10 Best Wineries in Valle de Guadalupe To Visit This Year!
Mexico is not one of the first countries that comes to mind when you think about great wines—yet it has surprised the world in innovating gorgeous wines in an even more gorgeous setting! Surprise!
I was not expecting to fall in love with a new wine region while exploring some of the best wineries in Valle de Guadalupe. Well, maybe I should have known better!
After all, its almost impossible to find wine from Mexico in the United States! So I partially didn’t know it existed, and truthfully didn’t think it was possible to grow wine there. I’m so happy I was wrong!
From the Querétaro Wine and Cheese Route to the outstanding wineries in Baja California, Mexico has something to offer for wine connoisseurs (as well as your average wine lover!)
This post will serve as your guide for the best wineries in Valle de Guadalupe to help plan your perfect trip! Before getting into the wineries, though, let’s talk history and about the vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe first, to better “set the stage” (if you will) for the wonderful region of Valle de Guadalupe!
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History of Mexican Wine Growing
Mexican wines have a long and turbulent history. It is only in the past fifty years that the Mexican wine scene has seen a true revival.
In 1524, the new governor of Mexico required that 1000 feet of vines be planted for every one hundred Native Americans that lived in a particular area. Mexican wine production was such a success that the Spanish king worried that it would interfere with the booming Spanish wine export market.
In 1699, commercial wine production in Mexico was banned with the exception of ceremonial needs and for local consumption. The ban was not lifted until 1910, however, many locals ignored it and continued producing wine. The Jesuit priests helped with the propagation of vines, planting new vineyards at each new mission that was established around the country. Jesuit Priest Juan Urgarte is credited with bringing the first vines to Baja California the home of the beautiful Valle de Guadalupe.
Valle de Guadalupe Wine Region
Baja California (not to be confused with California—the most populated state in the US) accounts for 85-90% of all Mexican wine production and has around 16000 acres of vines under cultivation. Valle de Guadalupe is the most important wine-producing area in the Baja California region.
Valle de Guadalupe is part of the Ensenada principality and is 113 miles south of the border that crosses between Tijuana and San Diego California. It lies on the 30th parallel which is considered as being the limit of where wine can be produced.
In Valle de Guadalupe wine region, more than 100 different grape varieties are grown, with the most common being Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel.
The hot Mediterranean climate paired with a varied terroir is the perfect place to grow many different varieties of grapes, those from Southern Europe grow especially well! The relentless dry heat makes irrigation a necessity and the terroir which is a dry mix of sandy loam/soil (regosol) in the riverbeds transforms into granite on the slopes and into clay at higher altitudes is perfect for growing grapes.
The poor soil and hot temperatures lower the chance of disease and also encourage optimal ripening of the grapes which translates into fabulous wines.
Getting Around Valle de Guadalupe Wine Region
The newly established wine tourism industry is thriving, and this led to the creation of La Ruta Del Vino— Valle de Guadalupe’s wine trail! The wine trail is approximately 35 miles long with more than 75 different wineries in very close proximity to each other. There is even a selection good restaurants where you can stop and enjoy some of the finest traditional Mexican cuisine between vineyard visits.
Many wine tourism operators are available to book you a memorable day out. It should be noted that there is no public transport. However, if you wish to organize your own wine-tasting adventure you can either rent a car or hire a driver. Just be aware that many of the wineries are located on small dirt roads so it is a good idea to choose the wineries and restaurants that you would like to visit in advance, as most require reservations.
OUR PICK: Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour
Why? The Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour is the most complete tour of the wineries in Valle de Guadalupe, and includes hotel pick up and drop off.
Once you are on the small roads keep an eye out for any private signage that may indicate that you are going in the right direction. It is also a good idea to see if there are precise directions available either on the social media or web pages of your chosen winery.
Best Wineries in Valle de Guadalupe
Our choice of wineries showcases some of the finest winemaking talents that the region has to offer. Most visitors agree that the medium to small wineries offer a more personalized and unique experience.
You might see the winemaker walking around the property or in the tasting room, meaning you may even have the opportunity to meet them and learn some of their winemaking secrets. Here are the best wineries in Valle de Guadalupe to visit this year!
1. Xecué Vinicola
Xecué Vinicola was started in 1998 as a project to make artisanal wine for consumption for the family by Tijuana born Agricultural Engineer José Luis Hernandez (who had more than forty years of viticultural experience) and Alberta Jeja Medina from Mazatlan, a food biochemist with a specialty in Oenology.
