Step aside, Napa: there’s another hip wine country in town, and it’s got a unique energy all its own. Just a quick drive away from Southern California in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is Valle de Guadalupe, a bonafide paradise for wine lovers. Here, you’ll find lots of boutique, family owned wineries with trendy clientele and expansive outdoor spaces for lounging. Ready to take a sip for yourself? Here’s where to stop on your first wine tour of Mexico’s wine country.
Adobe Guadalupe
At Adobe Guadalupe, you can live out a bucket list experience you probably didn’t even know you had: horseback riding through a vineyard. Adobe Guadalupe breeds and raises Azteca Sporthorses, so you’ll often see young horses galloping giddily across the vineyard grounds. (Yep, it’s as adorable as it sounds.) The stunning winery is one of the oldest in the area, and it’s a local frequent favorite.
Adobe Guadalupe, Parcela A-1 s/n, Rusa de Guadalupe, 22750 B.C., Mexico
Monte Xanic
Monte Xanic has been making wine for more than 30 years, and it’s so popular that you need a reservation to get in. (It’s worth it, we promise.) The recently renovated space has a modern chic aesthetic that you’ll love, but of course, the real star of the show is the wine. Here you’ll find lots of Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Monte Xanic’s favorite offering, Gran Ricardo, is a blend of petit verdot, cabernet, and merlot grapes. Make sure you try it!
Monte Xanic, Francisco Zarco S/N, Col, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
Finca La Carrodilla
Finca La Carrodilla’s biggest draw is its dreamy rooftop garden, where you can lean back in the sunshine as you sip on a glass of white. You’ll take in lots of fantastic views of the valley’s rolling hills, and of course, the drinks are a delight. There are also top notch tasting plates that are well worth a try, and a charming cafe on site.
Finca La Carrodilla, Parcela 99 Z1 P14, Ejido El Porvenir, 22755 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
Casa Frida
If you love bright colors and bold aesthetics (along with kickass murals of Frida Kahlo, of course), Casa Frida will be the highlight of your trip. This trendy, fashion-forward tasting room, rooftop bar, and restaurant sets the vibe with a DJ churning out beats. There’s even a super hip Airbnb onsite! Make sure you power up your phone camera for this one, because it’s about as Instagrammable as a winery can get.
Casa Frida, Rancho San Marcos s/n, 22755 El Porvenir, B.C., Mexico
Decantos
Decantos definitely has an air of California energy to it. It’s stylish in every way, which shows in the floor-to-ceiling windows, the outdoor deck, the contemporary decor, and even the smartly dressed guests. Decantos doesn’t use any mechanical pumping, choosing instead to let gravity flow do all the work to create a better flavor. The best part of your stop at Decantos will be Wino, the cheerful dog who wanders around the grounds making friends with new visitors.
Decantos Vinícola, Rancho San Miguel Fraccion A, S/N, Ejido El Porvenir, 22755 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Hacienda La Lomita
This lovely family-owned winery’s claim to fame is its two contrasting wines. Pagano is a grenache, Sagrado is a cabernet-merlot, and together, they define Hacienda La Lomita’s signature duality. Their onsite restaurant, TraLomita, offers gorgeous patio seating so you can soak up the sun over dinner and a drink.
Hacienda La Lomita, Fracc. 3 Lote 13, Camino vecinal Parcela 71, San Marcos, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
Bodegas Magoni
Before opening to the general public in 2013, this family-owned winery produced wines solely for private enjoyment. On top of the fantastic wine they sell, Bodegas Magoni also offers balsamic vinegar and olive oil - yum. Bodegas Magoni also loves to try new things, so in addition to the wine they already sell, the staff is trying out dozens of experimental varieties in their vineyards.
Bodegas Magoni, Carretera Libre Ensenda-Tecate | 83Km Tecate-Ensenada, Ensenada Municipality 21720, Mexico
