EXPLORED

Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region: Valle De Guadalupe

December 26, 2017

*By Erin Nicole Davis*

When you think Mexico, wine probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Tequila and mescal, yes – but wine? Not so much. Unknown to many, however, Mexico’s wine region is blossoming and beautiful – a decided heaven for wine-loving foodies who seek more of a genuine Mexico experience than that of an all-inclusive beach vacation. I recently discovered – and fell in love with – this memorable part of the country…

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

Photo c/o Vina de Frannes

For those in the market for an escape that’s centred on wine and food, Mexico’s wine country, Valle de Guadalupe, makes a solid choice. Located 145 kilometres from San Diego in Baja California, Mexico, the view-filled wine region offers unique restaurants, vineyards, sleek and eco-friendly boutique hotels, rolling hills and farmland. Filled with winding mountain roads with views of the crashing Pacific Ocean below, a trip to Mexico’s wine region means farm-to-table meals, wine tastings in sun-kissed valleys, outdoor adventures like extreme zip lining and horseback riding, poolside lounging, star gazing, and no shortage of photo ops.

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

While the region housed less than 10 wineries two decades ago, there are now over 150 in Baja California, many filled with blends of quality wine that can rival their California, U.S. counterparts. It feels decidedly less commercial (and more affordable) than Napa Valley, offering an authentic vibe that resonates through the family-owned-and-operated wineries, where the welcoming winemakers are happy to share their respective stories. Though many of the locals have, surprisingly, yet to try the region’s wines, and it sells a relatively low 1.6 million cases of wine per year, Mexico’s wine secret is finally out, as the international spotlight shines on the country’s wine scene, one high-profile media report at a time.

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region, Finca La Carrodilla

Finca La Carrodilla

If you find yourself in Valle De Guadalupe, a stop at Finca La Carrodilla is a must. The sprawling winery features panoramic views of the surrounding hills and holds the title of Mexico’s first organically certified vineyard. An expansive, peaceful orchard offers things like kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, tomatoes, radishes, Swiss chard, and aromatic herbs. A selection of fresh cheese makes the breezy wine tasting experience here – where you can sip and savour their four monovarietal wines – all the more enjoyable. Other notable wineries worth checking out include Monte Xanic, Vina de Frannes, and Villa Montefiori, to name a few.

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine RegionValle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

Photo c/o Villa Montefiori

Aside from the wine, if you’re a foodie with a soft spot for authentic modern Mexican food (you won’t find any nacho spots here), Baja, California is definitely a region to check off your travel bucket list. In the area, you’ll find unique food experiences that range from Anthony Bourdain-praised street food and local mom and pop spots, to celebrated restaurants run by Michelin-starred chefs. The bumpy, narrow dirt roads are all part of the experience when it comes to actually finding the restaurants – the spots aren’t supposed to be easy to access, and the Instagram-worthy meal that awaits is seen as a reward for the journey. To make navigating the area easier, in-the-know tour companies like Club Tengo Hambre – a vibrant young startup that provides curated food experiences – will help you find all the best culinary spots, from hidden gems to local favourites…

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine RegionValle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

Fish tacos. Photo c/o Club Tengo Hambre.

The open-air Malva Restaurant offers somewhat of an Italian feel, as guests dine under a palapa and meals come with a backdrop of rolling hills of lush greenery. The spot – which sits on the grounds of the Mina Penelope winery – started as a winery 10 years ago, began producing its own wine seven years ago (it now features over 12 varieties), and has featured a restaurant for four years. The farm-to-table restaurant – where sustainable livestock roam within view – began as a pop-up and is now open year-round to accommodate the growing interest from both tourists and locals. The colourful mural art that decorates the walls is there to render the restaurant more approachable to the locals, says Chef Roberto Alcocer, who acknowledged that it was initially slow to catch on with the surrounding residents. A meal highlight here was a smoked fish salpicon tostada…

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine RegionValle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

Another must-hit spot in Valle De Guadalupe is Finca Altozano, a sprawling country steakhouse that only uses products and ingredients from the surrounding gardens, ranches and sea. The airy outdoor restaurant – which is made more enjoyable in the colder months with dinner service under heaters and blankets – offers an extensive list of wine and craft beer to accompany its memorable food. A particularly notable dish is the fresh grilled octopus from the Pacific, which – submerged in soy sauce, citrus, ginger, cilantro, and peanuts – is among some of the best octopus I’ve tried.

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine RegionValle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

Photo c/o Finca Altozano.

