Wine tasting in Mexico
Is Mexico producing any high quality wines? We speculated prior to planning our trip, but guarantees of gorgeous views and amazing food were enough for us to take a leap of faith; we’re excited to present our guide to Valle de Guadalupe along the Mexico wine route.
We were shocked to realize that the terroir in Valle de Guadalupe is at 1000 ft elevation and has many microclimates that have wineries experimenting wildly with what sticks. On our first day of tasting, we tried over 15 varietals across 5 different wineries. Then, a few years later we tasted at more wineries to give us a great sample size.
It’s the Wild West (or should we say South), and out of these bold risks, they’re making some noteworthy wines!
History of Mexico’s Ensenada wine country
Winemaking in Guadalupe Valley was first initiated by Spanish missionaries who were unable to find gold, but recognized that the climate had potential for growing quality grapes. They began experimenting with wines they shipped back to their homeland.
However after the Mexican Revolution in 1859, the Catholic Church no longer could own property in Mexico, and thus had to sell their vineyards and wineries – many of which went to Mexicans from all over the country. A few decades later, groups of Russians fleeing the violence during the Russian Revolution sought refuge in Mexico and purchased these wineries as well, imparting an influence still experienced today in some of the wineries such as Bibayoff.
How to get to Valle de Guadalupe
If flying from the US, there are few flights direct to Tijuana. We found it easiest to fly into San Diego, Uber to the border, then walk across the border to Mexico and take a pre-arranged ride to Valle.
Another option is to be picked up in San Diego and driven through the border and into Valle de Guadalupe directly. For safety reasons, we do not recommend driving your own car across the border and into Mexico.
Where to taste wine in Valle de Guadalupe
Wine tasting in Valle de Guadalupe Mexico may seem intimidating to some, especially if you don’t habla español. But we have you covered. Here are a list of our favorites:
Vinedos Mina Penelope
A family-owned and operated winery producing extremely limited quantities (800 cases a year). The wines are light and delicate, as opposed to the often over-extracted large varietals elsewhere in Valle. Skin contact Sauv blanc is a favorite along with the GSM. a
The tasting environment is quite pleasant: a private table out in the vineyard under a large tree. We love this intimate tasting style, but be sure to email for reservations ahead of time. We recommend stopping here first on your tasting journey.
Norte 32
Another small producer, albeit slightly larger at 5k cases/yr, focusing on single varietal wines. This is unique as many labels offer unique blends (more on this later). The Cabernet Sauvignon single varietal is winning awards but we also like the Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. Our favorite on the day is a unique 50/50 blend of Tempranillo and Syrah — a fruity yet tannic and peppery red wine that’s perfect for the holidays.
The tasting experience is intimate and enjoyable. Overlooking the hills of Valle, you’ll taste amongst the owner and staff and may even get invited for a barrel tasting of soon-to-be-bottled wine. The 9 dogs lounging around the expansive property is also a fun sight.
Tres Valles
Upon arrival we felt like we were at a version of burning man, with large metal art sculptures in a desert setting. This is a theme you’ll encounter across Valle, due to a husband and wife architect duo Alejandro D’Acosta and Claudia Turrent who have designed a number of wineries in the region using mainly recycled, or “upcycled” materials to build the wineries and surrounding art. It’s a truly unique vibe, and we’re feeling it.
Upon walking upstairs, we were greeted with a tasting of 4 reds, our favorite being the “Maat” Grenache. The name Tres Valles stemming from the three regions that their grapes are sourced from: Valle de Guadalupe, San Antonio de las Minas, San Vicente de Ferrer. There was a nominal tasting fee, but this could be applied against a bottle purchased and we expect you’ll definitely leave with a bottle in hand.
Vena Cava
For natural wine lovers. Everything is organic, free of pesticides and artificial fertilizers. The wines have no sulfites, so buyer beware. The reds were well balanced and fruity, but our hearts were taken by their natural unfiltered sauvignon blanc. We brought a few bottles home, including a pet-nat which held up well crossing the border and on the plane ride back! One always will worry about preserving natural-ish wines but they held up when we tasted them a few months later.
Torres Alegre
A wide selection of varietals to try at this winery, which uses hand sorting and harvesting to ensure high quality of the wines. We enjoyed the “claret” – an almost see-through style of red Bordeaux – from the upstairs deck which offers lovely views of the vineyards.
Where to stay and eat
Encuento Guadalupe
Though on the pricier side, Encuentro is an absolutely breathtaking eco lodge. Check in at the lobby, and a van picks you up to escort you across the property to your remote pod in the hills of Valle.
There’s an infinity pool overlooking vineyards, and a fabulous restaurant and bar on site. We’re so in love with this place, that it’s one of our top choices as a venue as we’re currently planning our wedding.
MYA Hotel Boutique and Olivea Farm to Table
This tiny boutique hotel launched in 2023 and we had the chance to dine and meet with the owner, who is originally from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The rooms are impecable and the smallest of details have been thought out. Amenities include a modern squash pickle ball court and an on-site restaurant named Olivea Farm to Table.
This restaurant blew our minds. Every dish exceeded the next during the night. Most ingredients are grown on property and the in-dining room walk-in wine cellar was a pretty unique touch. We’ll definitely be back here!
Adobe Food Truck
Spoiler alert: it’s not a food truck.. it’s a beautiful sit down lunch spot with delicious northern Spain cuisine. A must stop on your wine touring day.
Ancestros Valle de Guadalupe
A single man show making delicious cuisine with lavish outdoor seating. Can’t speak highly enough of this place — a unique personalized dining experience. Reservations required — don’t miss this spot!
Deckmans
A sensational outdoor barbeque area dripping with yellow sunflowers and bright flowers neatly arranged in copper jugs. Oh yeah, and the food is incredible!
Fauna
Great hip vibe and tasting menu. If you haven’t had your fill of wine for the day, we recommend the wine pairing as it’s a great way to get the full expression of what this area can offers your senses.
Finca Altozano
Offering a casual culinary experience you can’t miss. Any restaurant where we can watch bread cooked from our table has our mouths watering. But their real bread and butter is in their fresh seafood – the octopus is some of the best we’ve had.