In 2005, they started their own winery where José runs the day-to-day operations of the winery. Alberta is the winemaker and oversees every step of the winemaking process. This very down-to-earth property has stunning views over the valley with a perfect balance of the masculine and feminine traits of its two founders.
This tiny operation has a beautiful tasting room that was completed in 2014 as well as an outdoor area where you can taste the vast array of ten different white, rosé and red wines that are named after local animals and made from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Moscatel, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Malbec, and Syrah grapes.
You can choose the option of a charcuterie board to accompany your tasting experience. Reservations are a must.
2. El Cielo Winery & Resort
El Cielo Winery & Resort opened its doors in September 2013, the fulfillment of the dream of its founder Gustavo Ortega Joaquin who was originally from Mérida Yucatan. For twenty-five years he worked as a businessman and entrepreneur establishing different resorts in Mexico. After a visit to France where he saw a hotel surrounded by vineyards, he returned to Valle de Guadalupe where with several business partners he made El Cielo Winery and Resort a reality.
The installation of solar panels and an onsite wastewater treatment plant was recognized as the first eco-responsible company in the Ensenada Municipality. There is an option to stay in the luxurious accommodation where you will be pampered. You can indulge your palate in either the Polaris or Latitude restaurant where the exceptional food can be paired with the winery’s award-winning wines that feature Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Malbec, and many others.
There are a variety of different wine experiences to book online or you can reserve a wine tasting on the terrace (around $20.00 per person) overlooking the stunning views of the property. Reservations are required and prices are listed on the website.
3. Monte Xanic
Monte Xanic was founded in 1987 by Eric, Hans, Manuel, Ricardo, and Tomas, all lovers of wine who shared the common dream to create Mexican wines of outstanding quality. It is the first boutique winery in Mexico and led to a revolution in Mexican winemaking by producing the first premium wines in the country which has resulted in winning more than fifty medals at various wine competitions. Head Winemaker Oscar Gaona is deeply involved in the cultivation of the vineyards as well as overseeing the winemaking process creating fine wines that are skillfully created.
The three most popular grape varieties grown are Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Chardonnay. Not only is the wine extraordinary but their restaurant Artio is worth a visit and is considered one of the best eating spots in the area, make a reservation to avoid disappointment. Enjoy spectacular views during the wine tasting which on its own is between $25 and $38 per person depending on which experience you choose.
4. Malagon Winery
Malagon Winery was founded in 2000 by José Luis and Rachel Malagon who were driven by their belief in excellence and consistency as well as working in harmony with the cycles of nature. José Luis strongly believes that it is the energy of mother nature that fills his grapes with energy and love that transforms them into beautiful wines.
The wines are so popular that the annual production of 5,000 cases is often sold out. Though it is one of the least-known wineries in the region, it is also probably one of the best and should not be missed. Before the winery operation was started, the property was a bed and breakfast.
The four different accommodations that are scattered around the breathtaking property are rated as one of the best places to stay in the Valle by Tripadvisor and are the perfect place to spend the night after lounging in a hammock, taking in the breathtaking views, wandering through the vines, and tasting the outstanding selection of wines.
If you are looking for a relaxed beautiful and peaceful environment then this is the place to come. A wine tasting will be between $10-20. Each of the wine labels tells a story about the family history and while trying the wines that are made from Merlot, old vine Grenache, Petite Sirah, or Nebbiolo you will not only experience extraordinary wines but will also tell the story about each one. No food is served onsite and no reservation is required for the wine tasting.
5. Casa Magoni
If cheese and wine enjoyed in beautiful surroundings is your thing then a trip to Casa Magoni should definitely be on your wine tasting itinerary. Founder Camillo Magoni has been making wines in the Valle for over 49 years (he started at La Cetto winery when there were not many wineries in the Valle) and his expertise shines through in every bottle that is made.
Since the founding of the estate in 2014, great pride has taken in the production of Nebbiolo which is perfectly suited to grow in the hot Mediterranean-type climate and can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio as you take in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
A reservation will give you the chance to experience Mediterranean cuisine that is made by some of Baja’s finest gourmet chefs in the pop-up restaurant Animalon. You have the opportunity to taste some of the wines that are made from the more than 112 different grape varieties that are cultivated in 270 acres of vines. Reservations are required for the tasting which will cost between $9 and $15 per person.
6. Baron Balché
Baron Balché was founded in 1997 by Juan Rios who hoped to bring life back to the thirty-two hectares of the family’s abandoned vineyards. In 2001, Juan released his first five wines; the collection has grown since then. In 2014 Oscar Delgado Rodriguez who had worked at the winery since the very beginning was promoted to Head winemaker.
