Winery trips are known to be expensive and secluded, but have you ever heard of ‘Valle de Guadalupe’? Nestled near the coastal city of Ensenada in Baja California, México, Valle de Guadalupe is less than a 2-hour drive from the San Diego-Tijuana border. This vast valley is host to a large amount of vineyards, restaurants, and hotels. The sheer abundance of options can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, which is why you’re probably reading this. As a local, I’ve been fortunate to visit Valle de Guadalupe many times, including five visits this year alone! With my insider knowledge, I’m here to craft the perfect itinerary that aligns with your expectations for an unforgettable trip.
Transport to Valle de Guadalupe
There are many ways to arrive at Valle de Guadalupe. If you’re driving across the border or renting a car in Tijuana make sure the driver is comfortable driving in México. The streets of Tijuana are known for their heavy traffic and bustling roundabouts. Once out of Tijuana, drivers will share the winding coastal highways of Rosarito and Ensenada with large trucks. It is also important to have a designated driver and a well-maintained, preferably tall car, to drive through the dirt roads of the valley.
The best way to do a trip to Valle de Guadalupe is with a tour. Most tours are day trips that will pick up and drop off guests at the border. They include a driver for 8 hours, a cooler in the van, insurance, and most of them provide the itinerary. Most are flexible on switching a location or two if they’re within the route. This is the best way to visit Valle de Guadalupe since guests get to enjoy the scenic route of Ensenada and start the party even before arriving at the first destination.
These are a few of many known tours to Valle de Guadalupe:
- AAPSI tours $410 USD for 8 hours with a driver
- Visit Valle Travel Experience
Most Affordable Wineries
Valle de Guadalupe is a haven for wine connoisseurs and amateurs alike. Some wineries have been making wine for years, even decades, such as is the case of L.A Cetto. Others are relatively new in the business and offer innovative approaches to wine, mixology, and gastronomy. Like most wineries, a trip to Valle de Guadalupe can get pricey. However, I’ve curated a list of wineries and vineyards that strike the perfect balance between affordability and exceeding your expectations.
Finca la Carrodilla has a nice setup with shaded picnic tables next to the grapevines. Their white and rosé bottles were refreshing on a cool summer day. The labels were beautiful and prices were affordable at $350 MXN per bottle, which is about $20 USD.
Relieve Vinícola is a vast vineyard with wine tastings, bottles, and even lodging. There’s a $200 MXN minimum consumption on Saturdays which covers the basic wine tasting. Bottle prices range from $350 to $600 MXN ($20 – $34 USD).
I stumbled upon Vinícola Roa by chance since I was looking for my hotel nearby. I was greeted with a complimentary small charcuterie board. Also, I truly loved the smokiness of their Nebbiolo. I took a bottle to our cabin after walking around their beautiful man-made oasis. The bottle cost $500 MXN which is about $28 USD.
Where to Take the Best Photos
Most restaurants and wineries in Valle de Guadalupe offer picturesque landscapes for photos. Some have colorful flowers or rustic arches framing the grapevines. Others have wide trees or relaxing ponds. Each of these setups is very unique to each location. Here are some of the most popular photos you’ll find on social media along with some of my personal favorites.
La Justina is a known restaurant in Tijuana that opened a location in Valle de Guadalupe. This is a popular location for lunch or dinner, so I recommend making a reservation. Their mixology and gastronomy are not only unique but delicious. Despite this, the most popular reason for visiting La Justina is their sign above the grapevines shown below.
Casa Magoni is a long-standing winery with some of the best wines in the area. You can take the wine tasting indoors or in their charming patio. If you’re with a large group, I recommend buying a bottle or two to pair with a charcuterie board and enjoy under the shade of their large tree. Two of my favorite wines here are the white Manaz made with green apple and their red, Nebbiolo de la Baja. The most popular picture is of their enormous tree in the middle of the yard. They also have live music on weekends and it’s near the Alamos Hotel if you’re looking to spend the night near the area.
One of the most popular wineries is Cuatro Cuatros. This is one of the priciest locations since you have to pay for transport from the parking up the hill. This large location has the option of staying at ground level to eat from Tahona‘s menu or enjoy its mixology. I also recommend making a reservation on weekends for a table with an ocean view. This is a great location to see the sun setting on the Pacific Ocean.
TrasLomita is a great place to start if you’re having breakfast at Cocina de Doña Esthela, which is a must when starting the day early in Valle de Guadalupe. I share more details on this restaurant below. The wine tasting in TrasLomita takes place in the small bar area on the hill near the entrance. Behind the hill, there’s Lunario restaurante and a large garden for events. From wooden bridges to colorful flowers and a serene pond, this garden has many beautiful areas for memorable pictures.
Decantos Vinícola is a popular location for its large green area with shaded picnic tables. Some of the bottles are affordable costing around $500 MXN. Premium bottles are also available so make sure you know what you’re getting in. The large open space allow for group pictures without having to worry about too many appearing people in the background.
Last but not least, while on a tour we recently discovered Troika Valle which is an adjunct to Vena Cava Vinícola. This place is “a funky place to eat”, per their social media bio. We visited after hours and were led to their deck next to the pond. This area is perfect for large groups. We really enjoyed exploring the patio by ourselves, enjoying the personal attention from the bartenders, their refreshing white wine, and the memorable pictures taken during sunset in front of the pond with the duckies.
Restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe
Now, onto my favorite reason for travel… the food! There’s a wide array of great restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe. You’ll get some of the best chefs in Baja California crafting menus for these locations. Since I like to keep my expenses to a minimum when traveling while still tasting local gastronomy, below are some popular and my favorite restaurants.
