Valle De Guadalupe: Your Next Wine Destination
- by Kristie
- 10 min read
Anyone who thinks Napa is the ultimate wine country destination has obviously never visited Valle de Guadalupe in Baja. Located just two hours south of San Diego, this region is growing in popularity among wine enthusiasts, foodies, and those wanting to enjoy a new wine destination. The relaxed and chill atmosphere that radiates throughout the Valley is appreciated among visitors looking for something more inviting when it comes to a wine destination.
Expect an authentic experience filled with genuine people at each winery you visit. There’s nothing pretentious about Valle de Guadalupe and it’s often the complete opposite of any other high-class wine regions. You’ll feel as if you’re among good friends the moment you step anywhere in Valle, which is why many consider it their favorite getaway spot. Hotels, wineries, and restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe are known for their earth-conscious philosophies and practices. Everything is about being local and sustainable.
Why You Must Visit Valle de Guadalupe
1. Valle de Guadalupe Is Rich In History
The Spanish missionaries first introduced wine to Baja California, including Valle de Guadalupe. The very first winery in Baja was Bodegas de Santo Tomas, which was set just south of Ensenada back in the late 1800s. Finally, some decades later, Russian immigrants fleeing the revolution back home were given political asylum and established a colony in Valle de Guadalupe. Thus Valle’s future in wine was born. You’ll find much of the Valley’s history in the area’s Museo Comunitario del Valle de Guadalupe and the Museums of Vine and Wine (which warrant a trip for any newcomer to the region).
It wasn’t until the 1980s that the area started to grow and blossom, with Monte Xanic Bodega Vinicola creating quality wines. From there, vineyards started popping up left and right and now there are more than 50 different wineries in the region (with the numbers growing each year).
2. The Wine Is Sensational
There’s something magical about the soil in Valle de Guadalupe. It’s really an ideal place to have vineyards thanks to the very fertile soil and the temperature conditions given the Pacific ocean air provides the Valle with a pleasant breeze. Because Valle de Guadalupe is becoming so popular, more and more wineries are starting to open, offering visitors a nice variety to choose from upon their visit. This provides visitors the opportunity to plan new trips given each one will be different from the one before! With so much to do and see, it’s important that you pace yourself because you really do want to thoroughly enjoy as many wineries as you possibly can to really experience that rich wine selections the Valley offers.
But one thing that you’ll notice with every winery in Valle de Guadalupe is the fact that every single one of them has a real passion for winemaking. It really shows in their wine selections and you can literally taste their mission for perfection with each sip you take. Each winery in the Valley has a story to tell and their own vision for bringing a certain wine varietal to life. But regardless of their backstory, they all have the same mission – to help spread the word about how wonderful Mexican wine truly is. With such a passion for wine and the process, it’s no wonder why many of these Valle wineries are placed in the highest echelons of the world’s most prestigious wine circles.
Regardless if you prefer red or white (or vice versa), Valle de Guadalupe has something for everyone. But these wines from Valle are meant to be fully enjoyed and aren’t supposed to be rushed – which is why several trips to the Valley are needed to really experience all the wineries. You don’t want to rush the wine tasting because then you won’t really taste the difference between each brand and winery, as they will all start to blend together. The ideal way to experience Valle de Guadalupe and its many winery options is to choose a handful and spend hours at a time not only enjoying their wine, but also their unique property (which are simply gorgeous, by the way).
3. The Food Is Impeccable
Besides amazing wine, Valle de Guadalupe is quickly becoming known as a hub for foodies. The Valley features several outstanding restaurants that will have your taste buds going crazy over some of the best meals you’ve ever tasted. The region really has the best of the best when it comes to food. From fresh seafood literally caught off of its shores to organically grown veggies and organically raised meat, you’ll find that Valle de Guadalupe can’t be beat when it comes to cuisine. Add in the best wine selections and you’ve got a recipe for success!
The region has some of the most notable restaurants around led by top-name chefs in the industry. And with so many amazing products to use, chefs experiment and create as they please, coming up with delectable menu choices that will have your mouth watering with every bit you take.
With a good mix of fine dining and regular eating spots, every dining experience you have in Valle de Guadalupe is sublime. The possibility of having a great meal that’s memorable and something you’ll talk about for ages is very high when visiting Valle de Guadalupe. You’ll go back home and brag about the fun meals you’ve experienced, counting down the days until you’ll be able to experience such an extravagant meal again.
4. It's Easy To Visit & Get To
Although the thought of traveling to Mexico might seem daunting, it’s really not very difficult or challenging to visit Valle de Guadalupe. There are actually a few different ways to visit the growing Valley. You can make it a road trip with friends or family or you can book a tour bus to have someone else drive you down. You can also fly down to the region and touch down in Tijuana and then rent a car to drive to Valle (which is right near Ensenada). All you need is a passport to cross the border and you’ll be fine. Don’t let visiting Mexico scare you off from experiencing one of the best wine regions on Earth.
5. More Than Just Wine Tasting
Besides wine tasting, Valle de Guadalupe offers visitors a plethora of other activities to make their trip much more memorable and enjoyable. Exploring the beautiful valley by horseback is something every visitor needs to do at least once. Camping out the stars (or really “glamping,”) is something out of the world as you enjoy the stars in all their glory while enjoying a glass of wine with loved one and friends. You can also opt to visit Valle during festival season, which allows visitors the chance to get out and celebrate with all the locals and residents. Hiking in the beautiful mountains and on the various trails will help you become one with Mother Nature, while simply doing nothing at your hotel and basking in the radiating sun’s rays is perfectly fine, too! With so many different things to do, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back to try something else!
5. Natural Beauty All Around You
While people predominately visit Valle de Guadalupe for the wine, the beautiful landscape and sights are added benefits for visitors, allowing them to feast their eyes on picturesque views out of a painting. It’s often compared to Napa when it first started to grow in popularity. But really, Valle de Guadalupe is its own region, with its relaxed vibe and stunning beauty. It’s a place of extraordinary beauty filled with unpaved roads that suddenly turn off into side roads that lead to lush gardens, vineyards and more. The rolling mountains in the background tower around the valley, while the cool Pacific breeze hits you at the perfect times while wine tasting at any of the wineries (many of which have gorgeous outdoor patios).
6. From Simple To Luxurious Accommodations
There’s nothing commercial about Valle de Guadalupe and the area doesn’t have large chain hotels. Instead, there are various boutique hotels and tons of great B&Bs. Many of them offer amenities you’d find at any luxury resort. However, you get a more intimate experience that allows you to relax and enjoy the views, company you’re in and the overall ambiance of the Valley!
If you’re planning a trip anytime soon, Valle de Guadalupe should be at the top of your list! It has everything a wine lover, foodie or just anyone who wants to experience an enchanting and relaxing destination.
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