His extensive range of white and red wines are made from eighteen different grape varieties. The grapes and the wines are made using minimum intervention and natural processes.
If you fancy a meal before or after your wine tasting, then book a table either indoors or outdoors in the beautiful Tahal restaurant. Vineyard tours are available on the weekends and the cost of the tasting is $20-29 and can be reserved online.
7. Don Tomas Viñedo
Don Tomas Viñedo was founded in 2017 by wine visionary Don Tomas, who began the project by creating his own garage wines in 2014. Sadly he passed away, but the winemaking tradition is carried by Geronimo Atlamirano who makes eight different wines (red, white, and rosé) from Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay grapes. The wines are made by listening to the vines and grapes and giving them the time and attention that is needed so that the final result will be a beautiful wine that tells the story of the terroir and environment that it came from.
The family continues to nurture the dreams and ideals of Don Tomas. You will be warmly welcomed by the family and enter a breath-taking serene environment that expresses the love, passion, and challenges of making great wines.
You can enjoy the local cuisine in the Skybar Restaurant and even stay overnight in one of the cute individual casitas that overlook the beautiful vineyards as part of your wine experience. Reservations are essential and the wine tasting will cost $12-20 per person.
8. Lechuza Vineyard
Lechuza Vineyard was established in 2005 by Californian couple Patty and Ray Magnussen who with the assistance of local winemaker Cuauhtémoc Santana, started their winery dream. In 2005, Ray began studying Oenology at UC Davis and eventually began making wine. (Ray sadly passed away in 2017), however, the tradition of this family-run winery continues showcasing some of the finest wines in the valley.
They cultivate several different grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Chardonnay. The service is all overseen by the family and the beautiful property comes with a very personal touch and relaxed vibe where you are treated like family.
Private events can be arranged directly with the property including barbeques by the vineyards, dinners among the vines and different wine-tasting packages. Prices vary depending on what experience you choose. Appointments are required and prices will be given at the time of the booking.
9. Montefiori
Montefiori (Vinos Paolini) was founded in 1997 by Paolo Paolini who is originally from Le Marche in central Italy. A second-generation winemaker, he came to Agua Caliente in 1985 and spent two years there.
He fell in love with the Mexican lifestyle and in 1997 bought the vineyard and planted it with vines that he brought from his native Italy such as Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Nero d’Avola, and Aglianico. His goal is to produce the finest Mexican wines from Italian grape varieties. He believes in producing “Mexican Wines with an Italian heart”.
The vines and wines are grown and produced using a combination of Old World tradition and New World technology resulting in elegant and complex wines that are true expressions of Paolo’s passion.
Reservations are recommended for wine tastings (which can be enjoyed indoors or out) and cost $25 per person. There is also food available onsite including such specialties as Ceviche and braised short ribs. If you want to extend your stay you can spend the night in one of the beautiful modern rooms that overlook the sensational landscape.
10. Trevista Vinicola Vineyards
Trevista Vinicola Vineyards is considered a hidden gem and its owners are proud to boast that they offer the most exclusive tasting experience in the Valle. Founder winemaker and native Californian James Taylor is a very passionate perfectionist which is why he has chosen to only grow and make wines from the Tempranillo grape.
He believes that only the highest quality fruit makes a great final wine and he has tirelessly refined the soil using natural, microbial, organic, and sustainable methods in his vineyards. The winery has a beautiful outdoor area where you can gaze over the vineyards and enjoy different tasting experiences that are given that extra touch by your attentive hosts James and Hilda Taylor who will give you a warm family welcome.
Tastings must be booked in advance and only take place on Saturdays where you can enjoy a vineyard tour where James will take you out to meet the “vines” and then share a vertical tasting accompanied by tapas that are made by his wife Hilda (who is originally from the area) and are out of this world at $30 per person.
Conclusion
Mexico is making wine history and has become the next wine tourism destination. And, as one of the best things to do in Valle de Guadalupe, you cannot miss out on visiting one of the incredible wineries in the region! I hope you learned about what are the best wineries in Valle de Guadalupe to best plan your trip there, I can’t wait for you to enjoy it just as much as I did! Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the best time to visit Valle de Guadalupe?
August is the busiest time of the year, it is the time of the annual wine harvest festival the Vendimia, which lasts the entire month of the harvest season and costs around $100 per person.
