Baja California Wineries: A Wine Tasting South of the Border
Valle de Guadalupe in Baja, California is the valley between the boarder town of Tecate and the town of Ensenada on the Pacific coast. (Valle de Guadalupe wineries map below)
The Valle de Guadalupe wineries are some of the best in the world.
Did you know that the French Laundry chose Vinos Lechuza’s wine to be the first Mexican wine served at their restaurant?
If you’ve ever thought about making a trip to visit Baja, California wineries, you’re not alone.
You know when you say, “Wish we would have gotten in on that sooner…”? Well this is one of those times you want to get in on the goods before it explodes. You’re nearly out of time.
We’re giving you a down and dirty guide to wine tasting in Baja, California. Our guide shares where to stay, what to do and where the best wineries are.
Jump Straight To The Wineries Map
Where Is Baja, California?
There’s a new reason to make a run for the border and it isn’t for Taco Bell’s nacho fries, even though no one is shaming you if you do.
Did you know that Baja, California is the 12th largest state in Mexico and is the perfect place for your next wine tasting adventure?
Is Baja part of California or part of Mexico? Baja, California is in Mexico. Yea, it’s confusing. Located on a peninsula, Baja is in the far North West of Mexico (think Tijuana) and shares a border with the South West part of California (near San Diego).
Baja’s topography is quite impressive boasting dramatic landscapes of both sea and land — sapphire-blue oceans, volcanoes, barren deserts, and historic towns home to centuries-old missions.
Where To Sip Wine In Baja, California
Guadalupe Valley’s (also known as Valle de Guadalupe) wine region is Baja’s most popular wine destination and is just a 90-minute drive from the California border.
The region features over 100 wineries and award-winning restaurants.
Other wine regions in Baja include Ensenada and Tecate, but Valle de Guadalupe is where you’ll get the more overall abundant wine experience.
When Is The Best Time To Plan a trip to Baja?
Baja’s peak season is February – April. the weather will have lows in the 50s and highs in the 80s – Dry and Sunny. Whales and sea turtles are abundant this time of year. Flights into Los Cabos (southernmost town in Baja) are the most expensive.
April – June offers pleasant temperature with cool nights in the 60s.
However, if you plan your trip in October you’ll get to experience the Valle Wine, Food and Music Festival where the most notable chefs, winemakers and musicians in the region come together for a day to celebrate the best in food and wine.
To name a few wineries in attendance:
La Lomita
Hacienda Guadalupe
Santo Tomas
El Cielo
Emevé Vinícola (Winery)
What Kind of Wine is made In Baja?
Would you believe that some of the budding winemakers in Baja come from the most famous wine regions in the world? — Napa, Argentina, Spain and Chile.
The varietals are more of the South American kind — Malbec and Petite Sirah.
With that said, do not think that this wine is just your everyday bottle of two buck Chuck, instead wineries focus on quality, not quantity so smaller production for a more refined palate.
Remember that Mexico has been producing wine since the 16th century so they know a thing or two about pouring a good glass of wine.
What Can I Expect From A Winery In Baja California?
It’s important to say that wine tasting in Baja is not like wine tasting in Napa Valley.
While you may find tasting fees ranging from free to $20, purchasing a bottle could be on the low end of $25 and the high of $50.
Most wineries do not open before 11:00am and do not stay open past 5:00pm.
Parking is free and abundant if you are driving yourself and you’ll always find English-speaking staff to host you.
Appointments are not necessary, but would be wise to make at the more touristy locations.
If you want to book a wine tasting tour, the Guadalupe Valley Wine Tour does it right. This tour leaves from Enseñada and makes stops at four wineries. It’s perfect if you don’t want to drive (very smart in our opinion) and don’t know the lay of the land. PS- the views from these Baja wineries are STUN-NING.
Valle de guadalupe wineries map
Best Wineries In Baja
With over 100 wineries to choose from, how can one ever make a decision on where to go?
You’ll spend just as much time researching the wineries as actually sitting and tasting at one — sort of like the time it takes you to pick out a new show on Netflix which can exceed the amount of time you are actually streaming the series. Or maybe that’s just me?
Here are a few notable wineries that you should include in your Baja itinerary.
