Ah, Tuscany. The very name whispers of sun-drenched afternoons, cypress-lined lanes and glasses of Chianti enjoyed al fresco. It’s the gold standard of wine travel, a dream destination for oenophiles. But have you heard of a different wine region — one with the same soul-stirring landscapes and world-class food and wine, right here in Mexico, just south of the U.S. border?
Let me introduce you to your new favorite wine destination: Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe.
It’s almost baffling that this stunning region, just a 90-minute drive from San Diego, isn’t on every wine lover’s radar. Valle de Guadalupe has somehow only recently started to emerge on the tourist radar.
This relative anonymity is what I love about it: There’s a casual, “come as you are” kind of vibe here, where likely to be chatting with a winemaker as you sip their award-winning creations.
As part of our series where we showcase lesser-known corners of Mexico that rival world-famous wonders, this installment will take you on a journey to Baja’s wine region.
If you’re captivated by the rustic elegance of Tuscany but crave a touch of adventure and bohemian spirit, Valle de Guadalupe’s the place to be.
Tuscany vs. Valle de Guadalupe: Some surprising similarities
Tuscany, a region steeped in history, where every vineyard and bottle tells a story, needs little introduction. Some may say the comparison between the ancient, cypress-lined roads of Tuscany and the dusty, desert-like landscape of Baja California is a bit of a stretch, but look a little closer, and you’ll notice many striking parallels.
Firstly, both regions share a climate perfect for growing grapes. The long, sun-drenched days and cool, coastal breezes bring a refreshing salinity to Valle de Guadalupe’s wines. Just as the Tyrrhenian Sea influences the Sangiovese grapes of Tuscany, the Pacific Ocean leaves its mark on the nebbiolo and tempranillo varietals thriving in Valle de Guadalupe.
Both Tuscany and Valle de Guadalupe are home to passionate, multigenerational winemaking families who are deeply connected to their land. In Valle de Guadalupe, you’ll find families who have been cultivating these valleys for generations, as well as a new wave of innovative winemakers who are pushing boundaries.
And the food! Both regions are a foodie’s paradise, with a farm-to-table ethos that celebrates fresh, local ingredients. Just as you’d find in a rustic Tuscan trattoria, the culinary scene in Valle de Guadalupe is all about showcasing the bounty of the land, from fresh-pressed olive oils to artisanal cheeses and, of course, the incredible seafood plucked straight from the nearby Pacific.
The heart of Mexico’s wine industry
Wine has been made here since Jesuit priests planted the first grapes in 1791, with a significant influence from Russian Molokan immigrants in the early 1900s who were fleeing religious persecution.
But in the last few decades, the region has truly come into its own, experiencing a renaissance that has placed it on the international wine map. What makes the “Valle,” as it’s affectionately known, so exciting is the sense of growth. It’s a place that’s still being written, a wine region in the thrilling throes of defining itself. Here, you’ll find a creative spirit where winemakers aren’t afraid to experiment with unconventional blends and techniques, resulting in wines that are as bold and expressive as the landscape itself.
These days, Valle de Guadalupe is home to more than 200 wineries working with everything from cabernet and merlot to lesser-known grapes like nebbiolo and vermentino. Rolling vineyards fill the landscape, while more and more wineries are creating artful living spaces on their premises. You’re never far from a shaded patio or terrace where you can sip local creations while taking in the view of the vineyards.
How to get to Valle de Guadalupe and where to go
One of the most appealing aspects of Valle de Guadalupe is its accessibility. From Southern California, it’s an easy and incredibly scenic drive down the Pacific coast. For those flying in, the nearest airport is in Tijuana; the valley is a scenic 90-minute drive through vineyard-dotted landscape. While you can certainly visit for a day trip, I highly recommend spending at least a weekend to truly soak it all in.
For a taste of the region’s pioneering spirit, a visit to Monte Xanic, one of the oldest wineries in the valley, is a must. Founder Hans Backoff helped to launch some of Valle de Guadalupe’s first forays into the wine industry. Now, 30 years later, his son is taking Monte Xanic’s wines to a new level.
For a more rustic, off-the-grid experience, seek out La Lomita, a family-run winery with a deeply artistic approach to winemaking. And for a unique architectural marvel, you can’t miss Vena Cava, a hip winery with a ceiling built from reclaimed fishing boats from nearby Ensenada. Tres Cantos has an eclectic space that’s tastefully designed with esoteric architectural principles, using recycled materials. Enjoy a tasting on the back patio while metallic ribbons flutter in the vineyard.
But the Valle is more than just wineries. Have dinner at the outdoor restaurant, Deckman’s en el Mogor, where Michelin-starred chef Drew Deckman cooks over an open fire. It’s the Valle’s answer to a long, leisurely lunch at a Tuscan agriturismo.
Having graced the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list, the legendary Fauna, led by chef David Castro, features a dynamic, experimental menu that changes based on seasonal ingredients.
Baja wine region
Are you ready to trade in your Chianti for a Chenin Blanc with a Baja twist? While Tuscany will always hold a special place in my wine-loving heart, I will always get a thrill in finding places that are still a little wild and rough around the edges. Valle de Guadalupe is exactly that — offering all the rustic charm, incredible food, and world-class wine of its Italian cousin, but with a rugged, cross-border culture that is all its own.
Nellie Huang is a self-proclaimed Mexico-holic. She’s the author of Lonely Planet’s Mexico guidebook and has written hundreds of articles on Mexico for various publications. Read about her adventures worldwide on wildjunket.com and follow her updates on Instagram @wildjunket.
