5 Valle De Guadalupe Wineries You Absolutely Can’t Miss: Exploring Mexican Wine Country

Valle De Guadalupe wineries provide us with our annual zen moment. It’s basically become our annual pilgrimage from Los Angeles every January — the perfect time to visit with smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. We’ve made the trip south of the border for years, and Kevin and I both agree — it gets better every time (check out our past blog posts here as well as a guide on what to pack for a weekend).

But probably the one thing that surprises us most is how many of our friends in Los Angeles or southern California have never been (or even know that Mexico has a wine country). Mexico’s wine country is an easy 90 minute drive from San Diego and 4 hours from LA (outside peak traffic hours). What exactly makes Valle De Guadalupe wineries so incredible? Well, for starters, they’re still fairly unexplored. So listen up trendsetters, it’s time to get on it.

While many of the Mexican wines lean towards the salty side (due to the soil and growing conditions), we’ve managed to find some tasty wines that rival Napa. Check out our top picks — based on the quality of the wines and the unique surroundings. I mean, who can pass up a cool photo spot? After seeing these 5 wineries, we’re sure you’ll be ready for a Mexican wine country adventure.

5. Casa Frida: To Capture the Most Insta-worthy Moment Among Valle De Guadalupe Wineries

Calling all Frida Kahlo fans. You won’t want to skip Casa Frida, located right off the main paved highway in Mexico’s wine country. We made the quick and easy detour here on our last visit to check out the artsy, Frida-themed tasting room (basically made for Instagram). The colorful spot has tons of backdrops both inside and out. There is even a photo opp in the winery’s bathroom. Now they thought of everything!

There are several tasting options available including the “Classic” (featuring 4 wines) for $18 USD per person and “Premium” tasting (with 5 wines) for about $24 USD per person. They also offer Tequila tastings, which includes a souvenir glass ($18 USD); an Iberian pairing experience for the carnivores (with a selection of chorizo, sausage and other dried meats for $26 USD) and a chocolate pairing experience ($26 USD).

4. La Bruma: To Feel Like You Stumbled Onto the Set of the J-Lo Classic, ‘The Cell’ 

Remember that eerie, sci-fi thriller starring J-Lo from the early 2000’s? I sure do and couldn’t help but feel like we stumbled onto the back lot upon arriving at La Bruma (or “The Witch” in English). But one thing is certain — a wine tour here will be a lot more fun than J-Lo’s tour in The Cell, going deep into the dangerous corridors of a serial killer’s psyche. At least our trip included some wine!

This winery leans heavily into design — from the artistic setting to each individual bottle’s label. All tastings are done as part of a guided tour, stopping at different rooms along the way. On our previous visit, they only offered tours in Spanish. Kevin is fluent and I get about 50/50 on a good day. But you know, I get all the important words like “vino” (or wine),  “Mmm, delicioso” (umm, that one is kind of obvious) and my favorite, “Una copa mas, gracias” (one more glass, thank you!). Clearly, my Spanish vocabulary has improved drastically from high school. Besides the winery, La Bruma has a 5-room B&B (called Casa Ocho with rates starting at $250 USD a night) as well as an open-air restaurant. If traveling in the cooler months, don’t forget to bring a jacket.

3. Alximia Vinicola: To Ponder, Is This an Alien Colony or a Winery?

I can remember driving by this place on one of our very first visits to Mexican wine country. And in my best robotic voice, I chanted to Kevin, “Take me to your leader!” Though, I’m not sure he got my joke because he was halfway asleep. Whatever… While the design certainly is, umm, how to put it… Different? The wines here are among the best in the valley. But let’s get the most obvious question out of the way, what’s the deal with this spaceship turned winery?

