The drive into Sierra Tarahumara is scenic. Along the way, you are greeted with the first views of Copper Canyon, as the road twists and turns into this small town. To the left of Hotel Misión de Cerocahui is Parroquia de San Francisco Javier en Cerocahui, one of the oldest missions in Mexico dating back to the 18th century. The hotel property appears quite humble from the outside but is far from it once you stroll through the grounds.
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This hotel stay was hosted as a part of a press trip to Chihuahua, the DMO did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.
The Vibe & Shared Spaces
Hotel Misión de Cerocahui is also home to Vinos Misión, a small sample vineyard belonging to one of Chihuahua’s biggest wine producers. The hotel lobby shares space with the wine bar and dining room, split by a grand fireplace. The wine bottles are everywhere – on the shelves, on the barrels, and on the accent wall setting the mood at the communal table.
An exterior gate or one of the doors in the main building will lead you into the interior courtyard. Weaving around guest rooms the yard opens up on a shaded jelly bean-shaped pool, lined with sunbeds and umbrellas. A short walk past the pool and its surrounding gardens bends into a small vineyard with an arched bell doorway housing another set of guest rooms. Standing in the centre of it all, surrounded by sunkissed vines and heritage architecture the atmosphere is reminiscent of the Italian countryside, similarly charming and welcoming but uniquely Mexican in its heart.
A pleasant afternoon can be spent by the pool enjoying regional wine and cocktails with a good book or in good company.
The signature bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon honours the Tarahumara people on the label.
Vinos Misión & Hotel Misión de Cerocahui
To fully appreciate this wine region it is important to briefly discuss its turbulent history. In the 17th century, the King of Spain expelled the Jesuits from Mexico and ceased wine production to protect the Spanish wine industry. The vineyards were burnt to the ground but a few secretly planted cuttings behind José María Sánchez’s house survived. Her family cared for the grapes for decades but 25 years ago the last Sánchez died without descendants. Sanchez’s gardener, Sergio Gutiérrez, who worked at the Balderrama Family’s Mission Hotel took it upon himself to preserve the vines by planting cuttings on unused land nearby. Balderrama family was highly invested in caring for their own vineyard and granted Sergio a gastronomic studies scholarship which he completed in 2013. Sergio has been in charge of the Cerocahui vineyards ever since.
Today, this vineyard is the centrepiece of Hotel Misión, growing freely on its fruitful soil with minimal intervention. The wine is served at Balderrama hotels (Misión and Hotel Mirador) and can be purchased at the hotel shops along with other locally made goods like clothing and jewellery.
The warm climate makes the region ideal for growing Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, and Chardonnay. The red wines are characterised by their intensity and complexity. The winery produces a single white wine, Plethora, known for its fresh and versatile palette with a crisp feel created by the 6-month steel tank fermentation.
Dining & Wine tasting
The small dining room at Hotel Misión de Cerocahui overlooks the Jesuit mission and offers a fresh rotating gourmet menu. Each day the chef’s offerings include a carefully chosen 3-course menu for both lunch and dinner. Our group had the pleasure of tasting fresh soups, shrimp main, a decadent ratatouille for dinner, and blueberry mouse cake, just to name a few of the available options. Each morning at Hotel Misión begins with a hearty breakfast ideal for a long day of exploration.
The meals can be accompanied by a wine parking or you can opt-in for a guided wine tasting. The lobby bar is open daily and also serves cocktails and beers but there is also an entirely separate room available for tastings and private events.
Inside the Suite
The guest suites are all on the ground floor with individual entry. Your options include double and king rooms, all with a fireplace, spacious bathroom and plenty of storage space. The suites are decorated with a traditional Mexican Hacienda style highlighting warm colours, wood and clay finishes and locally sourced art.
Hotel Misión follows a motel-style setup with a seating area by each room to accommodate afternoon relaxation. The garden rooms enclose the small vineyard, creating a very relaxed and meditative atmosphere in the morning light.
Tours & Activities
The hotel team can also arrange a handful of activities for you and your group. Visitors are invited to explore the vineyards, go horseback riding, visit the Cerocahui Waterfall, or venture out to the Barranca de Urique viewpoint.
A popular destination from here is Urique Canyon Hill. Urique Canyon Viewpoint, standing at 7,500 feet above sea level, is arguably the most impressive view of the Copper Canyon. Make sure to inquire with the hotels about their current offers some of which include complimentary tickets for Chepe Express.
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Hotel Mision de Cerocahui
Room prices starting at $340 CAD for a standard 2-bed suite
Domicilio Conocido S/N, Centro, 33421 Cerocahui, Chih., Mexico
Book directly on thelodgeatcreel.com or with your favourite booking website: Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor
