Baja California’s booming wine scene has been making serious waves globally. Could it be? World class wine just 2 hours south of the San Diego border? Since I’m constantly on a mission to seek out and explore hidden gems, I knew a getaway to the Guadalupe Valley wineries or, the “Valle”, was on the horizon.

 

 

And did I find world-class wine? I sure did! This was the perfect “off the beaten path” gem. Dripping with rustic sophistication, the Guadalupe Valley wineries are a must see. The relaxed atmosphere is just unbeatable. Although a far cry from prim and proper Napa Valley, I actually prefer the laid-back, country-charm of this desert oasis. And desert it definitely is. Get used to the swirls of dust as you bounce your way down unpaved roads to some of the best vineyards in the world.

 

 

Here you can be sure to expect not just exquisite wine, but also mouthwatering culinary creations and one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast-style lodging for a quiet and relaxing retreat.

 

 

Location

Guadalupe Valley is located in Baja California, Mexico. It’s about a 2 ½ hour drive from San Diego or 4 hours (depending on traffic and which route you choose) from Los Angeles.

 

Tip 1: If you are carrying American car insurance it will not cover you during your visit to Mexico.

Tip 2: There is an unavoidable toll road in Mexico that’s about 6USD each way (cash only).

 

Guadalupe Valley Wineries

 

 

Guadalupe Valley has over 50 wineries, all producing remarkable wines. Large and small, commercial and boutique, you really can’t go wrong. It’s the region’s coastal Mediterranean climate that makes it an ideal location for grape growing. Unlike other major wine regions, the Valle doesn’t have a signature grape. The wines found in the Guadalupe Valley are well known throughout Mexico, but chances of finding them north of the border are pretty slim.

 

 

Go and explore!

 

But if you need a good starting place, popular wineries are: 

• Monte Xanic Bodega Vinicola
• L.A. Cetto
• Adobe Guadalupe

 

Where to Eat

 

 

Trust me when I say, the food far exceeded my expectations! In addition to Baja California’s blossoming wine scene, its gastronomy is on point. The Valle de Guadalupe is gaining a status of culinary excellence with a wave of talented chefs emerging. Be sure to also check out Hotel Hacienda Guadalupe’s in-house chef, Chef Ernesto Rocha for some of the best regional cuisine around and stunning views of the valley.

 

Read more: Finding Wine Country Gems at Hotel Hacienda Guadalupe

 

 

With the Baja Med cuisine craze, some of Mexico’s top chefs have restaurants located right here in Guadalupe Valley. Check out Laja and Corazon de Tierra for world class cuisine.

 

Where to Stay

 

 

Do you want to stay right in the Valle with a sunrise view of the vineyards? You can do it! From charming inns, boutique hotels, to glamping (glamorous camping) resorts, accommodations are speckled all around Guadalupe Valley. Fairly pricey yet still affordable. You can expect to pay between $150-$250 per night. However, budget friendly digs are also available, such as Hotel Meson del Vino at roughly $50 per night.

 

Wine Tours

Wine tours are available if you want to kick back and not worry about navigating your way around Baja. This is a great option if you want to fully enjoy all the amazing food and wine that the Valle has to offer. Check out Baja Winery Tours and Wine Tours Baja for some great package deals.

 

 

Closing advice? Go! And go now. It won’t stay this way forever. The crowds are low, prices are extremely reasonable (especially if you’re used to Napa), the food is world class, and the wine is…excellent. 🙂

 

Going to Mexico? Check out these popular posts:

• 16 Mexican Street Foods You NEED to Try
• 18 Things to Do in Tijuana
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Tijuana

 

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Have you been to the Guadalupe Valley wineries? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!