de Allende, except that Anthony Quintanilla had little cooking experience to speak of before he met owner, Rodrigo Velazquez, on an airplane. They instantly bonded over food.
The first dish, an Aguachile with shrimp a la parrilla, was exceptional; the clean, fresh taste of the sea paired with Cava Quintanilla Sauvignon Blanc. I am normally not a fan of Sauvignon Blanc but this one was remarkably smooth.
If you’re looking for a post-quarantine high, you’ll get that and more at Hacienda La Solariega; located just outside Queretaro in Huimilpan. An hour and twenty minute drive from San Miguel de Allende, the pairing of food and wine will be your only order of the day, besides daydreaming.
Savor the views; if Hacienda La Solariega can’t carry you through a 100 day lockdown, nothing will.
Hacienda La Solariega
Noria 72, La Norte, Santiago de Queretaro 76973
La Casona Grill Restaurant
Reservations: 442 875 5805
WhatsApp +52 442 878 1725
Friday – Sunday 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM