Ever since the Neolithic or early Chalcolitic era, possibly more than 6,500 years ago, people have been enjoying wine.

Wine was drunk by Egyptian pharaohs, Greek senators and Roman emperors who introduced wine cultivation to the regions that they ruled. Spanish conquistadors brought grape vines to Latin America. Spanish missionaries planted vines in California and Baja California in the 1700`s setting the foundation for one of Mexico`s major wine producing regions.

No road trip to Guadalupe Valley is complete without a playlist of songs that capture the spirit of traveling on the open road. So I've compiled a list of the 10 best Baja's wine region road trip songs.

In order to make this a definitive list that all other lists look up to, the songs had to meet the following criteria:

a.) Highlight the Mediterranean cultural heritage (South of France, Spain, Italy and Greece). .

b.) Encompass the excitement and freedom of road tripping.

c) Fusion world music that combines two or more styles, an eclectic mix of Folk Music, Pop, Rock, Bossa Nova and Jazz.

d) Easy lyrics to learn, so singable that you`ll consider trying out a new language, even if you know only few words.

e) Music that keeps you distracted long enough to make you relax and forget about the rest of the world.

Like a fine dinner, music is an essential companion to a good glass of wine, and I hope that this selection of songs spice up your little road trip. Get ready for a wonderful experience 'cause here's Baja`s wine lands playlist:

1- Volare, The Best of the Gypsy Kings (1999)

2- Via con me (It's wonderful) , Paolo Conte Greatest Hits (2008)

3- Formi, formidable, Charles Aznavour Platinum Collection (2006)

4- Beyond the sea, Robbie Williams-Swing when you're winning (2006)

5- Canción desafinada (Canzoni stonate), Andrea Bochelli-Amore (2006)

6- Vita D'Artista, Sergio Cammariere –Dalla Pace Del Mare Lontano (2003)

7- Alta Marea (Don't Dream It's Over), Antonello Venditti (1991)

8- Killing Me Softly With His Song, Pitingo – Soulería (2009)

9- Mediterraneo, Niña Pastori – Joyas prestadas (2006)

10- El mundo (Il Mondo), Sergio Dalma – Via Dalma II (2012)

Who said it's not the destination, but the journey? By the time you've played every song on this list, you'll be in the heart of Baja California's wine region. Which means you'll likely play this list all over again before you get to where you're going. So please sit down, relax and let the music play.

eduardo.flores@sandiegored.com