For a traditional, hearty, and completely delicious family-style breakfast, a stop at La Cocina de Doña Esthela – conveniently located right beside the funky, mural-covered La Lomita winery – does not disappoint when it comes to fuelling up before a day of wine tasting. The now bustling 160-seat restaurant began with humble roots, with one table and whatever ingredients owner Doña Esthela could purchase. She would sell tacos and burritos to local workers in trans-border factories and, later, those at the winery. It was when actors from the popular Mexican soap opera telenovela – which was filming nearby – became fans of Esthela’s food that she became somewhat of a local celebrity herself, before earning international acclaim when FoodieHub recognized the restaurant’s signature Manchaca con huevos as the “Best Breakfast in the World.” The must-try dish includes shredded, seasoned dry beef mixed in with scrambled fresh farm eggs, onions, and green pepper and served with a side of house made corn tortillas, refried beans, and fresh homemade cheese.

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine RegionValle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

La Cocina de Doña Esthela

If you’re looking to make friends and share a meal to write home about, hit Bruma winery and restaurant. Aside from the quality vino, the star of the show at the winery – which was constructed with local and mostly recycled materials – is a stunning 300-year-old oak tree in the barrel hall in which the spot was built around. In the restaurant, guests are encouraged to take their time with the multi-course, experimental meal cooked by David Castro – he describes his style as Mexican with a personal twist inspired by time spent working in San Francisco and New York – and mingle with other guests at communal tables.

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine RegionValle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

Photo c/o Bruma.

For a multi-course, gastronomic experience in Valle De Guadalupe head to Corazón de Tierra, a spot that sits adjacent to the Vena Cava Winery (the self-proclaimed “hippest winery in Mexico”) and was named one of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2017. While the six-course tasting menu makes for a less hearty experience than others (i.e. you may need to make a post-dinner taco stop), Chef Diego Hernández Baquedano’s artistic and innovative offerings are modern spins on traditional dishes, with a menu made from local goodness that changes daily.

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine RegionValle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

Photo c/o Corazon de Tierra.

For a more affordable (but just as palate-pleasing) experience, street food carts occupy real estate on every corner in the region’s coastal city of Ensenada, serving up things like tostadas de mariscos, tacos, ceviche, and cinnamon-infused coffee drinks. “If they have a solid lineup of quality salsas, you know it’s a good taco stand,” says Antonio Diaz de Sandi of Club Tengo Hambre. The birthplace of the famous fish taco, taco stands dot the roads in Ensenada, offering cheap and delicious fish tacos, complete with highly addictive (and completely diet breaking-worthy) chipotle sauce. Just a scenic hour and a half drive away, Tijuana (or “TJ,” as the locals call it) offers all kinds of food experiences, hipster-filled specialty coffee spots, and some of the region’s best craft beer. Here in TJ (do I sound like a local yet?), you’ll find the famous Tortas Wash Mobile, Tijuana’s first long-standing torta stand. At this spot, the menu is simple, featuring only one item: the carne asada torta. The delicious grilled steak sandwich is made with a secret recipe that nobody can replicate, though many have tried.

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine RegionValle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

After a day of wining, dining and adventuring, I recommend booking a stay at the pristine glamping spot Cuatro Cuatros, the sleek eco-resort Encuentro Guadalupe (where Rihanna once stayed), or the new boutique hotel at Bruma Valle de Guadalupe. All are popular options that are – refreshingly – a far cry from your typical resort.

Valle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine RegionValle De Guadalupe : Mexico’s Amazing Wine Region

Photo c/o Encuentro Guadalupe

A huge thanks to Visit Mexico for hosting us on this press trip. As always, reviews and opinions are our own. For more on Mexico vacations – including where to go and what to do – check out www.visitmexico.com.

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24 Comments

  • Reply
    Aleney
    January 7, 2018 at 5:26 am

    It looks incredible. I had no idea their were vineyards in Mexico or that they would be so stunning. Can’t think of anything better than a combination of cellar doors and great Mexican food (your food pics are amazing by the way) so will be Encuentro Guadalupe to my wish list.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 7, 2018 at 5:04 pm

      We hadn’t heard much about the wine region either. A pleasant surprise! Hope you get a chance to visit Baja one day!

  • Reply
    Anu
    January 7, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    That’s right – wine is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Mexico. Do they also call their wines new latitude wines as they call them in Thailand?

    Food looks amazing. Mexican cuisine is my favorite after the Italian one as both of them have decent options for vegetarians.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 7, 2018 at 5:07 pm

      I don’t think they call themselves new latitude, but I’m not 100%. The country has been producing wines for at least five centuries. Yes to the fab food — Mexico has spectacular cuisine (especially for vegetarians).