Emevé Vinícola, Valle de Guadalupe
Location: Parcela 67, 22755 El Porvenir, B.C., Mexico
Website: vinicolaemeve.com
Hours: Mon – Thurs 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Fri – Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tasting Fee: $35 – $120 (message on WhatsApp to book or walk-in)
A quiet and quaint winery with a lovely selection of wines and craft beer. Enjoy a charcuterie board while taking in the vast vineyards views.
The Malbec is a must! Live music on the weekends.
Decantos Vinícola, Valle de Guadalupe
Location: Rancho San Miguel Fraccion A, S/N, 22755 El Porvenir, B.C., Mexico
Website: decantosvinicola.com
Hours: Open Daily 11:00 – 7:00 PM
Tasting Fee: $20 – 55
Knowledgeable staff, tasty charcuterie boards served with warm bread, drop-ins welcome.
The views are exquisite and there are DJs on most weekends.
Try the Tempranillo and Sangria.
Vinícola Adobe Guadalupe, Valle de Guadelupe
Location: Plot A-1 S/N, Valle de Guadalupe
Website: adobeguadalupe.com
Hours: Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tasting Fee: $300 Pesos or about $17-18. No reservations needed.
If you are looking for a winery where generous pours are on the menu, then this is the place for you. In addition to scenic vineyard views and a tasty food truck on site, they have cellar tours which is a bonus to understanding the history of winemaking in the Guadalupe Valley.
Finca De Carrodilla, Valle de Guadalupe
Location: Parcela 99 Z1 P14 Ejido El Porvenir, 22755 Francisco Zarco, B.C., Mexico
Website: fincalacarrodilla.mx
Hours: Mon – Tues: Closed | Wed – Fri: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Sat: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tasting Fee: $6.50 – $12
Beautiful views of the valley, but you need a reservation if you want the prime seating at the top.
Make sure you take advantage of their picnic area and enjoy your wine with one of their delicious cheese boards.
Relieve Vinícola, Villa de Juárez
Location: Calle Granate S/N, 22766 Villa de Juárez, B.C., Mexico
Website: relievevinicola.mx
Hours: Tuesday: Closed | Wed – Mon: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tasting Fee: Begin at $16
Quality wine with great views at this modern winery. Be sure to order the oysters!
Perfect for pet owners as it’s dog-friendly.
El Cielo, Valle de Guadalupe
Location: El Tigre-El Porvenir Highway Km 7.5 Parcela 117 El Porvenir, 22755 Valle De Guadalupe, BC
Website: elcielovalledeguadalupe.com
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tasting Fee: Begin at $65
You’ll never want to leave this place! This winery is situated on a farm that has a restaurant and gift shop so you can spend your pesos on more than just wine.
Highly recommend the golf cart tour to learn more about the winemaking process and explore the vineyards.
Viñedos (Vineyard) Solar Fortún, Valle de Guadalupe
Location: C. 10, Francisco Zarco, 22750 Francisco Zarco, B.C., Mexico
Website: solarfortun.com
Hours: Closed Mon – Thurs | Fri 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Sat – Sun: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Tasting Fee: Begins at $40
Come for the wine and stay for the award-winning tacos. This winery is a little off the beaten path (don’t trust google maps on this one) and is a peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy a bottle of wine with a side of ceviche.
Vinos Lechuza (Lechuza Vineyard), Valle de Guadalupe
Location: Carretera Tecate-Ensenda Km 82.5, Valle de Guadalupe, Francisco Zarco, B.C., Mexico
Website: vinoslechuza.com
Hours: By appointment only – Tuesday: Closed | Wed – Mon 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tasting Fee: Begin at $25
This is a perfect winery to visit midday when your stomach is growling. In addition to the very welcoming staff, delightful chardonnay and sauvignon blanc blends, and beautiful ambiance, there is a permanent food truck to stave off any munchies from too much wine-ing.
Reservations should be made as this is quite a popular winery.
Napa’s French Laundry chose Vinos Lechuza’s wine to be the first Mexican wine served at the prestigious restaurant.
Where To Eat In Baja, California
While many of the wineries keep you drinking by offering food with your tasting, don’t discount the many restaurants in the Baja wine region that are serving up some delicious fare.
La Cocina De Doña Esthela, Viñas del Sol
La Cocina De Doña Esthela prides itself in sustainability. Their food is locally sourced, they use solar power, and feed their farm animals with leftover food.
They reuse and recycle what they can. The lamb and corn pancakes come highly recommended.
