I’ve always lived near a border. My entire life, I’ve been within 70 miles of the Mexican border. I don’t think I ever anticipated how deeply Mexico would be woven into the fabric of my life, but it is. The people, their language, the food & music, the culture, and the destinations have all become a part of me.

Among my absolute favorite destinations in Mexico is the Valle de Guadalupe. The wine country sits just north of Ensenada in Baja California, and it is only two hours south of the border by car. I can’t get enough of this rural and peaceful place. I love the region for the complex and interesting wines that are being produced and for the culinary creativity tucked away in hidden spots. The Valle shines a light on its natural resources, beautiful weather, abundant produce, thriving livestock, fresh seafood straight out of the Pacific, and, of course, deliciously rich vinos (wines).

We’ve made trips to the Valle with locals for the annual harvest celebration, I’ve marked milestone birthdays with groups of adventure loving friends, we have shared culinary tastings with like-minded food lovers, and Mr. Vacay and I have taken countless private tours. Just like a fine wine, I think the Valle is best shared with others. I used to prod people to go check it out, but these days, it doesn’t take much effort! These days, people often ask me about my top picks. They want to go because they have either read about the area, heard about it from friends, or have endured my constant blabbering about “the Valle!”

These are the places I blab about the most:

Wonderful Wines

  • Lechuza Vineyard – A family run, boutique winery that requires a reservation. The owners are genuinely passionate about wine. They work tirelessly tending to their grapes, and they love sharing the fruits of their labor.
  • Trevista – A small batch winery that embodies “Mi Casa es Su Casa.” Make a reservation in advance, get to know the big-hearted winemaker and his wife, and savor the delectable amuse bouche served up with each tasting.
  • Viñas de Garza – A midsize winery with wonderful wines, paired with wonderful people and a lovely view of the Valle.
  • Viña de Frannes – Tucked into the Northern foothills, they offer generous pours, complemented by flatbreads and olives, perfect for grazing.
  • Decantos Vinícola – Diverse wines, with ample seating indoors or out, and abundant cheese trays that seem more like meals than snacks.
  • Las Nubes – Fantastic wines, plates for sharing, beautiful Mediterranean architecture, and views to match. This place is the whole package!
  • Other notable wineries: Monte Xanic, LA Cetto, Doña Lupe, & Vena Cava.

Divine Dinners

  • Deckman’s – The chef, Drew Deckman, is known for sustainability in food sourcing. He works, literally, in the center of the restaurant, pouring his genius into the creative and delicious dishes they serve.
  • Finca Altozano and Lupe – With chef Javier Placencia at the helm, these spots define farm to table with their bountiful garden, their pens for pigs, goats and chickens, and their open air dining terraces.
  • Tre Galline – Angelo Dal Bon is the charming chef and personality in this Italian hotspot loved by locals and visitors alike. Wheels of cheese make a show of macaroni, order it with a wine to suit you, along with one of the chefs specials, and then top it off with the Volcán de Chocolate (chocolate lava cake) for dessert.
  • Other notable restaurants: Malva, La Cocina de Doña Esthela, and TrasLomita.

Splendid Stays

  • Hacienda Guadalupe – A boutique hotel with big, comfortable, clean, and QUIET rooms. It is easily accessible and situated in the middle of the Valle, with views for days, a pool for cooling off, and a lovely on-site restaurant.
  • Posada Inn – A family-friendly property, right off of the main road, with pools, a restaurant, and a well placed coffee bar! The price is right, but rooms fill up quickly, so plan in advance.

If you can, spend a night or two. There are over 100 wineries to see and experience, so take your time and enjoy your stay. We typically try to fit in two or three tastings per day, fewer if we discover a new favorite wine. We often hire a driver, and we recommend it to everyone. It’s a smart decision for many reasons – wine plus unpaved rural roads – you get the idea.

The Valle changes, grows, and improves every day. So each time we go, we find something new to try. For those that have never been before, the reaction is always the same. They fall in love with Mexico. It brings me joy to share my experience with others – to take them somewhere that they may never have experienced on their own, and somewhere that I know they will want to visit again and again.