Two weekends ago my boyfriend and I took a quick trip to Valle De Guadalupe, Mexico. This valley is gaining attention for its modern wineries and new foodie scene. It has been written about in many travel publication including New York Times and Conde Nast Traveler. And lucky for me, it’s only about 3 hours away. Since it is still building traction, there isn’t much information for first timers. Here are five tips I wish I would have known before going.
ONE: Make reservations to wineries
We have been to several wineries in California and have never made reservations for wine tasting, so this took us by surprise. Some of the wineries we were hoping to visit required reservations. A great winery that welcomes walk-ins is El Cielo Winery
TWO: Wake up early for breakfast
There aren’t many places to eat breakfast, so the few spots get crowded quickly. If you’re like us and wanted to sleep in expect an hour wait for breakfast. A place that was recommended to us was La Cocina De Dona Esthela.
THIRD: Make sure to visit Vena Cava Winery and Corazon De Tierra
Vena Cava Winery was voted the funkiest winery in the world, since it is built from old boats. If you are looking for a cool bar scene, make sure to carve out time to relax here. There’s a food truck, great DJ, and of course wine tasting. Also, make reservation for Corazon De Tierra. The food is served in 6 small meals, but every bit is amazing.
FOUR: Bring a four-wheeler if possible
Although the main road is paved most of the small streets are dirt roads, which is rough on cars. Since most of the places are located between the major roads it took us a while to drive.
FIVE: Leave early to beat the border traffic
This isn’t new for anyone who’s had to cross the boarder from Tijuana to San Diego before.
Since we didn’t have a chance to visit more than a few wineries here are the ones that our AirBNB host recommended.
– Chateau Camou Winery – he recommended the red wine Gran Vino Tinto 2007
– Vinos Emeve Winery – This place just opened.
– Altozano Restaurant – Make reservation
Final tip: wake up early to see the sunrise. This place is in the middle of nowhere so it’s amazing to see the sun come up from behind the mountains with no city around.
