VALLE DE GUADALUPE
One hour south of San Diego and Tijuana and just north of Ensenada on Route 3, lies The Valley of Guadalupe, Mexico’s premier winegrowing region.
The inland valley has just the right altitude, soil, rainfall and ocean breeze that create the perfect climate for growing grapes; just as can be found in the Napa, San Pasqual and Temecula Valley’s here in California. The climate is mild year round, but do not be surprised to find snow capped mountains surrounding the valley in the winter.
Wine has been produced in the region since it was introduced by the Spanish Conquistadors, but has only recently begun to receive international acclaim. Red and white wines are made with over 40 grape varieties by the region’s 25 wineries.
L.A. Cetto Winery is celebrating in 2008 its 80th anniversary. Family owned and operated for three generations, L.A. Cetto wines are distributed to over 27 countries worldwide. Although this large winery spreads over 1,800 acres and produces over 5.5 million liters per year, reserve wines are made only 1,000 bottles at a time. Tours of the facilities are offered as well as the tasting room are open all year with the harvest season running between July and October. The wines from L.A. Cetto such as the Petite Chirac and the Nebbiolo have won awards at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the Pacific Rim Wine Competition. In addition to the winery itself, L.A. Cetto is renowned for their many cultural and entertainment events.
La Villa del Valle is a small country inn with only 6 rooms, but the service is exemplary and the stay is tailored to each guest. The hotel features many luxury amenities, and if you want to visit the surrounding area, the staff is eager to assist. At the hotel you will find fine dining, yoga and Tai Chi classes , hot stone and therapeutic massages, facials, cooking classes, a wine tasting room, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. To their delight, guests will find in each room sweet treats, homemade organic lavender shampoo, conditioner and soap. This country inn cordially invites you to join the other guests for a complimentary glass of wine as you watch the sunset. If you wish to explore the area, the staff can take you hiking or to a nearby stable for you to enjoy a horseback ride through the valley.
Laja Restaurant is owned and operated by the husband and wife team Jair Téllez and Laura Reinert since they opened in 2001. Téllez trained at one of the top-rated French restaurants in New York before serving as chef of the Four Seasons Hotel in Mexico City. The restaurant features local products from the Guadalupe Valley. They have their own vegetable garden and small winery. The menu changes constantly based on availability of the finest local ingredients and the flavors will astound you as the quality of vine ripened foods and naturally grown meats go well beyond the catch phrase of organic.
Wineries, country inns, fine dining, hiking, horseback riding, hot springs, waterfalls and even an ostrich farm make this a fantastic ESCAPADITA.