The 3-story spaceship was created by a mathematician turned winemaker by the name of Álvaro Álvarez and his family. In fact, his father was an astronomer. It’s a spot that captures all their passions in one. The winery’s name, Alximia , comes from the word “Alquimia” which means alchemy in Spanish. Ohh! They never taught me that in my high school Spanish class. You can choose several types of tastings such as their “Basic” (3 wines for $8 USD); “Assorted” (4 wines, with half from their premium wines at $12 USD); and “Complete” (6 wines for $18 USD). No advanced reservations are necessary for this winery. Just show up. It also has a full-service restaurant and wines available for purchase by the glass. Now beam me up Scottie. Okay, I’ve had my fun. I’m now done with all these sci-fi references.

2. Lechuza: To Try Mexico’s Only Wine Worthy of The French Laundry

Lechuza remains one of our absolute favorite spots in the valley. It’s relaxing, low key and hits just about everything we love about wine tasting. Oh, and the cheese pairing with each wine is pretty nice, too. I had to stop Kevin from eating all the cheese before we got the next pour (on more than one occasion!). After one sip, you’ll understand why esteemed chef Thomas Keller of Napa’s famed French Laundry, featured their “Amantes” (a red blend) on his wine list.

The winery is run by an American and Colombian couple, Patty and Ray Magnussen, who first discovered the valley after participating in a bike ride from Rosarito to Ensenada. They asked a few locals where to go for dinner, and were directed to Laja, one of the region’s best. And as they say, the rest is history. The couple fell in love with the food, the people and the wine. In 2007, they produced their first vintage and quickly established themselves as one of the region’s best. This is another easy winery to access, located just off the main road. We love that, too. Advanced reservations are essential. Your hotel can help arrange (or you can email the winery directly at vinoslechuza@gmail.com). Our favorite wine is their stainless steel Chardonnay ($25 USD). But they’re all solid, especially their Nebbiolo ($75 USD a bottle) and the French Laundry approved “Amantes” (at $27 USD a bottle).

1. Vena Cava: To Sample Award-Winning Wine Inside a Re-Purposed Wooden Boat

At Vena Cava winery, British expats Eileen and Phil Gregory are busy with their dream winery — constructed with reclaimed materials from boats complete with hulls and port windows.

They also run a 6-room B&B called La Villa del Valle where you’d swear you were transported to Tuscany with its arched walkways and views overlooking vineyards in the valley. It’s become our tradition to stay here each January in celebration of our anniversary. This year marked our 15th year together — so it must be some good wine, I’m just saying!

You could easily make a full night here. The complex also includes Corazon de Tierra, a trendy restaurant with a seasonal prix-fixe menu that you’d expect to find in West Hollywood with its modern design. They also have Troika, a food truck that serves up tostadas and sliders.

If you’re staying at La Villa del Valle ($325 USD per night), all tastings at Vena Cava are included in the price. Just make sure you arrange it prior to your stay. Now you may have noticed my weird fixation with the roads in Mexican wine country. Many of the wineries on this list are super easy to reach. The road to Vena Cava can feel like an off-road adventure at times.

In short, things can get a bit bumpy. It’s best suited for SUV’s, but my Hyundai Elantra has made it every year. Though, it’s always best to ask a local before taking any of the back dirt roads. On our previous visit, I decided to take a “short cut.” And we ended up stuck in a ditch surrounded by water. Lesson learned. It’s always an adventure with us in Mexico!

If you’re coming for a tasting only (and not staying at the B&B), they offer a “simple” package (3 wines, $12 USD); “Classic” (4 wines, $15 USD); “Mixed” (4 wines including their natural wine without added sulfites or yeast at $20 USD). Reservations are required for weekend visits, especially large groups. You can arrange by emailing: info@venacavawine.com.

And there you have it! Heading to Mexico and looking for more ideas? Check out our 3 day action packed itinerary traveling from Ensenada to Valle De Guadalupe. Planning to spend more time in Baja and enjoy food tours? We also recommend Tengo Hambre’s craft beer and taco tour in Tijuana. And be sure to check out all of our Mexico stories — and unique travel ideas like diving with crocodiles in Cabo San Lucas (and not losing any limbs in the process).