Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe has been making waves in the world of wine over the last few years, and for good reason. This scenic valley, located just a few miles inland from the coastal city of Ensenada, is home to more than 150 wineries (casas vinícolas), producing some very exciting and innovative wines.
This area is known as Mexican wine country, and is popular with visitors from across the border in the US as well as many Mexican travelers seeking a culinary adventure. The Guadalupe valley gets more than 750,000 visitors each year and the numbers are growing! With a Mediterranean climate and a rich culinary scene, Valle de Guadalupe has all the makings of a world-class wine destination.
What is the best time of year to visit Valle de Guadaupe? May to October is the busiest and most popular time to travel to Valle de Guadalupe. Don’t miss the harvest festival in August!
What is the weather like in Valle de Guadalupe? Valle de Guadalupe weather is typically warm and sunny. September is the hottest month with temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The warmest daytime temperatures fluctuate throughout the year from the high 60s to high 80s. Low temperatures mostly range from the 50s to 60s although there may be a cold snap in December and January.
What is Ruta del Vino? La Ruta del Vino (The Wine Route) is a scenic drive that takes you through the heart of the valley, passing by many of the top wineries and restaurants. You can begin the Ruta del Vino in Ensenada, driving on Highway 3 to the northeast. Check out this map to see the wine route. La Ruta del Vino includes Valle de Guadalupe, San Antonio de las Minas, Ojos Negros, La Grulla, Santo Tomás and San Vicente.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Valle de Guadalupe so special, from the history of winemaking in the region to the top wineries and restaurants to visit, as well as the best ways to explore the valley whether on a tour or on your own.
History of Wine in Valle de Guadalupe
Winemaking in Valle de Guadalupe has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Spanish colonial era. The first vineyards in the region were planted by Jesuit missionaries in the late 1700s, who saw the potential for winemaking in the area’s fertile soils and mild climate. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the premium wine production really began.
When you think of Baja California you might imagine a desert landscape. So how do they grow grapes in this area? The altitude and topography of these these valleys bring in sea breezes and fog which creates an excellent microclimate very similar to the wine regions up north in famous wine regions of Santa Barbara, Sonoma, and Napa. In fact, many of the same grape varietals are grown in Valle de Guadalupe as in Alta California vineyards.
Over the past 50 years, Valle de Guadalupe’s winemaking industry has continued to grow and evolve. Today, the area is home to Mexico’s most acclaimed wineries. The Guadalupe Valley is known as the “wild west” of winemaking, as many of the vineyards are new, and local winemakers don’t always follow traditional European ways of doing things. They are also free of the old world regulations and appellations. Winemakers in the region love to experiment with varietals and blends, so you will find something unique at each winery and vineyard.
Top Wineries to Visit in Valle de Guadalupe
With so many wineries to choose from in Valle de Guadalupe, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are ten of our top picks for wineries to visit in the valley:
- Monte Xanic was founded in 1987, thus is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in Valle de Guadalupe. Known for its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, Monte Xanic offers a range of tours and tastings, including a private tour that takes you behind the scenes of the winemaking process. Reservations are required at this popular spot!
- Vena Cava is an eco-friendly winery housed in a striking building made from upcycled boats, creating a unique atmosphere for wine tasting. Vena Cava’s wines have garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following among wine enthusiasts. Be sure to try their famous gourmet food truck Troika too!
- Adobe Guadalupe is a family-owned winery is known for its stunning hacienda-style tasting room and inn. Book a tasting in their cellar or a wine pairing dinner for an awesome experience.
- Finca La Carrodilla Finca La Carrodilla produces a range of organic and biodynamic wines that showcase the unique terroir of Valle de Guadalupe. The winery’s tasting room is housed in a sleek, modern building with stunning views of the valley.
- Bodegas Magoni cultivates more than 70 different types of grapes. This family owned business is now run by the second generation. The winery is a beautiful location to visit.
- Vinicola 3 Mujeres is a women-owned winery that produces small-batch wines. The winery is known for its focus on sustainability and its commitment to social responsibility. Reservations are required.
- Xecue Vinicola focuses on love for the land and its agricultural products. The owners begin making wine at home and expanded to selling their wine in 2005. It is a popular stop on Ruta del Vino.
- Casa Frida is a family-owned winery that produces small-batch wines. The winery is known for its sustainable practices and its focus on quality over quantity. They also have a on-site restaurant, rooftop bar, and an oyster bar!
- El Cielo includes a winery, boutique hotel, and restaurant. The resort offers a variety of tours and tastings, as well as a spa and other activities.
- Casa Domecq, L. A. Cetto and Bodegas de Santo Tomás are the largest wine producers in the valley and account for around 80% of production. Santo Tomás is definitely worth a try with the first female Mexican winemaker at the helm. And L.A. Cetto is the oldest winery in Valle de Guadalupe.
Tours and tastings may require reservations, so be sure to do a bit of research if you want to visit a particular winery. Tasting flights usually cost around $300-$600MXN ($15-$30USD). Most tasting rooms are open around the hours of 11AM-6PM but be sure to check in advance.
Best Restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe
When it comes to dining, Valle de Guadalupe is a food lover’s paradise. Many of the wineries in the area have their own restaurants, where you can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. You will find everything from elegant prix fixe menus and casual food trucks in Valle de Guadalupe.
Here are some highly recommended Valle de Guadalupe restaurants:
- Finca Altozano is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the Guadalupe Valley. Chef Javier Plascencia is famous throughout the Baja area for his innovative cuisine.
- Animalon is on the list of Latin America’s best restaurants. Executive Chef Oscar Torres brings Michelin-star experience to the fantastic seasonal tasting menu.