Ochentos Pizza is one of the pioneers in Valle de Guadalupe, because of this, it tends to be busy. The restaurant is quite large so the wait tends to be minimal. Their brick oven pizza is worth the wait. Since Ochentos Pizza is located on a deck on a hill, the views of the valley, especially during sunset are outstanding here. I also recommend their sangría!
Finca el Mirador is a versatile establishment that seamlessly combines the roles of a restaurant, winery, brewery, hotel, and event venue. Its iconic barrel-shaped rooms make it a standout landmark in the valley. These unique rooms are available for rent, catering to varying group sizes, making them an ideal choice for couples or larger gatherings. During my visit, I indulged in a delightful pasta dish, while my friend dared to try the unconventional but surprisingly delicious beef jerky ceviche – a nod to the distinctive flavors of northern Mexico. As someone who can be quite particular about pasta, I left thoroughly impressed.
For those willing to splurge a little in exchange for an unforgettable dining experience,Finca Altozano is one of the finest restaurants in the area. It’s advisable to secure a reservation in advance, as this sought-after venue occasionally hosts weddings and other special events.
For those willing to splurge a little in exchange for an unforgettable dining experience, Finca Altozano is a culinary gem that stands as one of the finest restaurants in the area. With some of the region’s most talented chefs,, it’s advisable to secure a reservation in advance, as this sought-after venue occasionally hosts weddings and other special events.
La Cocina de Doña Esthela is also one of the most popular and pioneer locations in Valle de Guadalupe. This homey and rustic location gets so busy on weekend mornings that there’s a line just to enter the parking lot. They don’t take reservations here, you either arrive with patience, as early as possible, or during the week. La Cocina de Doña Esthela is famous for its handmade tortillas and ‘borrego tatemado’ this is a goat stew that is very common in the area. The menu also includes other meals such as omelets and pancakes, aka ‘hotcakes’ in Mexico.
Xató Cocina de II is located near the main road, Ruta del Vino. I had the shrimp tacos which were abundant and delicious. I truly recommend the food here. Everything is freshly made including the lemonade.
Sol de Media Noche is not a restaurant, but a market offering tastings of local products. You can find affordable and locally grown cheese, bread, jam, and more. I personally do not recommend their wine unless you’re a fan of sweet wine. Sol de Media Noche is a great place if you’re looking to create your own cheese board with local products.
Nightlife in Valle de Guadalupe
Most locations in Valle de Guadalupe close around 6 pm. King and Queen Cantina and Casa Frida are two of the few locations that are open during the night. Both locations are decorated with bright murals and aesthetic lights, which make for great pics! Like most locations in Valle de Guadalupe, the seating is exterior with a terrace overlooking the valley or a pond. Despite being very warm during the day, the temperature in Valle de Guadalupe tends to drop exponentially during the night. Make sure to dress appropriately or keep a jacket in the car if you plan on visiting during the night. Casa Frida also offers lodging if you would like to party then spend the night here.
Lodging in Valle de Guadalupe
Like most local visitors, my trips to Valle de Guadalupe are day trips. I’ve had the pleasure of spending the night in the area a few times. I personally prefer spending the night in Ensenada. It’s more affordable and there are more options for nightlife. I also enjoy being near the ocean and the city of Ensenada overall. There is so much to see, eat, and drink here, but that’s enough info for another post (upcoming).
For lovers of the outdoors, adventures, or travelers on a budget, Glamping is very popular in Valle de Guadalupe. Glamping means camping inside an aesthetic RV. Most Glamping grounds include wine and cheese near the firepit and shared restrooms. This is a great way to truly appreciate the valley’s star-studded night sky and make friends with fellow travelers. Although this is popular during New Year’s, keep in mind that it gets terribly cold in the valley during winter. It also gets unbearably hot most years during August and September.
If you prefer a hotel room, I recently spent a very comfortable weekend in Finca Koochaege. This is one of a few hotels with a pool. The water was clean and there’s an area with a small waterfall where guests can cool down and stand with a drink near the edge of the pool. The room was large and the beds were comfortable. The only issue I could find is that the small AC unit does not cool down the room and there’s no heat for very cold winter nights. Other than this, the staff was very friendly and the location was near the Ruta del Vino and other locations.
I have also spent the night at the Tres Vides Hotel Boutique. The private cabins are perfect for a romantic getaway. They are very modern and include a small private terrace with a gas fire pit. The staff was very attentive and I spent a very comfortable night here.
Hotel El Alamo is another popular option. It is also near many popular locations. It is even walking distance from Magoni. There’s a year-round pool and even a hot tub in some rooms!
I have also had drinks at Don Tomás Viñedo. They have spacious cabins overlooking the pond. You can rent a bike and explore the vast area. The best part is that you have everything in the location including a restaurant, bar, and even live music on weekends.
Final recommendations
Now that you have a guide, there are many things to consider when exploring Valle de Guadalupe. One of the most important advice I can give is to trace your route on the map and download it ahead. Cell service is spotty in the area. Also, the valley is very large and the GPS might send you through routes that are no longer there or are now private property. Always opt for routes that take you along the main street (Ruta del Vino) during most of your path. Also, Google Maps is a bit more reliable than Apple Maps in this area.
Also, if this is your first time in Baja California, don’t miss out on exploring Tijuana. Here’s my local advice on how to experience Tijuana’s nightlife like a local. If you prefer to explore the U.S. side of California, here’s my advice on where to stop during a California road trip.
Wherever the road takes you, embrace the local culture and gastronomy, and always BE PRESENT.