Finca Altozano, Valle de Guadalupe
Finca Altozano is an open-air restaurant on a farm (the goats are adorable!) with a delicious selection of hand-crafted coffees, an on-site food truck while you’re waiting to be seated, and a tasty selection of Baja fare.
If you’re into veggies, the Brussels sprouts are amazing!
ONOTO Sabores de Allá!, Valle de Guadalupe
ONOTO Sabores de Allá! is an intimate restaurant where everything is made from scratch. The empanadas and pasta are the favorites here. You can even take a cooking class hosted by the owners.
They have handmade gifts in their shop made by their children.
Location: Calle Principal 166, Francisco Zarco, 22750 Francisco Zarco, B.C., Mexico
Where To Stay In The Baja, California Wine Region
If you’re staying in California you’ll have plenty of time to wine taste and then head back across the border, however to optimize your wine tasting experience in Baja, stay overnight at one of the many hotels and resorts (some of them even have wineries on premises).
Map of baja, California wine region
Hotel Los Amantes Valle de Guadalupe
Hotel Los Amantes Valle de Guadalupe is a modern hotel with intimate spaces and picturesque views makes for a prime place for a romantic weekend.
Terra Del Valle
Terra Del Valle is a small boutique hotel with rustic chic decor and vineyard vibes. Breakfast is served on site with freshly squeezed orange juice from the property’s oranges. No TV, which makes it all the more relaxing for those that want to vacation a little unplugged.
La Villa Del Valle / Vena Cava Winery
La Villa Del Valle offers yoga, fine dining, and a more polished hotel stay, this resort is just 20 minutes outside Guadalupe in Ensenada and features a winery onsite. There are only six rooms so it feels like you are staying at a private hacienda. Book early.
While California is all the rage when it comes to wine tasting, don’t forget to explore further south because you just might find a few gems your palate has been missing.
Baja, California Wineries FAQ
How many wineries are in Baja, California?
Guadalupe Valley’s wine region is Baja’s most popular wine destination and is just a 90-minute drive from the California border. The Baja wine region features over 100 wineries plus award-winning restaurants. Other wine regions in Baja include Ensenada and Tecate, but Guadalupe Valley is where you’ll get the more overall abundant wine experience.
Where is Baja California’s famous wine country?
Baja, California is separated by a peninsula in Mexico that is between the southern most end of California and the most northern state of Mexico. Baja, California is the 12th largest state in Mexico and is the perfect place for your next wine tasting adventure
What wine region is near Baja California?
Guadalupe Valley’s wine region is Baja’s most popular wine destination and is just a 90-minute drive from the California border.
The region features over 100 wineries and award-winning restaurants.
Other wine regions in Baja include Ensenada and Tecate, but Guadalupe Valley is where you’ll get the more overall abundant wine experience.
What is the oldest winery in Baja?
Bodegas de Santo Tomás is Baja’s oldest winery. It was founded in 1791 with production beginning in 1888. The winery moved to Ensenada in 1900 and to its current facilities in 1934, also in Ensenada.
Is the drive to Valle de Guadalupe safe?
Despite concerns in some parts of Mexico, Valle de Guadalupe in Baja, California is one of the safest if not the safest region for international travelers. Almost 30 million people visited Baja, California in 2019. It was down in 2020 and then grew 25% in 2021 and another 22% in 2022.
Why is Baja California such a popular?
The state is a well known tourist destination because of its countless beaches, incredible wine and proximity to the US.
Can I drive to baja california?
Many Americans make drive down from San Diego or other California cities to Baja California. Some people even rent or buy camper vans and sleep on the road. #vanlife
What do I need to drive into Baja California?
You do not need a vehicle permit (Temporary Importation Permit, or T.I.P.) for driving in Baja (California) Mexico as a tourist. But you do need an FMM. This would be filled out on the plane if you were flying.
Author: Tiffany Carter
Tiffany is a contributing writer to Armchair Sommelier. When she isn’t writing about wine, the California native is touring local wineries (Hello Napa and Paso!) and filling her glass across the globe (Ciao, Tuscany!). She loves a full-bodied cab, but she plays favorites when it comes to a spicy Zinfandel or juicy Malbec. Her fridge is stocked with a bottle of sparkling rosé for emergencies. Hint: there’s always an emergency. You can follow Tiffany @winetastetravel.
