A wine lover’s paradise
El Valle de Guadalupe, or Guadalupe Valley, is Mexico’s internationally renowned, yet relatively unknown, wine-producing region. Located on Highway 3 just a few miles outside of the bustling port city of Ensenada, visitors can explore the valley on their own or with specialized tour operators on a route that offers breathtaking vistas of the region’s beautiful vegetation, dotted by spectacular wineries and inspiring restaurants.
Wine production in this region began in 1701 when Spanish missionaries first planted grape vines. Much later, in 1905, Russian refugees began to focus on developing wine production in the region and certainly succeeded.
Today, the award-winning wines attract wine enthusiasts from around the world who come to sample reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Merlot, Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Grenache and Mission. You’ll also enjoy whites such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Palomino, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. While visiting the Guadalupe Valley, you can explore the region’s history at The Museo Comunitario del Valle de Guadalupe (+52 646.155.2030), where exhibits display artifacts tracing back more than three hundred years of wine-producing history.
Vineyards to explore:
Bodegas de Santo Tomás
Located in downtown Ensenada, the Bodegas de Santo Tomás is the oldest winery in Baja California and offers daily tours and wine tastings. The winery prides itself in creating wines of “alta expression” such as the Cabernet Merlot Unico Gran Reserva 2002, created exclusively from grape vines that are over 40 years old (www.santo-tomas.com, +52 646.178.2509).
Monte Xanic
Named for “the flower that blooms after the first rains,” Monte Xanic is located deep within the Valle de Guadalupe and produces a wide range of highly acclaimed wines. Tours of the winery can be made by appointment and are highly recommended (www.montexanic.com, + 52 646.174.6769).
Casa Pedro Domecq
Touring Casa Pedro Domecq is a certain pleasure. This refined winery offers free tastings of its award-winning wines, plus stunning views of the valley and a picnic area where you can relax and unwind (www.vinosdomecq.com, +52 646.155.2249).
L.A. Cetto
With over 75 years of winery experience and over 132 international and national prizes, L.A. Cetto is truly a world-class winery. Known for its large, top-quality distribution and innovative wine-making techniques, L.A. Cetto also offers free tours and wine tastings (www.lacetto.net, +52 646.155.2264).
Vina Liceaga
This charming winery provides visitors with private tours by appointment and offers special epicurean events throughout the year. More than a delightful place to visit, Vina Liceaga’s merlot is exceptionally noteworthy (www.vinosliceaga.com, +52 646.184.0126).