Baja California

A Tour of Mexico's Wine Country: Baja Wineries are Worth the Visit

The places you have to visit

Phil Gregory and his signature Vena Cava blend.
Phil Gregory and his signature Vena Cava blend.

Vena Cava

Owner/winemaker: Phil Gregory

Winery Established: 2012

Vena Cava is Phil Gregory's proprietary label and also the name of his avant-garde wine cave that is located on the grounds of the La Villa del Valle country retreat that Gregory and his wife Eileen started in 2005. The inn is perched on a hill in the heart of the wine valley, with 360 degree views of hills and vineyards. It's flanked by its own vines, as well as organic vegetable and herb gardens that support Corazon de Tierra restaurant (a 2011 addition to the La Villa del Valle compound). And now, there is another feature to the retreat's landscape: As one drives up the long road towards the hotel, it takes a second to absorb the fact that there are upturned fishing boats partially submerged in earth among the grapevines, fronted by a man-made 'lake'. Who would guess that these land-bound vessels would harbor 3,200 square feet, most of it subterranean, of a sophisticated facility for making, aging, storing and –most important – tasting wine? Gregory's wines have received international acclaim and, in fact, were featured at the 2012 G20 global summit in Cabo San Lucas.

Las Nubes winery has a spectacular view of the wine country
Las Nubes winery has a spectacular view of the wine country

Las Nubes Winery

Co-owner/winemaker: Victor Segura

Winery established: 2008

Perched on a hill on the north side of the Valle de Guadalupe is the ethereal and airy Las Nubes winery.The name means 'the clouds' and the beautiful modern building does, indeed, have a rather lofty view of the amazing wine valley below. Currently, Las Nubes — which encompasses 30 hectares of land devoted to the production of grapes and Manzanilla olives — produces seven varietals, including what Victor Segura calls the 'happy girl' wine Cumulus (Grenache, Carignan and Tempranillo), Nimbus (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and just a bit of Tempranillo), Nebbiolo (all Nebbiolo), and the reserves — Selección de Barricas (Carignan, Grenache, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon) and Coleccion de Parcelas (Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo). Says Victor, "Everything about Las Nubes is about respecting the land, respecting the view and respecting the foods."

Adobe Guadalupe wines
Adobe Guadalupe wines

Adobe Guadalupe Vineyards & Inn

Owners: Don and Tru Miller

Winemaker: Daniel Lonneberg

Winery established: 1998

A working winery, bed and breakfast, and restaurant, Adobe Guadalupe is recognized as one of the original players in what is seen as the 'new age' of Mexican wines. With approximately 60 acres of vineyards where Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Shiraz and some Viognier are grown, the vinicola (winery) has garnered numerous awards and helped heighten the overall stature of Mexico's wine industry. In fact, Adobe Guadalupe and its owners have been instrumental in propelling the Valle de Guadalupe into the international spotlight as a region of high gastronomy, gracious hostelry and as a destination for visitors from throughout the world. Mexico's wine country is trending, in a very big way. This is one of the wine country's premier wineries, and spending time here is a treat. Stay if you can, or at least come for a delicious, farm-fresh meal and wine-tasting!

Barrel tasting Jo Ann Knox Martino's wine.
Barrel tasting Jo Ann Knox Martino's wine.

A few more notable wineries to visit and enjoy: Vintango, Jo Ann Knox Martino's new wine cave that features her rich Nebbiolos, Zins and a Chardonnay; Mogor Badan, that is also home to chef Drew Deckman's El Mogor restaurant under the pine trees; Hugo D'Acosta's Casa de Piedra that is visited by appointment only; Villa Montefiori owned by Paolo Paoloni, with an array of Italian varietals; Madera 5, the first winery you will come to on Highway 3 Ensenada-Tecate off the toll road; Dona Lupe near the LA Cetto winery, where you will enjoy homemade olives and salsas; Torres Alegre with its forward-thinking winemaking techniques, and, for a special treat, visit La Escuelita (the little wine school), where many of the valley's winemakers got their starts.

Other wineries to visit include Madera 5.
Other wineries to visit include Madera 5.

With more than 80 wineries and now more than 20 eateries in the Valle de Guadalupe, the best way to get around Mexico's Wine Country is under the wing of a knowledgeable tour guide. The Provecho tour provides turn-key coordination of accommodations, tours and even dining.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for Baja, California, supported by a full-service travel agency staffed with local "Travel Savants".Baja.com offers Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. To contact Baja.com, call 855-BAJA-411 or email info@baja.com.

Related:

Comments

  • Facebook

  • SanDiegoRed

 
 
  • New

  • Best

    More of The Real Baja

    Recent News more

    Subir
    Advertising