Having grown up a San Diego native, the idea of driving across the border for a quick getaway always seemed like a simple option. Complete transparency, I’ve never felt comfortable crossing just Taylor and I! Driving into Mexico can be a potentially dangerous (and sketch!) experience! We have great tacos and beaches right here in San Diego, why do I need to go internationally to do the same thing?
It wasn’t until I learned about Valle de Guadalupe, that I actually wanted to plan a trip!
Come along with me through this post, and I’ll share with you where we stayed, where we ate, and what wineries we visited!
Valle de Guadalupe is a hidden gem of Baja California! About 70 miles southeast of the border from San Diego, Valle de Guadalupe is a beautiful wine region, lined with thousands of grapevines, picturesque olive trees, and so much culture. Think a weekend in Napa…without the 8 hour drive up north, or the endless $$$ at every winery, restaurant, and hotel.
My sister, Stephanie, and her boyfriend, Chris, have fallen in love with Valle de Guadalupe over the past year – it was truly only a matter of time before we joined them! Going with a couple that knew their way around the region and had experience crossing in/out of Mexico by car, we felt safer taking this trip!
Tay and I were so excited for a quick weekend getaway, jam packed with wine tasting, yummy food, and scenic drives. We started our weekend early on a Saturday driving southeast to the Tecate border crossing. Driving into Mexico is easy, just make sure you have your passports before leaving!
Where To Stay: Agua de Vid
Parcela, Ejido El Porvenir – San José de la Zorra 69, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
Agua de Vid is in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, and was the perfect choice for our quick 36 hour trip! This hotel offers a romantic and modern environment, with so many helpful amenities like free parking, wifi, and a complimentary breakfast (which was one of our favorite meals – a fresh fruit and granola parfait, eggs with beans and chilaquiles!). We checked in early, and started off the weekend right at the Bar, where we all enjoyed glasses of local wine.
Each room is its own private casita, with a unique front porch. We loved the way the floor to ceiling windows reflected light off the bright open sky.
Tay and I loved the Mexican textile bathrobes in our rooms, not only were there festive, they kept us warm when it cooled off to the 40s at night!
Where To Eat: Laja
km 83, Tecate, Vivienda Popular, 22850 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Highly rated in the top 5 restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe, this cozy spot was a yummy dinner on Saturday. You’re given the option of a 4 course or 8 course dinner, and seated inside an old cottage next to a wood-burning fireplace. While the service was a tad slow, the staff were very friendly, and the food was yummy! My 4 courses: Corn Polenta with Grilled Octopus, Tuna Tartare, Braised Sea Bass with Roasted Asparagus, and an Eclaire. The highlight of this restaurant, for me personally, were the vintage bottles of Topo Chico they served! Tay and I’s favorite sparkling mineral water.
Where to Eat: Taconazo
Paseo Ensenada 712, Playas, Jardines Playas de Tijuana, 22500 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
This was a final stop on our getaway – We learned that you can’t cross back into the US at the Tijuana crossing, without grabbing street tacos at Taconazo! Get the Tums ready, but boy is the heartburn worth it! Try the Carne Asada and Adobada tacos for a quick, but delicious bite.
What Wineries to Visit: Las Nubes Viñedos
Callejon Emiliano Zapata, El Porvenir, 22766 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
Las Nubes in English means ‘clouds’, and while there wasn’t a cloud in the sky when we visited this winery, we were greeted by a gorgeous panoramic view of the rolling hills and vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe. We tasted 3 of Las Nubes reserve wines while indulging in a charcuterie board and enjoying our gorgeous view.
What Wineries to Visit: Bar Bura Cuatro Cuatros
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Easily THE BEST view of Baja’s coastline! This winery is technically outside the Valle de Guadalupe wine region, but certainly worth the trek to the coast for refreshing rosé and tangy ceviche atop a majestic cliffside over looking the Pacific Ocean. Bar Bura Cuatro Cuatros is a one stop shop – you’ll taste local wines, drink from a full bar, nosh on fresh grilled shrimp and house-made tostadas, visit their dessert cocktail trailer for an espresso martini, all the while basking in the breathtaking ambiance of Baja’s coastline that is surprisingly wide-open and undeveloped!
What Wineries to Visit: Lomita
Camino vecinal Parcela 71 Fracc. 3 Lote 13, San Marcos, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
As we drove back through the countryside back into Valle de Guadalupe, we visited Lomita winery – a trendy spot with a bohemian vibe. Lomita was our favorite wine! We tasted 2 whites, 4 reds, gradually growing in body and fullness. Our favorite bottle was their rich blend, Pegano. The design of Lomita’s bottles are inspired by olive oil bottles – they’re square shaped! We sipped vino from cowhide rockers and hanging rattan chairs. Stephanie and I climbed up Lomita’s spiral staircase to catch a stunning sunset.
What Wineries to Visit: Bruma
Carretera Avinicola La Cetto fraccionamiento A-B P74, 22760 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
We visited Bruma on Sunday morning for what we thought was just a tasting – turned out to be a full tour of their wine cave! We learned about their winemaking process, and the history of Bruma’s eight owners. The winery, hotel, and restaurant (Fauna) are scattered across a spacious property lined with olive trees, industrial architecture, and unique murals.
Important Points to Note
- Dress in layers- when we visited end of November, the sunny and 75 daytime would quickly change to brisk, breezy 40s after sunset!
- Wear closed-toe shoes – most wineries and roads are dirt! Save your toes and fancy heels for another occasion.
- Make reservations at wineries as far in advance as you can. Instagram and TripAdvisor were great resources for us.
- If planning on drinking wine, try to arrange a driver for you and your party while visiting multiple wineries.
- Allow extra time in your return drive home, it can take multiple hours crossing in Tijuana or in Otay. The Tecate border, while shorter crossing times, closes at 2pm.
- Be adventurous, but safe. Try to be back at your hotel by the time it gets dark. Roads in Valle de Guadalupe are poorly lit, and often unpaved, not nice for night driving.
- Know a little bit of the Spanish language – most places will have English speaking staff, but in a pinch, be prepared and know a few common phrases.
- Don’t be afraid to stop at a street vendor! Tay and I brought home three, large handmade terra-cotta pots for $30 – would have easily been over $200 here in the US! Most merchants accepts pesos and USD.
- Travel in a group!
Have you ever visited Valle de Guadalupe? Share your favorites in the comments! Check out my outfits from this trip on LIKEtoKNOW.it, and a few of my posts from this trip on my Instagram!