  • Reply
    Lauren
    January 8, 2018 at 1:46 am

    Solmaz, this looks amazing! I actually had no idea about Mexican wine until I was spending a day in Ensenada off a cruise ship this past November, and they mentioned that it was a wine region. I had no idea. I also had some of the most delicious tacos there too…I’m still dreaming about them. Mexican cuisine is my fav!!!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 8, 2018 at 8:47 am

      I had no clue either Lauren!! Hopefully we can feast on Mexican cuisine together one day!!

  • Reply
    Kate
    January 9, 2018 at 4:40 am

    This is such a beautiful region and I’m impressed that there are 150 wineries! I didn’t know that Mexico produced wine either so I’m pleasantly surprised. I think I would definitely be there for the food as a top priority, if your photos are anything to go by. Those fish tacos in particularly spoke to me and my stomach. I’ve never eaten Mexican food with wine but I’d definitely be willing to give it a try.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 9, 2018 at 8:33 am

      The cuisine is soooo diverse and they’ve done a really great job at the wineries to find food that makes the wines shine. Hope you get a chance to explore and taste your way through Baja one day!

  • Reply
    Siddhartha Joshi
    January 9, 2018 at 1:02 pm

    Seriously I never associated wine with Mexico, but it certainly seems worth checking out. With such a phenomenal grown form 10 to 150 in just about 20 years is a testimony of its popularity 🙂

    Also thanks for your suggestion for the glamping spot…looks like a dream 🙂

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 10, 2018 at 9:02 pm

      The glamping does look dreamy, doesn’t it?! So many unique accommodations in the region.

  • Reply
    Samantha Sparrow
    January 9, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    Did not know anything about a wine region in Mexico. This is amazing!!! 150 wineries! That is no joke. I’m a big fan of the food culture in Mexico, and yep now I want to go to the birthplace of the famous fish taco – they look incredible. Can’t wait for my next visit to Mexico now!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 10, 2018 at 9:03 pm

      The wine region totally surprised us and many people who discover it — they don’t like being compared with Napa, but those comparisons are often made!

  • Reply
    Medha
    January 9, 2018 at 11:23 pm

    Oh ziplining caught my attention! I love wine and always make sure that if I am near any wineries, I must go for wine tasting. I’ve been to wineries around the world and loved the experience. Your pictures portray the exact kind of place I like to go – look at those views! And Mexican food to go with that? Priceless!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 10, 2018 at 9:09 pm

      This is a destination for you Medha! Seems like it ticks all the boxes interest-wise.

  • Reply
    Jennifer Melroy
    January 10, 2018 at 12:19 am

    Mexico has a wine region? I didn’t know that. I now need to head back to Mexico and have some wine. I had more than enough tequila last time I was there. The food also looks epic. I need the recipes.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 10, 2018 at 9:10 pm

      Yes it does!! And it’s fab. If you’re a food-lover and haven’t been to Mexico City, we just did a trip there as well and it was a culinary gem. You can see what we ate here.

  • Reply
    Debra Schroeder
    January 10, 2018 at 10:38 am

    You’re so right. When I think of wine I don’t think Mexico. Thanks for broadening my wine horizons. 🙂 Love that they have an organic winery! That octopus dish looks tasty.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 10, 2018 at 9:13 pm

      Glad to broaden your wine horizons! Ours were expanded as well. Baja will definitely be talked about more in the coming years — we have a feeling! It is truly spectacular.

  • Reply
    Ami
    January 11, 2018 at 12:06 am

    I am a huge fan of Mexican food , especially Tacos . And to add Wine to that combination, it must be heavenly. I think that is something that I should try out here itself before I get to this place.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 14, 2018 at 6:36 pm

      It’s a food and wine lover’s dream! Hope you get a chance to visit.

  • Reply
    Chip Clark
    January 23, 2018 at 5:49 pm

    Great guide to the Valle (one of my very favorite places). I gave your piece a shout out here: thevalledeguadalupe.blogspot.com

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      January 24, 2018 at 1:27 pm

      Such kind words! Thank you so much.

  • Reply
    Ray
    August 1, 2020 at 8:24 pm

    I wonder if you might have ideas on planning a long weekend to celebrate a big milestone birthday.

    We are from L.A. but this sounds like a perfect option for 3-4 nights

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      August 12, 2020 at 2:22 pm

      Happy almost birthday!! For the Labor Day long weekend? This would be perfect, but make sure to call ahead to see what the local covid19 protocols are. Especially with the hotels/any quarantine requirements. Hope you have a lovely milestone birthday in wine country!

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