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Why Mexico's Wine Country is Better than Napa's (Bonus: How to get there for cheap from the U.S.)


As a Bay Area native, Napa is obviously near and dear to my heart, geographically and sentimentally. However, over the past few years, it has been near-impossible to enjoy: it somehow manages to be overcrowded, overpriced, and overtoured all at once, even in the wintertime, making a visit cost-prohibitive. Tastings can run you anywhere between $50-150 for a few small pours of wine and some bites, for example.


By way of contrast, Valle de Guadalupe is a little off-the-beaten path: it is not as oft-frequented as Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or other other famous Mexican locales. VDG is only 2 hours' south of the U.S./Mexico border, which makes it juuuuuust inconvenient enough - which is perfect for a traveler like me. Most places speak English, but a little Spanish is helpful. Here is a simple itinerary for a quick jaunt.


Day 1: Arrival and Wine Tasting

  • Arrive in Valle de Guadalupe from your preferred mode of transportation.

  • Check-in at your chosen accommodation, such as a boutique hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast.

  • Start your wine tasting journey by visiting one of the renowned wineries in the region, such as Casa de Piedra or L.A. Cetto.

  • Enjoy a guided tour of the winery, learn about the winemaking process, and savor a variety of exquisite wines.

  • Have a delicious dinner at one of the many gourmet restaurants in the area, pairing your meal with local wines.

Day 2: Wine Tours and Gastronomic Delights

  • Explore more wineries in Valle de Guadalupe by embarking on a wine tour.

  • Visit smaller, boutique wineries like Finca La Carrodilla or Adobe Guadalupe, known for their unique wines and charming atmospheres.

  • Enjoy wine tastings and take in the scenic beauty of the vineyards.

  • Indulge in a gastronomic adventure by dining at a renowned restaurant that offers farm-to-table cuisine, highlighting local ingredients and flavors.

  • Dinner at Fauna was only $75pp for one of the most memorable multi-course meals to date.

Day 3: Culinary Experiences and Hot Springs

  • Start your day with a cooking class at one of the local culinary schools, where you can learn to prepare traditional Mexican dishes using fresh, local ingredients.

  • Enjoy the fruits of your labor by savoring the dishes you've prepared.

  • Afterward, visit the nearby hot springs, such as La Trinidad or Rancho Los Venados, and unwind in the natural mineral-rich waters.

  • Return to your accommodation and relax for the evening.

Day 4: Outdoor Activities and Sunset Views

  • Engage in outdoor activities offered in the region, such as horseback riding or hiking through the picturesque landscapes of Valle de Guadalupe.

  • Visit the stunning La Bufadora, a marine geyser located nearby, and witness the impressive water spouts.

  • As the evening approaches, head to one of the wineries with a panoramic view and enjoy a wine tasting while taking in the breathtaking sunset over the vineyards.

  • Have a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying the local cuisine and wines.

Day 5: Cultural Exploration and Departure

  • Visit the Museo de la Vid y el Vino (Wine and Vine Museum) to learn about the history of winemaking in the region and its cultural significance.

  • Explore the local artisan markets, where you can find unique handmade crafts, artwork, and souvenirs.

  • Have a final wine tasting experience at a winery of your choice or visit a wine bar to sample a selection of wines from various producers.

  • Check out from your accommodation and depart from Valle de Guadalupe.


HOW TO GET THERE FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:

  • Fly into San Diego. Alternatively, you can drive from LA, Orange County, Irvine, or what have you. There are few, if any, direct flights to Tijuana from California, and anyways, flying domestically into a southern-CA airport is your cheapest/most reliable bet.

  • Take an Uber or walk across the border. YouTube videos are available on this process, but generally this is non-dramatic and pretty straightforward. It is very, very easy to enter Mexico from the U.S.

  • Rent a car in Mexico. This is the cheapest and safest way. If you bring your own car, you'll need to procure Mexican car insurance, and while the traffic into Mexico likely won't be back (unless you're there at rush hour), it is far more involved than simply walking across the border. I rented at a large chain and it cost me about $16 per day, including insurance.

  • Driving in Mexico is largely the same as the U.S. - in the more remote areas, you may get meandering steers, but otherwise driving in Mexico is not problematic at all.

  • Drive 2 hours south of Tijuana to VDG. I would not recommend staying long, if at all, in Tijuana. It is not very safe, and of course if you have a rental car with expensive and obvious luggage in the back seat, you effectively make yourself a target. This is not to say I haven't stayed in Tijuana- I have- but I would absolutely recommend you keep your wits about you.

  • Valle De Guadelupe is still in development- much of the road is dirt, and if you are in or near the rainy season, it might not be uncommon to have very muddy or pothole ridden streets. Drive safely, and bring a pair of boots!


If you want to make VDG part of a larger Baja California Sur tour, stay tuned for how to make this part of a broader BCS trip!


Vena Cava winery in Baja's Guadalupe Valley, is sleek and totally modern- they even have a food truck on site with some amazing bites!


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