Just 30 kilometers from the city of Ensenada and less than two hours from Tijuana is located the Valle de Guadalupe, one of the most desired destinations for wine, gourmet food and spectacular landscapes lovers. You will certainly find many reasons to go and visit this special place of Baja California.
One day is not enough to explore it all neither to get the best experience, so we present a list of what you should know before visiting the Valle de Guadalupe
How to get there and when to go?
The best way to get to this amazing place is by renting a car at the Tijuana International Airport and driving along the Transpeninsular highway to the south, on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. You can have a lobster breakfast at Puerto Nuevo.
Valle de Guadalupe has a Mediterranean climate and is located in a mountainous rocky area, condition that make it the perfect place for winemaking activities, so that they achieve the production of 90% of Mexican wines with more than 10,000 hectares of crops.
Among these wine houses, boutique hotels, rock art, craft beer houses and world-class restaurants, this amazing place is located. There are more than 100 wine houses, and after passing through the whole valley, a visitor can realize that one trip is not enough and anyone will want to return every year to discover more places.
Any month of the year is good to visit Valle de Guadalupe, just take in consideration that temperatures range between 40°C and -5°minimum, everything depends on the season of the year. The summers are very hot and dry. The refreshing breeze characterizes this area, so it is more advisable to visit it in the fall season.
In August, the harvest festivities are celebrated, where winemakers and peasants begin the process of harvesting. For more than 20 days the wine houses come together to offer wine tastings, concerts, gala dinners, parties and paella contest.
What places to visit?
It is recommended to visit large wine houses, such as: LA CETTO, El Cielo, Decantos, Las Nubes, Santo Tomás or Monte Xanic. However, it is important not to neglect what small wine houses such as Las Ánimas, Emevé, Bodegas F. Rubio, Quinta Monasterio and La Carrodilla have to offer. The advantage of the small ones is that you can interact with the owners of the wine houses and have a more complete experience.
It is important to make reservations beforehand in some restaurants, whether for a table or for wine tasting, as most have few tables to maintain their high-quality service.
What restaurants to go?
Undoubtedly, one of the best places to have lunch at the Valle de Guadalupe is La Cocina de Doña Estela, where you can order from Lamb to even Machaca con Huevo.
Another crowded place is Finca Altozano, although the waiting list is usually one hour. However, it is worth trying its delicious grilled octopus or another of its exquisite roasts. One very similar is Deckmans. If you are looking for a more intimate and special place, book in at Laja, Corazon de Tierra, Fauna or Malva. But, as a whole, the cuisine of the area is delicious and makes all the restaurants very good and special.
Where to stay?
As for places to spend the night and relax while enjoying the benefits of the landscape, there is something for everyone; from boutique hotels, bed and breakfast to glamping. Hotel Entre Viñedos, for example, can be a very good option to stay. Its restaurant, Fuego Cocina del Valle, has this ‘‘from the garden straight to the table’’ concept, its cuisine is local, country and seasonal.
The cabins or glamping of Cuatro Cuatros (one of the best places to watch the sunset) and Campera are also excellent options. Just try to book a month beforehand, as they have a high demand.
Transportation
Taking into consideration the previous point, it is much better that you stay in Valle de Guadalupe. This way you will fully enjoy the tastings and dinners. That also allows you to enjoy the newly implemented UberValle. With this, move from one side to another will not represent any problem.
Of course, most of the roads are unpaved and there is no sign in many of them, so take this into consideration so that you take your precautions regarding clothing, footwear and location tools.
Bonus: what would be nice to keep in mind before going?
It does not hurt to read a little about history, identity, industry and art of wine. One of the places you have to visit before entering the wine adventure is the Museum of Wine and Vine, located in the valley.
This way you will understand and enjoy more of a tasting or a pairing. If you are a lover of wine and good food, it is certainly a place that will make your next vacation a more than a satisfying experience.
Remember that only one trip will not be enough, since there are a lot of places and vineyards to visit!
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