At Lunario, Chef Sheyla Alvarado showcases a farm-driven tasting menu that has won a MICHELIN Star. One standout dish features a rich mole sauce made from fresh ingredients like guajillo chilies, tomatoes, and peanuts. It’s sweet, spicy, and tangy—a complex blend that pairs beautifully with a locally produced tempranillo, chosen for its strong character.
Alvarado highlights the uniqueness of Mexican wines, especially those from Baja California. These wines are gaining recognition worldwide and are appearing on more fine dining menus. They balance well with the country’s rich cuisine and diverse flavors. “Mexican wine is all about diversity. It gives us many options for food pairing,” she explains.
Lunario is set on the grounds of Lomita Winery, where Alvarado plants fruit trees and vegetables to create seasonal menus. This practice, along with the area’s varied microclimates and soil types, leads to a rich palette of flavors.
For her favorite pairings, Alvarado blends Baja cuisine with local wines:
1. Shrimp Sopes with Grenache Rosé
She pairs sopes—fried masa topped with cold-smoked shrimp—with a grenache rosé from Lomita. The rosé cools down the dish’s vibrant flavors, allowing guests to customize their experience with a spicy salsa.
2. Mole with Tempranillo and Mushrooms
For her mole dish served over roasted mushrooms, Alvarado recommends a single-varietal tempranillo. This choice emphasizes the grape’s distinct character. She notes, “When we select single-varietal wines, we focus on that year’s vintage and what the vine experienced.”
3. Cold Tomato Soup with Pét Nat Rosé
Alvarado serves a refreshing cold tomato soup paired with a Pét Nat rosé from Duoma Winery. This sparkling wine, crafted in small batches by a young couple, enhances the soup’s flavors while being locally available, making it a unique offering for diners.
The rise of Mexican wines is not just a trend; it’s backed by recent reports showing a growing interest in regional wines. According to a survey by the Mexican Wine Association, wine exports have seen a 40% increase in the past five years, signaling a newfound appreciation on the global stage.
Alvarado’s innovative pairings reflect how local ingredients can create an unforgettable dining experience. In a world where food and wine often get overlooked, she reminds us that the right combination can elevate a meal and create lasting memories.