- Sushi in Valle de Guadalupe? Yes please. Omakase at Deckmans is an incredible experience pairing local seafood with local wines.
- The most famous food truck in the Valle is definitely Troika, located at Vena Cava winery. This is a destination not to miss while exploring the area.
- Lunario focuses on stunning local produce with beautiful and simple dishes.
- For a taste of traditional home cooking in the Valle, check out La Cocina de Doña Esthela.
Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tours
Don’t want to explore the valley on your own? Check out these awesome Valle de Guadalupe tours!
- Taste your way through the Guadalupe Valley wine country with a luxury private tour from San Diego. You’ll meet three different wine producers, learn about how wine is produced, and sit down for a delicious lunch at Finca Altozano, and sample plenty of locally produced wine, all with a private driver/guide so that you can drink responsibly. Click here to book!
- Travel like a local through Mexico’s celebrated wine country with other thirsty adventurers on a premium wine tour. Start off with some tasty local tacos in Rosarito before traveling down the Baja coast in a private van with cold beers and water at the ready. Sample delicious reds, whites, and rosé wines at three renowned boutique vineyards, as well as farm-to-table dishes at a premier Valle restaurant. Start in Tijuana or San Diego. Click here for more info.
- Discover the best wine, cuisine, and landscapes of the Guadalupe Valley on this private guided tour from Tijuana. Enjoy the flexibility of being able to plan your itinerary and travel at your own pace as you visit the best wineries in the area, from the most artisanal to the world famous, as well as breweries, restaurants and viewpoints. Find out more here.
Special Events in Valle de Guadalupe
The Fiestas de la Vendimia (Harvest Festivals), held annually in August, are a series of events celebrating the grape harvest and the region’s wine culture. In 2023 it is held from Aug 4-20th. Activities include private tastings and dinners at wineries and restaurants in the valley, as well as big events to start and end the festival. The Muestra del Vino is the wine tasting event that kicks off the Fiestas and the Concurso de Paella ends it with a delicious paella contest!
Be sure to book lodging and tasting events in advance for this popular time of year!
Other Fun Activities in Valle de Guadalupe
Once you’ve had your fill of wine tasting, you may want to explore some of the other activities in the valley and surrounding areas. Here are some fun activities you might want to try in and around Valle de Guadalupe:
- Get off road on an ATV guided tour of the Valle de Guadalupe
- Marvel at La Bufadora, the largest sea geyser in North America, on this 4-hour guided tour from Ensenada
- Explore the city of Ensenada in a glamorous replica 1903 Ford Model T during this private sightseeing excursion
- Go for a thrilling horseback ride on the beach with wine tasting afterward
- Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting in the Ojos Negros Valley
- Taste local beers and the best street tacos on this Ensenada culinary adventure
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of the region, a visit to Museo de la Vid y el Vino (Museum of the Vine and Wine) is a must. The museum offers interactive exhibits that showcase the wine-making process, as well as the history and culture of the region. There are also several art galleries and artisan shops in the area where you can browse and purchase local crafts and products.
Other adventures might include a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards for a unique perspective and breathtaking views. Or you can rent a bike from one of the resort hotels and cycle on side roads through the valley, stopping at different wineries and restaurants along the way. Enjoy a spa day or go see some live music! You won’t get bored in Valle de Guadalupe!
Where to Stay in Valle de Guadalupe
If you are visiting Guadalupe Valley to eat and drink you might want to stay for the night or the weekend to really soak in the atmosphere. Here are some of the best places to stay in Valle de Guadalupe:
El Cielo is a fantastic winery resort hotel with a swimming pool. Rooms have modern amenities and air-conditioning for those hot Baja days.
Ojo Azul is another charming resort with king size beds in every room and a swimming pool to cool off after a day of wine tasting. This resort offers bike rentals and can organize other excursions for you.
Looking for the best small boutique hotels in Valle de Guadalupe? Check out Hotel Otero. With six modern rooms housed in their own private structure, this is an excellent location with access to many Valle popular sights.
Villa del Valle is a bed and breakfast with restaurant and winery founded by British expats Eileen and Phil Gregory, who arrived in 2005. Phil had a career in music in Los Angeles before coming here to make organic wines. They produce Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. They are a supplier to renowned Mexico City restaurant Pujol
The Contemplacion Hotel is a small boutique resort with only 12 rooms. They have a beautiful swimming pool and stunning views.
One of the most stunning Valle de Guadalupe hotels is Encuentro with modern and unique private structures dotting the property. There is also an acclaimed winery and restaurant on site.
There are many options for lodging in Valle de Guadalupe from campgrounds, airbnbs and fancy resort hotels. Something for everyone!
Getting to Valle de Gaudalupe & Getting Around
It is easy to reach Valle de Guadalupe from Ensenada. If you have your own car, head northeast from Ensenada on Highway 3 and follow the Ruta del Vino. Keep in mind that although the main highways are paved, most of the side roads are dirt. Take your time and drive carefully, and don’t ever drive at night. (the typical Baja driving advice)
You can also visit Valle de Guadalupe using a private driver or take a tour. Tours leave from many places including Ensenada, Tijuana, the US/Mexico border and even from San Diego.
Check out this private tour for two that leaves from Ensenada or your local hotel, this custom tour that leaves from Tijuana, San Diego or Ensenada, or this door-to-door private group tour from Rosarito or Ensenada.
Valle de Guadalupe is a destination that should not be missed by wine lovers and foodies alike. With its stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, and award-winning wines, it’s no wonder that it’s quickly becoming a must-visit destination in Mexico. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or explore the region’s rich history and culture, Valle de Guadalupe has something to offer everyone.
Be sure to check out our guides to Ensenada and Tijuana to complete your travel adventures in the area!