The Ultimate Guide to Valle de Guadalupe

GETTING TO VALLE DE GUADALUPE

TIPS FOR VISITING VALLE DE GUADALUPE

While this wine region is very close to the U.S., there are a few things to be aware of before your visit!

• If you’re planning to drive to Valle de Guadalupe, there a couple of things to prepare for. First, many of the roads are unpaved and can be quite bumpy so its best to have an SUV.  Second, you’ll want to purchase Mexican auto insurance before you cross the border which can be done online at sites like Baja Bound.
• Driving back into the U.S. can sometimes be tricky as border wait times can range anywhere from 30 minutes – 4 hours. Its best to check the wait times online and plan accordingly!  Weekends (especially Sundays) are typically the busiest days with the longest wait times.
• And on that note, don’t forget your passport!  You’ll definitely need this to cross the border back into the U.S. 🙂
• Along with your passport, it’s a good idea to have cash on hand.  We brought cash and exchanged dollars to pesos at a currency exchange — many places accept U.S. dollars but you’ll definitely get a better rate paying with pesos.  And if you’re planning to take the toll road (which I recommend so you can enjoy those Pacific ocean views!), it’s definitely best to have cash.
• And while most people in Valle de Guadalupe do speak English, it’s not a bad idea to brush up on your Spanish.  Simple phrases may come in handy!
• When planning your trip to Valle, decide ahead of time which wineries and restaurants you’d like to visit and check their days and hours of operation to make sure it aligns with your trip.  Weekends are the busiest days with some wineries closing on weekdays (or only serving food on weekends).  Plan ahead so you can avoid visiting a winery only to find it’s closed!
• Lastly, if you’re driving, I’d recommend packing some water in your car — I always like to have it on hand especially during wine tasting!

WHERE TO STAY IN VALLE DE GUADALUPE

With this wine region’s growing popularity, new hotels and rental properties are popping up all around the valley, many of which feature modern, elegant design with luxury amenities.

• Encuentro Guadalupe: This unique, upscale resort features standalone modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the valley.  Perched on a hill surrounded by nature and boulders, the views can’t be beat!  Encuentro Guadalupe has been featured on many travel lists and is quite well-known in the area so make sure to book your room well in advance.
• Maglén Resort: Moderately priced, highly rated and ideally located, this resort is a great option for a weekend getaway to Valle.  Bonus: there’s a pool for those hot summer days!
• El Cielo Winery & Resort: With beautifully designed rooms and onsite amenities like a swimming pool, upscale restaurant and winery, you won’t want to leave the property!
• Villa Victoria: A great moderately priced option, this hotel is known for its friendly staff and central location near many wineries.
• Casa Frida or Suite Diego:  This unique rental property is great for groups!  Casa Frida offers three bedrooms, a living room and kitchen and next door (with a separate entrance) Suite Diego offers a large bedroom with two queen beds and a kitchenette.  Both are beautifully designed in a Frida Kahlo theme and set on a vineyard also featuring a Frida Kahlo themed tasting room!

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WHERE TO WINE TASTE IN VALLE DE GUADALUPE

With over 100 wineries in the area, it can be tough to decide on an itinerary.  Here are some favorites:

• Vena Cava Vinícola: The unique design of this winery made it one of my favorite stops!  Architects Alejandro D’Acosta and Claudia Turrent used recycled boats to create the roof of the tasting room and the outdoor patio overlooks a small lake with views of the valley.  There is also a food truck onsite, Troika, and craft beer tasting.
• Decantos Vinicola: Excellent wine, delicious food, sweeping views of the valley and plenty of outdoor seating… need I say more?
• Finca La Carrodilla: This winery uses biodynamic and organic farming practices to create its wine, which can be enjoyed on their beautiful second floor patio.
• El Cielo Winery & Resort: El Cielo has a larger winery vibe with cellar tours and tastings. Plus, plenty of outdoor seating.
• Bruma: Featuring a beautiful tasting room with a massive tree, this spot is a photographer’s dream… and the wine doesn’t hurt!
• Adobe Guadalupe: This tasting room has a great selection of wines and, on the weekends, their food truck offers delicious tapas in case you get hungry!
• Bar Bura at Cuatro Cuatros: About 20 minutes from Valle, this cliffside bar has sweeping views of the Pacific ocean and is totally worth the trek — especially for sunset!

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WHERE TO DINE IN VALLE DE GUADALUPE

Valle de Guadalupe is both a wine and foodie destination.  With Michelin quality restaurants, fresh local ingredients and inspired chefs, make sure to bring your appetite!

• Fauna at Bruma: Continuously rated one of the best restaurants in Valle, Fauna features traditional yet elevated Mexican dishes in an elegant, rustic chic setting.

Read more about my delicious meal at Fauna here.

• Animalón: Chef Javier Plascencia has become well-known in the region for his ‘Baja Med’ (a Mediterranean-Mexican fusion) dishes and owns several restaurants throughout Valle de Guadalupe, Tijuana and Todos Santos.  His latest, Animalón, started as a pop-up restaurant set under a massive oak tree and has remained open with two dinner seatings per evening.
• Restaurant Laja: An excellent lunch or dinner option with farm-to-table style dishes and an 8-course tasting menu.
• Deckmans en el Mogor: Michelin starred chef Drew Deckman has created a menu full of local fare from the estate grown vegetables, house made cheese and Baja peninsula fresh catch in an open kitchen layout with stunning vineyard views.

Read more about amazing dining experience at Deckman’s here.

• Finca Altozano: Another favorite from Chef Javier Plascencia serving up his signature Baja Med style dishes.
• La Cocina de Doña Esthela: This authentic Mexican restaurant serves up delicious home cooked breakfast and lunch — usually made by Doña Esthela herself!  Try the hot cakes de elote (corn pancakes) and make sure to get there early if visiting on a weekend (as there is usually a line after 9am).

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