Sipping south of the border


Mexican tequila and mezcal may receive most of the acclaim - but there's plenty of great wine coming out of Mexico, too. I recently spent time in Valle de Guadalupe and can't recommend it highly enough.

About two to three hours drive from San Diego, the region is exceptionally tourist-friendly with generally good roads (although a 4X4 vehicle is recommended for some of the harder-to-reach spots, and in bad weather.) Most of the larger wineries offer public tastings, but there are plenty of small boutiques where an appointment is essential. (There are over 100 wineries in the valley — and that number grows impressively every year.)


If you're planning your itinerary, here are some notable standouts in the area that I loved.

To drink:

Vena Cava - the wines are good and the location is fabulous. (They built the winery into a cave with a boat as a roof...)
Lechuza - this is my absolute favorite in the area. Spectacular wines made with care, passion and elegance. Their intricate and balanced blends are world class. Booking essential.
Montefiori - fun Italian blends that are delicious representations of the region (and a tasting room with gorgeous views.)
Finca La Carrodilla - passionately-made BIG wines that speak to the terroir of the area. (Ask for a quick tour of their facility!)

The cellar at Lechuza
Tasting at Montefiori

The view from Finca La Carrodilla

To eat:

Finca Altozana - amazing outdoor location (ask for a blanket!) with roaming winery goats and an exceptional tasting menu.
Corazon de Tierra - I preferred this over the equally-highly rated Laja. An inspired tasting menu with many ingredients grown on the premises. Not cheap, but worth the $.
Adobe Guadalupe food truck - yes yes yes. I'm still dreaming about the croquetas. There is a tasting room there, too - but they'll also let you bring your own bottle for a minimal corkage fee.
Troika food truck - Fun location (next to Vena Cava) and great prices for some authentic Mexican cooking. Perfect tacos. (Cash only.)
Fresh cheese and pastries from Finca La Carrodilla - below their tasting room, they have a gem of a gift store with freshly-made treats you can enjoy there or take away.

Desert at Finca Altozana
Lunch at Troika
Petits fours at Corazon de Tierra
The off-the-beaten-path La Villa del Valle offers welcoming rooms and even better breakfasts, although it can be hard to snag a reservation. (Troika, Vena Cava and Corazon de Tierra are all on their property.)

Evening amuse-bouche at La Villa del Valle
So, if you've got your passport handy and need a quick escape from LA, Valle de Guadalupe awaits. Check it out before everyone discovers the secret. Cheers!


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