Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico



Valle
de Guadalupe has been slowly creeping onto the radar of
wine and food lovers across the globe. Miles of vineyards are
framed by arresting desert mountains in Baja California‘s alluring
landscape.

In the past 30 years, farming lands have been transformed into
over 100 wineries along the Ruta del Vino – the area’s
Mediterranean microclimate provides perfect conditions for growing
wine grapes.

Head to Viñas de Garza for deep, rich reds, or Vena Cava to sit
at an outdoor bar overlooking rolling hills covered in vines. The
area’s relatively new status is accompanied by an unpretentious,
low-key atmosphere, attracting a fun, young crowd of budding
oenophiles.

As well as delicious wine, Valle de Guadalupe is the centre of
the Baja Med cuisine, a fusion of Mexican meat- and cheese-based
dishes with Mediterranean grilled vegetables and fresh seafood
platters.

Restaurants in the valley are known for using locally sourced
ingredients to create elegant, innovative dishes – paired with a
perfectly matched glass of wine. Try Deckman’s en el Mogor, a
sustainable restaurant run by
chef Drew Deckman. Dishes are prepared in an outdoor kitchen, and
all ingredients are harvested from the Mogor Estate surrounding the
restaurant.

Don’t miss…

The laid-back atmosphere of this region favours a slow,
appreciative lifestyle. Take the time to soak up the sunshine and
wander through vineyards at your own pace, or drive out to the
desert mountains to trek up rugged terrain and admire views of lush
fields across the valley.

Who to take with you

Someone who enjoys the good life.

When to go

The annual Valle Food & Wine Festival takes place at the
beginning of October. Live music, Baja
artisan stalls, food trucks and, of course, wine make for a varied
trip that will show you a different side to Mexico.

Where to stay

For modernist architecture and views across the valley, stay at
Encuentro Guadalupe. These
minimalist eco-lofts are complete with a private terrace and an
outdoor clay kiva. Stroll through mountain vineyards before heading
to the resort’s underground cellar and wine-tasting room. In the
evening, the hotel restaurant, Origen, serves dishes inspired by
the surrounding landscape. Opt for the nine-course tasting menu for
Baja Med cuisine prepared in an open kitchen.

Most likely to bump into…

A few festival goers who are doing a lot more than just tasting
the wine.

Essentials to bring with you

This lightweight, floaty RIXO dress will keep you cool as
you drink your way through Mexico’s wine reserves.

How to get there

Fly to San Diego Airport, where you can drive to Valle de
Guadalupe in under two hours.

Nima Local House Hotel, Mexico City

Discover More
Seven of the Best Hotels in Mexico City