Valle de Guadalupe: A Foodie and Oenophile’s Paradise
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's premier wine region, has rapidly emerged as a must-visit destination for food and wine-loving travelers seeking an immersive and authentic experience. I've had the privilege of exploring this enchanting region and curating bespoke itineraries for my clients. Read on to see why Valle de Guadalupe should be on your radar as well as a round-up of what I eat, drank, and did in Valle de Guadalupe.
Where to Stay
There’s really only one luxury hotel that’s up to the standard of American luxury travels and that is the Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe, which just opened in July 2024. This region has long been visited by Mexicans, but within a proper luxury hotel, has been skipped by many Americans. Since this hotel is new, it is still going through some opening quirks that we can discuss during your trip consultation call. My Bessties will receive the following perks when booking their stay at Banyan Tree Valle de Guadalupe through me:
Daily complimentary breakfast for 2 people per room
$100 USD credit to be spent on property (conditions defined at check-in)
Early check-in & late check-out upon availability
Upgrade at time of check-in upon availability
VIP status on the reservation
World-Class Wineries and Gastronomy
Valle de Guadalupe produces 90% of the wine for Mexico and it is top-notch wine. I grew up close to Sonoma so I tend to be picky about wine and I was pleasantly surprised with the taste and variety available in VDG! The burgeoning wine scene features numerous wineries producing exceptional wines that rival those of renowned regions like Napa Valley and unique varietals such as Nebbiolo, Colombard, Semillon, and Pét-Nat. From boutique wineries offering intimate tastings to sprawling estates with stunning architectural designs, there's something to suit every taste. The region's culinary landscape is equally impressive, with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine and innovative gastronomic experiences. The sheer volume of Michelin Guide-recognized restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe and the Ensenada area is impressive and demonstrates the high quality of dining experiences available to enjoy in the region. Read on to check out some of the places we ate!
Immersive Experiences
Beyond wine tastings and fine dining, Valle de Guadalupe offers a wealth of immersive experiences that cater to the luxury traveler. Hot air balloon rides over the vineyards, private cooking classes with renowned chefs, and horseback riding through the picturesque countryside are just a few of the activities available.
There’s More Than Just Eating and Drinking
Need a break from eating or don’t drink wine? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of other experiences you can enjoy as well:
Spa treatments & wellness experiences
Boat rides & sunset sails
Architecture & art tours
Temazcal experiences
Indigenous tribe encounters and learning opportunities
Enjoy a picnic in a secret spot in a forest
Coffee tours
Fishing charters
Insider Access and Exclusive Experiences
My partner in Valle de Guadalupe knows literally everyone in the VDG and in Ensenada. These connections and the level of expertise allow me to provide my clients with insider access and exclusive experiences that are not available to the general public. This includes private tours of wineries, behind-the-scenes access to culinary events, and personalized introductions to local artisans and producers. We visited a private speakeasy underneath a winery that no one else knows about, enjoyed tastings at wineries before they opened for a peaceful, private experience, visited with the local indigenous tribe to try one of their specialties, acorn coffee, and had lots of drinks sent to us from restaurant owners.
Logistics
Only 90 minutes south of the California/Mexico border, Valle de Guadalupe is easily reachable. If you live in Southern California, our partner can arrange for a driver to pick you up at your house in Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego and take you across the border, in addition to driving you around the region. You can also drive to the border, park, and be picked up from your driver there. I do not recommend self-driving. For one, the days typically involve ingesting a lot of wine and cocktails, which would not be safe for the driver. Secondly, many of the roads in VDG are dirt unmarked roads, so you would want a vehicle that is equipped for offroading. Additionally, navigating the unmarked roads and the border crossing would add a lot of stress to your trip. After you are booked, we will share all the details you need to know for the border crossing back into Mexico.
If you don’t live in Southern California, it’s just as easy. You will simply fly to San Diego airport (or Tijuana airport) and your driver will pick you up there to start your itinerary!
If you are stopping in Ensenada on a cruise ship, our partner can also arrange a day trip to the Valle de Guadalupe from your cruise ship.
Seamless Travel Planning
As your personal travel Besstie, I understand the importance of personalized service and attention to detail. When planning a trip to Valle de Guadalupe, I work closely with my clients to curate a bespoke itinerary that reflects their individual preferences and interests. From arranging private transportation and exclusive access to wineries to securing reservations at the most sought-after restaurants, I ensure that every aspect of their trip is seamless and unforgettable.
Navigating the region can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. I will take care of all the logistics, from arranging transportation and accommodations to coordinating activities and reservations. This allows my clients to relax and enjoy their trip without worrying about the details. Valle de Guadalupe is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty. I'm passionate about sharing this enchanting region with my clients and creating unforgettable travel experiences that exceed their expectations.
My Itinerary Snapshot
Want a sneak peak into the stops I visited? See below for an overview of my itinerary!
After crossing the border and driving down the beautiful Baja coastline, we visited a tiny fishing village on the coast for the most amazing seafood. After weaving through various stands and markets, you’ll arrive at an incredible spot where you can try spider crabs, also known as Martian crabs for their otherworldly appearance. These crabs are bigger than any crab you’ve ever seen and are caught in the deep ocean. They are cooked in butter and garlic, making them even more delicious. You are given a rock to crack them open, making for a fun experience as well. This was my favorite stop of the whole trip!
Bites and drinks at a wine bar shaped like a garlic clove (technically it’s supposed to be a wine drop but I can’t see anything but a garlic clove).
Tacos, more tacos, and did I say, tacos?
An epic food tour throughout downtown Ensenada
Wine tasting in a speakeasy beneath a winery
Foodie dinner in Ensenada - the crab flatbread is incredible!
Chilaquiles and a tour at the best (woman-owned!) bakery in town
Meeting members of local indigenous community and trying one of their specialties - acorn coffee
Wine tasting at a winery before it opened to the public
Wine tasting in an underground cellar built around a 300 year old oak tree
Enjoyed incredible meals & tasting menus
Participated in a temazcal ceremony - a traditional sweat lodge experience, originating in indigenous rituals and led by a shaman
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