Wine tours and tastings in Valle de Guadalupe
The wines and wineries of Baja California are famous around the world, and the names of Napa and Sonoma are recognized by everyone from the most serious wine buffs to the people who just enjoy a casual glass of wine on a Friday night.
But what you might not know is that just across the southern border in the Mexican state of Baja California is an equally impressive if far less famous wine country.
Just outside of Ensenada, the Valle de Guadalupe is a lush, fertile valley whose wines stand up to comparison with the biggest names from around the world, from Burgundy to Mendoza.
Baja California itself is a fairly special place to visit, an amazing landscape of dramatic mountains, arid desert, and golden beaches, surrounded by the glittering turquoise of the Pacific Ocean.
So if you are planning a Mexican Riviera holiday or have decided to explore Baja California you should make room in your itinerary to discover this secret wine lover’s paradise. You won’t be disappointed!
Here are five of the best wineries in the Valle de Guadalupe and Ensenada.
L.A. Cetto winery
This is one of the oldest and most successful wineries in the whole of Mexico. The Cetto family has been making wine in the Valle de Guadalupe for over 100 years, and their experience and know-how shine through in the quality of their wines.
Their flagship wine, La Privada, is an elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, carefully aged in French oak barrels. It offers a complex, full-bodied flavor with notes of blackberry, chocolate, and spice, and you won’t be able to resist buying a bottle or two after a taste!
Hacienda Guadalupe winery
From one of the oldest to one of the newest wineries in the region, Hacienda Guadalupe is the new kid on the block, but they have quickly made a name for themselves with their exceptional wines.
Their Rosada de Tres Uvas is a particular highlight, a light, refreshing rosé made from a blend of three different grapes that is cheeky but not impertinent, and makes for the perfect summertime beverage!
Chateau Camou winery
Located right in the heart of Ensenada itself, Chateau Camou is the ultimate urban winery.
A slick, modern front-of-house operation, they nevertheless remain true to their roots, harvesting the grapes and making the wine using traditional methods that have been passed down over generations.
The standout wine from their range is the Mi Vid Mexicana Tinto, an easy-drinking Merlot that is the perfect way to start (and continue!) a night out on the town.
Monte Xanic winery
For unbeatable views and peace and tranquility, a trip to Monte Xanic is a must. This is one of the most popular wineries in the Valle de Guadalupe, both for the quality of the wines and its picturesque location.
A tasting here is a feast for the senses, with delicious local varietals like their Nebbiolo combining perfectly with the stunning vista of the Pacific Ocean. Monte Xanic is often described as the first world-class winery in Mexico, so a tasting trip to this excellent vineyard should not be missed.
Doña Lupe winery
Doña Lupe is located just a stone’s throw away from L.A. Cetto, but the two wineries could not be more different.
While L.A. Cetto is a slick, commercial operation that produces good wines on a huge scale, La Casa de Doña Lupe is a far more modest affair, little more than a farmhouse and a few vines out back.
The wines are pretty special though, and the more relaxed, personal experience of a tasting here is particularly charming.
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