Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma Brewery

Av. Hidalgo and Calle Carranza, Tecate

www.baja-web.com

665-654-9478

Named for its place of origin, Cerveza Tecate was launched in 1944 when Alberto Aldrete transformed an old brick building from a vegetable-oil producing plant into a brewery. In 1954, the brewery was sold to Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc, the brewery in Monterrey, Mexico, that produces Bohemia and Carta Blanca. Today, Cerveza Tecate has the highest canned beverage sales of any import to the U.S. and the brewery and town are flourishing. Free brewery tours are held every Saturday, and the beer garden is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. After your tour and libation, be sure to explore the town, sample bread from the bakery adjacent to the tree-shaded plaza, and check out the monument to Benito Juarez. If you're looking for more excitement, plan a trip to coincide with one of the town's special events. June features the Tecate Baja Grand Prix, while July offers the Tecate Beer Festival and the "Romaria de Verano" Summer Festival sponsored by Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Catholic Church. December features the processions in honor of the Virgen de Guadalupe. All of the special events feature traditional Mexican food, music, and regional dances. The brewery is located just seven blocks from the border crossing in Tecate. The website provides detailed information, while the brewery's phone number will allow you to confirm tour times.