Valle de Guadalupe is a small yet successful wine region located near Ensenada which is just inland from the Pacific Ocean. The region sits in the Northern Mexican state of Baja California, which is 70 km (43 miles) south of the US-Mexican border and is home to some of Mexico’s finest winery and vineyard. The dusty bumpy dirt roads lead from one brilliant winery to the next, and scattered in between are some simple, yet truly wonderful and welcoming tasting rooms. The tasting rooms and wineries of Valle de Guadalupe have the class and style of any other elegant venue but without a high price tag.
This humble area is a true Mexican gem, the people are passionate about wine and their work and this passion overflows into the wineries and the wine alike. The wineries are generally open all year round. They do have a busy period though, which is during the Fiestas de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival). This one of a kind festival happens in late July through August when the grapes are picked and crushed. These are the valley’s hottest months, so if the heat is an issue for you, then we suggest visiting in autumn or springtime.
How Many Wineries are In Valle de Guadalupe?
There are over 100 wineries in the Valle de Guadalupe
What Wine Is Valle de Guadalupe Known For?
The top 8 types of wines from the top Guadalupe valley wineries are:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Zinfandel
- Colombard
- Chenin Blanc
- Semillon
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
The 10 Best Valle de Guadalupe Wineries
Adobe Guadalupe
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This vibrant winery is known for its electric energy and enjoyable atmosphere. It has a Spanish Mission-style tasting room that flaunts its beauty through its unique bell tower and adobe arches. They have bed and breakfast facilities so you can stay overnight, as well as a restaurant too.
- Tastings daily 10am–5pm (reservation recommended)
- Cost: around 250–300 pesos
Monte Xanic
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Monte Xanic winery has a peaceful atmosphere with a touch of elegance and sophistication. You must make a reservation in advance. There are guards at the gate that will only open once they have a confirmed reservation booking with the staff inside. Once inside, expect to relax next to a lake or on the outdoor patio. If the weather isn’t on your side, then find refuge in the cosy tasting room.
- Tastings and tours daily 10am–5pm (reservations required)
- Cost: around 250–300 pesos
L. A. Cetto
L. A. Cetto winery is known for being one of the oldest producers in the area. The history of this stunning venue goes back as far as 1928. La Cetto can now proudly say that they are the biggest producer of table wines in Mexico, and are especially well known for their: Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. On-site, they have a large and rustic tasting room filled with hundreds of bottles of wine. It is a popular venue, so it’s best to make a reservation.
- Tastings daily 9am–5pm
- Cost: 50 pesos on arrival or 100 pesos for reservation
Casa de Piedra
Casa de Piedra means “Stone House” which is where the wine is made at this gorgeous winery and vineyard. The tasting room is a small adobe building but very tasteful. The views are spectacular and not to be missed.
- Tastings by appointment only (usually Sat & Sun 11am–6pm)
- Cost: Free
Château Camou
This unusual scene consists of a pristinely white building that embodies the name, Château Camou. Set against the red, dusty, desert-looking scenery, this majestic building carries an intrigue like no other. The vineyards are lovely and the tasting room is inviting.
- Tastings daily 11am–4pm (reservations required at least 15 days in advance)
- Cost: Roughly 258–646 pesos
Viñedos Bibayoff
Bibayoff was founded in 1906 by Russian emigrants, making this the only winery and vineyard that is Russian owned and founded that is still open to the public. They offer tours, tastings and they have a fascinating history museum on-site too.
- Tours and wine tasting by appointment, Tues–Sun 11am–5:30pm
- Cost: 100 pesos
Villa Montefiori (Vinos Paoloni)
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Paoloni is a classy and up market affair, appealing to the contempry crowd. The elegant tasting room has two levels, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and a veranda.
- Tastings daily 11am to 5pm (reservations recommended)
- Cost: 200–450 pesos
Hacienda La Lomita
This is another winery offering up a rustic Spanish Mission style, with some incredible works of art by the talented Mexican artist Jorge Tellaeche. Jorge also designed the trendy labels on the wine. They offer tours, tastings and delectable dining at the TrasLomita Restaurant on-site.
- Tastings Wed & Thurs 11am–4pm, Fri–Sun 11am–6pm
- Cost: 258–452 pesos
Viñas de la Erre
This unique place offers a laid back atmosphere with some breath-taking views. The tasting room is a barn that has it’s one whole side lifted up and open and sits snuggly on a nearby hill. Find relaxation easy in this wooden furnished, calm space and take in the 180-degree views.
- Tastings Fri noon–6pm, Sat & Sun 11am–6pm
- Cost: 250–300 pesos
Bodegas de Santo Tomás
The main vineyard is separate from the tasting room and is located south of the valley and Ensenada. The tasting room is in San Antonio de las Minas, which is right at the beginning of the valley. It has a gorgeous yet simple interior, and they offer specialised tours and tasting, all to be booked ahead.
- Tastings daily 10am–5pm (reservations recommended)
- Cost: 200 pesos
The Best 10 Wine Suggestions From These Valle de Guadalupe Wineries
Each of the above wineries has a best and most loved wine, here is our suggestion list of what wines to try from each of these Valle de Guadalupe Wineries
Gabriel
- Bordeaux-style red (blend, with 55 percent Merlot)
- Dry and fruity taste
Gran Ricardo
- Bordeaux-style reds (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot)
- High price tag, but totally and completely worth it
‘Reserva Privada’ Nebbiolo
- Rich and barrel-aged red wine
- Taste is similar to Italy’s Barolo
Vino de Piedra
- Signature red wine (Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon blend)
- Aged for 13 months in French and American oak barrels
Gran Vino Tinto
- Intense ruby-red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend)
- Produced at Château Camou in the Cañada del Trigo, a canyon in the northwest of the valley.
Zinfandel
- An old vine Zinfandel that is a bit like a Spanish Rioja
Nebbiolo de Guadalupe
- Signature Nebbiolo
- Aged 15 months in French Oak
Tinto de la Hacienda
- A blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah
- Aged 10 months in second use French oak
Mezcla Bordalesa Gran Reserva
- Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
- Aged 28 months in French oak
Único
- Cabernet Sauvignon (60 percent) and Merlot (40 percent) blend
How Much Is Wine Tasting In Valle de Guadalupe?
Most wineries charge for tastings, but not always for tours. The valley of Guadalupe wineries, tastings and tours seem to be staying on trend for the wine industry projections of this year. The costs vary depending on the winery and tasting room. You can find tours and tastings from as little as 50 pesos to 600 pesos, with an average of around 200 pesos for a tasting of five wines. This hidden treasure of a place will have you coming back for more after just one visit.
Come and spend some time in the unspoiled Valle de Guadalupe, and enjoy some of the best wines in Mexico.