Valle de Guadalupe: A Dreamy Escape to Mexican Wine Country

• The main draw to Valle de Guadalupe is of course, the wine! With over 100 wineries to choose from, you will never run out of options for wine tastings, winery tours, and learning everything there is to learn about Mexican wine.

• In addition to wine, the food in Valle de Guadalupe is unmatched. So, my other favorite activity to do in Valle de Guadalupe is eat. There are a few Michelin-starred restaurants, along with many other options that are equally as delicious for those travelers who are more budget-conscious.

• After a full day of drinking and eating, you’ll want to take advantage of the other activity that Valle de Guadalupe is known for: going to the spa. Many of the resorts in the area offer spa amenities and services, and this is a great place to relax and unwind.

• Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, whale watching is a must-do activity when you’re on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and Valle de Guadalupe is only about 30 minutes inland from the coast. Humpback whales are very active in the winter months, and are a marvel to watch breaching the water!

• If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, you can take an ATV tour of the valley, or even organize an ATV wine-tasting tour to visit some of Valle’s most popular wineries via ATV. If you’re an adventure seeker, this one’s for you!

• You could also venture down to Ensenada, a port town with a quaint charm and lovely seafood restaurants that’s only about a 45-minute drive away. They often have large outdoor markets with food and shopping stalls, as well as numerous boutique stores to grab a souvenir.

My favorite wineries

• Vena Cava: Located in the heart of Valle de Guadelupe, Vena Cava is a boutique winery known for their fun and unique natural wines. They also have a villa and farm-to-table casual eatery on site. Stop in for a tasting to try a variety of their wine selections, then stay for a glass and lunch overlooking the beautiful mountain scenery.

• Cavas Sol y Barra: One of the lesser-known wineries of the area, Cavas Sol y Barra Sol represents a fusion between the wine tradition and harmony with nature, offering wines that are true expressions of the terroir of the Valle de Guadalupe. The owner, Aimé Desponds, built the main building himself, and has an intriguing story to tell.

• Montefiori | Vinos Paoloni: A grand estate overlooking the vast vineyards and mountains, Vinos Paolini at the Monefiori Villa offers a wonderful wine tasting experience. I particularly loved their Sangiovese rosé!

• Decantos Vinicola: With sweeping views and a huge outdoor patio and lawn space, Decantos Vinecola is the perfect place if you’re with a larger group. They have numerous wine tasting options and a full restaurant, appeasing the needs of everyone in your group.

Where to eat in Valle de Guadalupe

• Fauna: Hands-down one of my favorite meals of our entire year-long trip. For a surprisingly affordable price, we opted for the nine-course tasting menu and wine pairing, and it did not disappoint! They were also very accommodating when it came to dietary preferences and restrictions.

• La Cocina de Doña Esthela: A must-go restaurant for breakfast while you’re in Valle de Guadalupe! We went on a weekday, and it wasn’t too crowded, but I’ve heard it fills up on the weekends, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table. Be sure to try the Borrega and the hotcakes de elote con requeson!

• Adobe Food Truck Guadalupe: Located outside of the Adobe winery, the food truck is a casual eatery that doesn’t lack in flavor or service! Dine al fresco as you sip on some of Adobe’s wines. We ordered the pesto sausage sandwich and the ribeye sandwich, and they were delicious!

Where to eat in Ensenada

• La Guerrerense Carreta: A humble outdoor food stand serving some of the freshest and most delectable seafood tostadas I’ve ever had. It came recommended by Anthony Bourdain, and for good reason: I still think about them all these months later. They also have a sit-down restaurant if you’re looking for something a bit more structured.

• Tacos Fenix: The long line is worth the wait here to try their famous fish or shrimp tacos. We got them fried, and added our own toppings from their vast topping bar.