Hey there, vino lovers!
A trip to Valle de Guadalupe is the perfect long weekend getaway, especially if you're in Southern California, and I felt the need to share with all of you about my trip there - can’t be keeping all the goodies and info to myself! And here's the best part - I experienced it all with my family, including a 10-month-old baby and my parents. If my family could make it work, so can you with yours!
First things first, crossing the border from San Diego to Tijuana was a breeze. It's safe and extremely convenient, making it an ideal choice for a family getaway if you reside in Southern California. Since we were traveling with older family members who preferred not to deal with the logistics, we opted to hire a driver. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer! Not only did it save us from figuring out car insurance and navigation, but it also allowed us to sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the experience. He was also great at being a translator for more advanced logistical conversations that my sister and I couldn’t sort out.
To make the most of our wine-tasting adventure, we decided to stay in an Airbnb in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe. The quiet and sleepy town provided the perfect atmosphere for a peaceful and relaxing evening after a day of indulging in wine.
Alright, enough of the basics - let's take a closer look at our itinerary, which I hope inspires you for your next family getaway:
Day 1:
We crossed the border at San Diego and met our driver in Tijuana, who picked us up and whisked us away to Valle de Guadalupe. Our first stop was Tacos De Birria Martin, where we savored mouthwatering birria tacos (consomé is always a must). Just a heads up, they close at 2 pm, so make sure to get there in time. Our first tasting of the trip was at El Cielo winery. Let’s just say our taste buds rejoiced. From the stunning entrance to the well-decorated exterior, everything about this place was a delight. If the weather is pleasant, I highly recommend sitting outside and sipping their exquisite wines. I'm already counting down the days until my next visit to try more of their offerings. For dinner, we headed to Finca Altozano restaurant, where the ambiance was fantastic and the food was absolutely divine - you cannot go wrong with anything from the menu, as we randomly ordered what sounded good to us.
Day 2:
Our day began with a breakfast at the famous La Cocina de Doña Esthela. Trust me when I say it was extraordinary! Make sure to arrive early to avoid long queues. We kicked off the wine tastings for the day at Cavas Sol y Barro winery. The exterior design and landscaping were cute, and the lovely lady who guided us through our wine tasting was extremely knowledgeable. Next up was Casa Magoni winery, which turned out to be perfect for outdoor gatherings. The atmosphere and wines were exceptional, making it a spot worth revisiting. We refueled with delicious tacos in the town of Francisco Zarco, a delightful late lunch/snack break. Our wine adventure continued at Vinícola 3 Mujeres, a charming and cave-like tasting room. However, since the weather was lovely, we opted to sit outside. I'd personally try another winery on my next trip back. We wrapped up the day with a tasting at Malagon winery. While the experience was intimate and the wines were pleasant, I'd recommend exploring other wineries for a more diverse experience. Dinner awaited us at Pardela restaurant. We originally made reservations here for their live music, but was greeted with a very quiet and intimate al fresco experience.
Day 3:
We started the day with a delectable breakfast - seafood from the famous and ever so popular carts, El Güero Ens 1981 and La Guerrerense in Ensenada. You cannot go wrong with any ceviche, tostada, or anything from the menu. These places are not to be missed! Our wanderings led us to the boardwalk and Mercado Negro, a seafood market where my sister and I couldn't resist trying micheladas and margaritas, while the rest of the family bought fresh seafood by the pound to be cooked to our liking at a local restaurant. After lunch, the picturesque Santo Tomas winery was our next stop. Perched on a hill, it offered beautiful views. However, we felt a bit rushed, as they were closing early that day. Apart from the view, I wouldn't necessarily prioritize revisiting this winery. Now, for all my tequila lovers - Casa Frida was an absolute paradise for tequila tasting! The pairings with cinnamon sugar, sweet and salty nuts, and other delightful treats made it one of the best tasting experiences I've had. I regret not buying more than the two bottles of tequila I brought back. But hey, that just means I have an excellent reason to return soon. And don't worry, if tequila isn't your thing, they also offer a wine and chocolate pairing that is simply heavenly! We ended the day with dinner at Corona Del Valle, savoring the last moments of our incredible trip.
Day 4:
Our final meal took us to Angel del Mar in Puerto Nuevo Village. After days of seafood, I opted for steak fajitas, and they didn't disappoint. We bid farewell to Valle de Guadalupe and made our way back to the border. Walking back through was a breeze, with both regular and Global Entry lines flowing smoothly. It took a bit of time to reach the border from the drop-off point, but it was worth it for the amazing experiences we had.
Final Notes
If I were to go with friends or travel solo on my next visit, I would choose to order rides as I go instead of hiring a driver. Additionally, for those seeking nightlife, I'd recommend staying in Rosarito and exploring the vineyards during the day.
As someone who regularly frequents Napa, California for wine tasting, I can confidently say that Valle del Guadalupe is an outstanding alternative, especially for those residing in Southern California. The picturesque vineyards, delightful wines, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. So gather your loved ones, embark on this wine-filled journey, and create lasting memories in Valle de Guadalupe!
And if you take anything away from this post, it’s that crossing the Tijuana/San Diego border is family-friendly and safe and that you must visit El Cielo winery, have breakfast at Doña Esthela, and stop by Casa Frida for tequila tasting!
Happy flailing!
Vickie