If you have an affinity for both charming and scenic then you must visit Valle de Guadalupe. Though wine has not always been synonymous to Mexico, this quaint town 20 minutes from Ensenada is changing that. Such a quick drive from San Diego, we absolutely love going for the day or making a weekend trip out of it! And we are always getting asked what there is to do so I’ve created a list of attractions, places to eat, and where to crash after one too many wine tastings!

Where To Stay

If You’re Seeking Adventure

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, Valle de Guadalupe hosts some great spots that will quench that thirst for adventure. Encuentro Guadalupe is a take on deluxe camping. This self-proclaimed ‘antiresort’ is a minimalist’s dream.

Cuatro Cuartos is a settlement of a dozen cabanas combines luxury and landscape. Emphasis on luxury – these tents, come equipped with air conditioning, mini bar, and fireplace. If tents aren’t your thing, how about bubbles? You read that right!

One of the newest to the crop of glamping hotels, Campera Hotel, offers patrons the opportunity to stargaze in state-of-the-art spheres. Comfort and intimacy while sleeping under the stars.

If You’re Seeking Luxury

If glamping is not your jam, the boutique hotels in this town offer beautiful designs along with the great hospitality that Mexico is known for. Hacienda Guadalupe features an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, Hotel Boutique boasts its terrace with beautiful panoramic views and is located close to many wineries, and Casa Mayoral’s modern rustic accents and free use of bicycles are only made better with the delicious daily breakfast! Bruma is a perfectly thought out boutique hotel. The individual casitas that have glass walls facing the vineyards and the service is not to be beat. Private plunge pools and an amazing breakfast are the cherry on top of this wonderful hotel.

If You’re Just Looking For an Unforgettable Stay

For something in the middle, Airbnb has quite an array of rooms and homes. We had an absolutely unforgettable stay at Casa de Tierra. The gracefulness of this cob home was only matched by that of the owner; Vivianne. Her obvious joie de vive is apparent the instant you meet her. Vivianne spoiled us with traditional Mexican, organic breakfast each morning (her homemade yogurt is to die for!) and great tips of what to do during our stay!

Where To Eat

One thing you’ll learn quickly is that the locals aren’t too keen on outsourcing. Restaurants have their own garden and many boast farm-to-table offerings. It’s nearly impossible to go wrong with any of your dining choices here. Chef-driven, farm-to-table, and so damn good, the food options in Valle de Guadalupe are bar none.

A Laid-Back Meal

Finca Altozano is the epitome of Valle de Guadalupe. Chef Javier Placencia got his fame from the many delicious restaurants he owns throughout Mexico and Finca Altozano is no exception. This outdoor restaurant has the cool, laid-back vibes where you can spend an entire afternoon without a worry in the world. The food, on the other hand, is a far reach from casual. Delicious and well-thought-out, every bite is a delight. My favorite, though, is the grilled octopus appetizer!

A Traditional Comida

For traditional and delicious Mexican home-cooking, Cocina de Doña Estela is the place to go. The bumpy, windy dirt road to get here definitely sets the stage for your dining experience. The bathrooms are outside and don’t be surprised if a chicken strolls right past you, but the food is some of the best in the world. In fact, UK Magazine, Foodiehub voted it Tastiest Breakfast in the World in 2015. The indoor wood fire grill is always on and you’ll always find ladies making tortillas on the spot. Everything is great but the place is known for it’s Borrego Tatemado. It’s out of this world.

Leave It To The Chef

Corazon de Tierra doesn’t have a menu. In fact, you have no idea what you are going to eat. But that’s perfectly ok with me. With each of the six courses and the perfectly paired wine, Chef Diego Hernandez transports you through a gastronomic explosion. The open dining room offers direct views of the garden and if you go at the right time, you can catch the beautiful sunset and the wonderful breeze that Baja California is famous for.

Where To Drink

There is no shortage of wine at Valle de Guadalupe. You will find anything from industrial producers, such as L.A. Cetto, to boutique wineries brimming with charm and character. Currently, there are about 100 different wineries in the region. Truth is, each one offers a unique experience – both for your taste buds and your eyes. We try to visit some new ones with each visit, but a few keep us coming back. They include:

• Russian-owned Chateau Bibayoff offers a “it’s-happy-hour-somewhere” vibe.
• Swiss owner of Sol y Barro, Aimee, is always more than happy to talk wine and travel!
• The wine at Las Nubes is as good as the views from its perched terrace.
• A must for me is Viñedo Kastamay. The owner makes her own jam and sesame butter (if you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out!). Plus, the wine is delicious!

What To Do

Wining and dining are not the only activities available, though there’s enough of that to keep you busy. Here’s a few other things to do that are totally worth it!

Museums

Museo de la Vid y el Vino is a wine museum situated in the heart of the region. Come and enjoy a tour through the history of wine making, art and culture. Inside you’ll find artifacts and wine bottles utilized in the production of wine along with beautiful art. Outside, well, the views speak for themselves!

Tour La Escuelita

Broken wine bottles, used irrigation hoses, and barrel staves are just some of the elements used to create the escuelita or “little school.” This non-profit school was designed to help aspiring winemakers realize their dreams of hand-crafting wines. Each August a small group of students hone in their senses to learn the techniques and equipment to create their own individual wines. Tours of the school are by appointment only, but it’s totally worth stopping in and checking out the crafty design which was created using upcycled architecture. And if you need a break from wine, the bar features some delicious, local, Mexican beers. (My favorite was Agua Mala!)

Spa

Viniphera Spa is a magical place created in the hillside of Valle. The exterior is made of modified shipping containers that are both beautifully designed and ecologically conscious. The interior offers a sauna, two massage tables, and a lovely terrace for ultimate relaxation (and more wine-drinking!). Every time I visit Valle de Guadalupe, I come home with an array of their bath and body products–their lavender hand wash and body lotion is my favorite.

But Viniphera has more to offer than its beautiful aesthetics. The wine therapy massages are a truly unique experience as they use the skins of grapes, seeds, and wine mud.

Shop

Of course, you can always purchase wine bottles at most wineries but beyond tasty libations, be sure to stop at the bi-weekly farmers market at Mogor Badan Winery (open Wednesdays and Saturdays). And look out for pop-up shops, including Nativa‘s super cute pop-up store!

Have you visited Valle de Guadalupe? I’d love to hear your favorite spots! Let me know!