Within this 14-mile pastoral valley (just 15 minutes east of Ensenada), you’ll discover history, culture, and culinary brilliance. This dreamy landscape, a patchwork of vineyards and orchards surrounded by mountains, is home to passionate winemakers, farmers, ranchers, celebrated chefs, and visionaries. Country lanes off La Ruta del Vino (Highway 3) lead to the unexpected—hidden haciendas, bougainvillea-draped hillsides, architecturally striking wineries, lavender fields, and alfresco eateries with soul-stirring views. Foodies, oenophiles, and adventurers alike have their sights set on Guadalupe Valley for good reason, as this little pocket in Baja California is blossoming into one of the most spectacular epicurean spots in the world.
Where To Stay
Hacienda-style hotels and rustic cabins. A Tuscan villa and safari-style tents. There’s nothing ordinary about the places you can rest your head in and around Guadalupe Valley, as cutting-edge design and creativity infuse all aspects of this wine-country paradise.
Hacienda Guadalupe
This family-run gem of a property offers a tranquil stay in the valley. The hacienda-style hotel has 12 traditionally dressed rooms with big patios and balconies for valley views, along with a gorgeous waterfall pool and hot tub. Rose gardens, vinecovered trellises, friendly dogs, and food made with passion add to the magic. The sprawling restaurant and patio overlook the vineyards, whose grapes produce five wines under the Melchum label. Hiking and in-room spa treatments too. haciendaguadalupe.com
Hotel Boutique Valle De Guadalupe
This contemporary hotel offers 21 brightly colored rooms with modern design, gorgeous pool with an outdoor bar, and onsite restaurant. The shaded deck of Fuego Restaurant calls visitors as a nice spot to drink in views of the vineyards, gardens, and mountains. Guests can also enjoy billiards, horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides, or helicopter adventures. hoteldelvalledeguadalupe.com.mx
La Villa Del Valle
This Tuscan villa stunner is a study in good taste with its six beautiful suites, lavender fields, organic gardens, stylish pool scene, pool, and a lakeside deck to sip their award-winning wines. Walk the labyrinth, enjoy a yoga class, play a round of bocce, visit the spectacular eco-winery, and then dine on mind-bending artful dishes with freshly plucked garden produce and local meats and fish created by renowned chef Diego Hernandez. It’s an unforgettable paradise created by owners Eileen and Phil Gregory. lavilladelvalle.com
Finca La Divina
Renowned chef Javier Plascencia has opened a new bed-and-breakfast in San Antonio de las Minas next to the winery Casa de Piedra. Joly Lacarraga and Ricardo Cruz, the creative designers of Plascencia’s countryside restaurant Finca Altozano, have created another rustic modern gem. The three-bedroom retreat has onsite wine tasting, a heated pool and Jacuzzi, and patios for enjoying the serenity of the valley. Gourmet breakfast arrives from Finca Altozano and includes eats like chilaquiles, home-cured bacons, local cheeses, fresh eggs, and pastries and breads from the in-house bakery. fincaltozano.com
Exploring Guadalupe Valley
Casa Mayoral
Tucked in a grove of pine trees in the foothills of the mountains, a hidden oasis awaits. The Mayoral family property is picturesque with flowering gardens, freshly planted vines, antiques, lanterns, fire pits, and alfresco dining areas. The four sustainably built cabins are wonderfully chic with comfy king beds, fireplaces, living room areas, and private decks for immersion in nature and views of the valley and neighboring ostrich farm. Gourmet breakfast is served, and chef-cooked, family-style dinners can be arranged. Future plans include more cabins, a presidential and honeymoon suite, pool, and Jacuzzi. casamayoral.com
Exploring Guadalupe Valley
Adobe Guadalupe
This striking six-bedroom beauty in the heart of the valley is known for its gorgeous Persian architecture, meditative and Moroccan gardens, eye-catching sculpture, distinctive wines, and impressive cuisine. It is also a training and breeding center for Azteca horses, so guests can ride English or Western style through the vineyards or visit nearby wineries on horseback. Overnight stays include breakfast and a wine tasting. adobeguadalupe.com
What’s New
Bruma
The latest exciting vision and blossoming reality in the far eastern part of Guadalupe Valley (near LA Cetto) is Bruma, a 200-acre eco-luxury retreat that eventually will encompass a working winery, 15 private ranchstyle villas, and a 40-room boutique hotel and spa set on the hillside with sweeping valley views. Presently, Bruma’s enchanting boutique bed-and-breakfast has opened, offering five rockwalled stylish suites and a loft room for kids, carrying a theme of “barefoot luxury.” Bruma’s backers include the Harmon family, creators of Auberge Resorts. Legendary local winemaker Hugo d’Acosta is a partner in Bruma’s winery and vineyards, and his respected brother, architect Alejandro d’Acosta, has designed the innovative winery, built around a magnificent tree. Private chef lunches and dinners on property are orchestrated by chef Drew Deckman, and notable activities include guided mountain-bike rides to hidden hot springs. bruma.mx
For more information go to enjoyensenada.comâ
Exploring Guadalupe Valley
