Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico’s premier wine-growing region. Before taking a tour, here’s what you need to know:
Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe produces roughly 90% of all the wine that comes from Mexico today. The “Guadalupe Valley” has a rich history, as the region has been producing wine since the 1700’s. This part of Mexico in fact is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the Americas. After colonization by the Spaniards, settlers from other European countries such as Italy and Russia arrived with their own unique grape varieties and planted them in the rich soil found here.
For more information on the valley’s history, check out this blog post!
Baja California’s wine is rarely exported, thus it is necessary to tour the region in order to taste it’s award winning wines. Some of the popular varieties you’ll find include Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Malbec, Barbera, and of course a regional favorite, Nebbiolo.
Only in the last decade or so has the region’s popularity exploded, leading to incredible growth and its designation as an up-and-comer on the global wine scene. The Valle de Guadalupe sits just northeast of Ensenada and now boasts over 100 wineries–artisan and commercial, small and large. The area features a rugged and relaxed country atmosphere, both nonchalant and sophisticated at the same time. Imagine driving down a desolate Mexican dirt road, only to discover at the end a world-class restaurant serving six course meals with perfected wine tastings!
Many of the amazing wineries and restaurants of the Valle de Guadalupe are open year round; however, the summertime is when the valley really comes to life. Seasonal campestre (“country”) restaurants are open from June to October, and we believe that this is the best time to enjoy your artisanal food and wine while taking in the stunning view from one of the many excellent Valle de Guadalupe restaurants.
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