Valle de Guadalupe

Mexico’s Napa is what this gem in Baja is being called. For wine tasting in Mexico, look no further than The Valle de Guadalupe. A rustic countryside with beautiful vineyards, wines, cheeses, olive oil and amazing food. The food is artisanal, delicious, fresh and original. The area at once time was a sleeping fishing port area with just a handful of places to stay and eat. Inland, where the Valle sits, was also a not so tiny vineyard community. What we could not see is that it was one of the areas best kept secrets. Our first visit back into the area was via a tour. We booked a tour with Club Tengo Hambre. This is super group to tour with! We met people from Australia, Europe and other states on our tour. It started with a Birria taco breakfast in Tijuana before embarking to the Valle while sipping Mezcal en route.

Baja California Wine Country

Our first stop was Cavas del Mogor. This boutique winery produces wines using Chasselas, Grenache and some brilliant red blends.

We enjoyed some beautiful wines here but my favorite was the Arrebol made with Grenache grapes. The setting, as you can see, is magical. This winery also has amazing olive oil produced from olives on the property.

Our second stop, Bodegas Magoni. This is larger winery which has some really cool blends. Our tasting here, with live music, sitting under a massive old oak tree, was the last and it was super chill. We tried 6 wines here. The blends are really interesting to me. Their Rose is a blend of Pinot Noir/Grenache/Cabernet Sauvignon/Pinot Meunier. They have a super Sangiovese/Cabernet blend. And my personal favorite is Origen 43. This is a Sangiovese/Aglianico/Canaiolo/Montepulciano/Cabernet Sauvignon blend! Wow right? And the wine is a double wow! I highly recommend!

Finca Altozano

Our last stop is my favorite stop. Finca Altozano. An fabulous farm to table restaurant with a view of the valley. What a treat! When you arrive you are greeted with a refreshing and hydrating cucumber water. This is an absolutely lovely place. The Chef here is Javier Plascencia. His approach to farm to table is extraordinary and so are the surroundings.

But was is truly breathtaking is the property. Envision sitting on a rustic patio, with a view of the valley, dogs running about the restaurant, (well behaved dogs), the smell of fresh baked bread and hand made tortillas in the air. The smell of mesquite and meats of all kinds are being roasted, while enjoying some of the most unique wines…ready to go? I’m ready to get in the car right now!

Our meal was one of the most memorable. We started with Grilled Octopus, followed by Mixed Salad greens with locally made cheese. Our entrees consisted of Roasted Lamb and Grilled local Sea bass both served with roasted vegetables. Our meal ended with sweet Churros and vanilla ice cream.

We ended our evening sitting in a giant wine barrel above the restaurant and of course, the romantically lit valley.

For more information on Valle de Guadalupe go to Discover Baja/ Valle de Guadalupe. If you love Baja the way we do, check out our recent trip to San Jose del Cabo.

Until the next time!