Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico’s Wine Country and Travel Guide
Just one hour south of San Diego and Tijuana, and north of Ensenada on Route 3, lies Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s premier winegrowing region.
Perfect Climate for Grapes
The inland valley has the right altitude, soil, rainfall, and ocean breeze to grow grapes. The mild climate is similar to Napa, San Pasqual, and Temecula in California. In winter, visitors may even see snow-capped mountains around the valley.
A History of Wine
Wine has been produced here since the Spanish Conquistadors brought vines to the region. Today, the valley makes red and white wines with over 40 grape varieties. Once known only locally, Valle de Guadalupe wines are now gaining international fame.
L.A. Cetto Winery
L.A. Cetto, founded in 1928, is one of the largest and most famous wineries in Mexico. Family-owned for three generations, it produces millions of liters of wine each year and exports to more than 27 countries. Yet its reserve wines are made in small batches of about 1,000 bottles.
Visitors can tour the facilities, enjoy tastings year-round, and take part in events during the harvest season (July–October). Wines like Petite Sirah and Nebbiolo have won awards worldwide.
Stay at La Villa del Valle
La Villa del Valle is a small country inn with only six rooms, offering personalized service and luxury amenities. Guests enjoy fine dining, yoga and Tai Chi classes, spa treatments, cooking lessons, a wine tasting room, swimming pool, and Jacuzzi.
Each room includes homemade lavender products and sweet treats. The inn also offers hiking and horseback riding through the valley.
Dine at Laja Restaurant
Opened in 2001 by chef Jair Téllez and Laura Reinert, Laja Restaurant is a pioneer of farm-to-table dining in Valle de Guadalupe. With its own garden and small winery, the menu changes often based on seasonal ingredients. The flavors highlight the quality of vine-ripened produce and naturally raised meats.
More to Explore
Beyond wine, visitors can enjoy hiking, hot springs, waterfalls, horseback riding, and even visit an ostrich farm. With wineries, country inns, and fine dining, Valle de Guadalupe is the perfect getaway.
How to Get There & Tips
- By Car: From San Diego, drive south across the border at Tijuana and take Route 1D toward Ensenada, then Route 3 to the valley. The trip takes about 90 minutes.
- Best Time to Visit: July to October is harvest season, but the valley has a mild climate year-round.
- Currency: Mexican pesos are most common, but U.S. dollars are often accepted.
- Language: Spanish is spoken, but many wineries and hotels also speak English.
- Stay Length: Most travelers spend 2–3 days enjoying the wineries and restaurants.
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