As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may have Amazon and/or other affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!
Day Trip to Ruta del Vino: Baja Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe
Did you know Baja California has a wine industry? I didn’t. I was skeptical. Beer, yes. Tequila, yes. Wine? Not so sure. But I am always up for an adventure and headed two hours south of San Diego for a day trip to Ruta del Vino in Baja Mexico to visit the village of Valle de Guadalupe. This is a beautiful drive along the Pacific Ocean toward Ensenada before turning inland to Valle de Guadalupe and the 100+ wineries along the Ruta del Vino. This is rural Mexico. Think unmarked dirt roads, cows, kids riding in the bed of trucks, men sitting on their horses chatting outside the market, and 7,700 acres of vines with a mountain backdrop. Ruta del Vino sits at an elevation of 1000 feet and has a Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers with morning fog and sea breezes. French, Spanish, and Italian grapes are grown here. There are no rules in the Valle; grapes are mixed and blends are unique. Museo de la Vid y el Vino explains the history of winemaking in the area and is worth a stop to learn more.
L.A. Cetto Valle de Guadalupe, Ruta del Vino
The first stop on the Ruta del Vino was L.A. Cetto, Mexico’s largest wine producer. This family-owned business owns 1600 acres of vineyard in the Valle, produces 10-12 million liters of wine per year, exports to 30 countries around the world, and produces 60% of all Mexican wine. Owner Don Angelo Cetto immigrated from Trento, Italy in 1924. He originally opened a distillery in Tijuana during prohibition in 1926. The company moved to Valle de Guadalupe in the 1950s and began producing more wine than spirits. An interesting piece of information… when Angelo deceased his son took over the company and named it L.A. Cetto. All his descendants have been named using the initials L.A. The company is now owned by the third generation. Quality is important at L.A. Cetto. Grapes are harvested in August and September by hand and scissors. Take a production tour, view the barrel room, and enjoy a tasting. I loved the fruity undertones of the Chenin Blanc.
Frida Asador Campestre Restaurant Valle de Guadalupe, Ruta del Vino
Ruta del Vino’s next stop was Frida Asador Campestre Restaurant. Frida’s main level is a modern tasting room. The rooftop terrace restaurant prepares food on an open grill while a DJ plays a great mix and the wine flows. I can personally recommend the Ceviche and Suckling Pig Tacos, beyond yummy. There are also several tasting areas with comfy furniture and grills throughout the property.
El Cielo Valle de Guadalupe, Ruta del Vino
The final Ruta del Vino stop of the day was El Cielo Winery. Wine production at El Cielo began in 2010. The winery opened its doors in 2013. El Cielo means heaven or sky and all the wines are named after constellations. Quite fitting for an area with little light pollution and a brilliant night sky. Take a tour to learn about the production process, check out the barrel room, and enjoy tastings in the cellar. The property has a restaurant, a large picnic area, a fireside patio, and several beautiful peacocks.
Planning Your Time on the Valle de Guadalupe Ruta del Vino
Roads to the wineries are not paved and may be full of potholes. Many roads are not marked, but there are several billboards displaying a map of the area. You can download a paper map or the LaRuta App for assistance. Driving in Mexico is no problem but returning through San Ysidro without Sentry is 26 lanes of gridlock resulting in up to three hours of hell, so plan accordingly. Download the border wait time app for reference. Consider taking an organized tour or park your car in San Diego’s Old Town, take the trolley to the border, walk across, and hire a taxi (around $25 one way) or UberValle (around $100 for the day). Important to know: you are only allowed to bring one liter of liquid back into the States.
Not only does the Valle de Guadalupe produce 90% of Mexican vintages, but you will also find artisan cheese, craft breweries, olive oil, food trucks, fresh seafood, farm-to-table menus, Michelin-starred chefs, and boutique hotels with infinity pools. There are no crowds here. The area is casual, affordable, trendy, and full of grit. It is easy to relax and lose track of time in the Valle. I will be back. Maybe in August for the Fiestas de la Vendimia harvest festival. There are many wineries to explore, amazing food to eat, boutique hotels to experience, and wine to bring home!
Be sure to check the Mexico Wine Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Bookmark and Pin Day Trip to Ruta del Vino
Plan Your Day Trip to Ruta del Vino Mexico
Mexico Travel Guide
Pick up a Mexico Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Mexico Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Ruta del Vino Mexico Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!