Perfect for a day trip, Dolores Hidalgo is in between Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende and is called the cradle of Mexican Independence from Spain. I recommend visiting and walking around the Plaza Principal and nearby streets. Here you will find colorful buildings, beautiful churches, and people enjoying the Plaza Principal. Grab an ice cream, enjoy the culture and blend in with the locals. It is well known as an historic shrine, where during the battle for Independence from Spain, Father Miguel Hidalgo issued his famous Grito or cry of Independence from the parish church.
The town is well-known for its wonderful talavera pottery. Father Hidalgo established a pottery and tile shop to help the people economically. Today it is a thriving industry. There are several smaller stores in the center and a large outlet on the east side of town. I prefer the smaller stores.
One of my favorites is Talavera JMB, where I bought many pieces of pottery for my home in San Miguel. Puebla #60 corner of Tamaulipas. They have many color options to choose from.
Nearby in a new location of Talavera Vazquez at Puebla #54 y #56. They also have wonderful pieces as well. It has been in business for over 150 years or for four generations.
There are a few dining options to try. For lunch in the past, I have twice enjoyed El Toro Rojo Arrecheria located on the Calzada de los Heroes #104, just outside of downtown.
In April 2024 I went to El Fruty Restaurante for the first time. Opened for over ten years in an historic building from the 1700s, this is an attractive, casual restaurant with a lovely outdoor terrace. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they have a large menu of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, pasta, soups, salads, entrees and coffee drinks. Miguel Hidalgo 2.
Next time I would like to try Restaurant Provincia inside the Hotel Posada Cocomacán which has a traditional Mexican atmosphere. Principal 4
In a webinar on Mexican wines, I learned that there is the Museo del Vino de Guanajuato/Wine Museum of Guanajuato located in Dolores Hidalgo at Hidalgo 14-16. Here you can learn about the history of wine making in the area along with being able to taste some of the local wines and buy the ones that you enjoy. I went with friends in 2023 and enjoyed the experience.
I highly recommend visiting Damonica Italian restaurant inside the museum. It is open for lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday. I went for a decadant tiramisu and cappuccino with friends after visiting the museum.
If open, make sure to stop in and visit the Parroquia de la Asunción at Puebla 32. This is an historic church with a facade in the Greek-Roman style built in 1975.
There are several nearby wineries you can visit. My favorite is Cuna de Tierra, a winery on the outskirts of town. The area is perfect for red wines. Their blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc just won a medal in Madrid Spain and was a rich full-bodied red with berry notes. They offer wine tastings, tours and special dinners by appointment. Call or email them before you go. The buildings are located in the middle of the vineyards and are very contemporary and sleek in design. There is a winery, a separate wine cave and a beautiful tasting room. The views are really exceptional so you can make sure to climb the observation tower a short walk from the winery.
On the same side of town as Cuna de Tierra is Viñedo los Arcángeles. This is a winery, restaurant and hotel that is well worth a visit. I went with friends from San Miguel for lunch on the terrace and then enjoyed a tasting of four of their wines. The tasting was led by Ulises Ruiz Mariño. He studied at the Universidad de las Américas in Puebla, MX and received a masters or maestria en Enología y Viticultura at the Universidad Sup-Agro in Montpellier, France. He was very knowledgeable and impressive. We tasted their Saugivnon Blanc, their Malbec Rosé, a Rosé blend and their Malbec and Grenache blend. I loved the Malbec Rosé and full-bodied Malbec and Grenache blend. Carretera Dolores Hidalgo San Diego de la Unión Km 13. They also make two craft beers.
To the south on the way back to Dolores is Viñedo & Hacienda San Bernardino. This is a family-owned vineyard with a winery, restaurant and a few hotel rooms and a spa. There are also horses and other farm animals that you can see. They offer group tours and tastings. Since I was on my own, I wasn’t able to taste their wines. They make a red blend, a malbec and a rosé. I hope to go back for lunch or their Sunday breakfast/brunch buffet and do a tour and tasting. The property is very attractive. You can also book ATV tours, horseback riding, hiking and biking in Dolores Hidalgo.
South of Dolores is BERNAT Vinícola at Carr. Dolores – Xoconostle Km. 8.5. This is a small winery, established in 2012, where you can taste a number of their red and white wines and tour their winery and wine cellar. Their whites were good, but I really preferred their Grenache and Syrah, Malbec and Merlot blend. We had a great experience with a tasting led by the wine maker.
