Here’s How to Do a Guys Wine Tasting Trip to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Months of group chats, Google Maps pin drops, late-night banter and so many memes I can’t even count—we were finally doing it, the boys trip was on! We headed south towards the Mexican border with tunes blaring and brimming with anticipation. People call it Mexico’s Napa Valley, but we were about to find out if Valle de Guadalupe lived up to the hype.
The thought of those rolling vineyards, inventive food and strong cocktails had us so excited. Fresh seafood, hot tortillas straight from the griddle, spicy salsas: we could almost taste it! But it wasn’t just about the destination—it was about the ride, the laughs, the sing-alongs, the whole vibe. So, with our bags packed, our spirits high and the open road ahead, we were ready to make some memories—ones we’d remember for the rest of our lives. Here’s to the boys trip, the epic adventure, the good times and to making memories.
First Stop: Los Portales
$$$ – Free Road Tijuana-Ensenada Km 49.5, 22710 El Sauzal, B.C., Mexico
Our trip from San Diego took us to Los Portales, a cool brick building on a 100-foot cliff. This place isn’t just about grabbing a bite; it’s a front-row seat to the wild Pacific. Inside, you get an endless view of the ocean from the open patio. You can hear the waves crashing against the cliffs—a sound that fills the entire place. We got our fill of mezcal cocktails and dove into plates of fresh ceviche and tuna tostadas. As the sun started to set, the place turned gold, making it even cooler. It wasn’t just a stop on our trip, it became the first highlight of our whole adventure.
Checking In: Casa Uno
Nestled among the rolling vineyards and sweeping coastal landscapes of Cuatro Cuatros near Ensenada, lies a gem called Casa Uno. This luxurious house has been architecturally designed to resonate with the enchanting beauty of its surroundings. The first thing that catches your eye is the harmony it strikes with the landscape; the use of natural materials like local stone, warm wood and expansive glass seems like a loving tribute to the scenic grandeur of Baja California. The heart of Casa Uno is undoubtedly its spectacular pool. Hanging precariously over the hill, the pool features a modern rectangular design, accented by ancient beams gently merging with the house’s roof. The transition from the pool’s turquoise blue to the cool cement decking and then to the vast, movable glass facades of the house feels organic and seamless, as though each element was a natural extension of the other.
The pool’s strategic placement offers stunning vistas of the surrounding vineyards, a peek-a-boo view of the azure Pacific and the dusky mountains. It’s as much a visual treat as it is a respite on warm Mexican afternoons. Meanwhile, the house stands as a testament to modern minimalist design. The interior spaces are open and airy, bathed in natural light that filters through the towering glass walls. The decor is understated, allowing the beauty outside to take center stage. Each room provides views that are breathtakingly panoramic yet deeply personal, changing moods with the shifting sun. Casa Uno is more than just a house; it’s a celebration of design, where architecture and nature engage in a splendid dance, and where each glance outside is a tribute to the bewitching beauty of Ensenada.
Golf With the Guys: Bajamar Ocean Front Golf Resort
In the cool grip of morning, we hit the links at Bajamar Ocean Front Golf Resort, a rough diamond nestled by the Pacific’s edge. Scruffy fairways welcomed our unsteady swings, and a backdrop of rocky coastline promised a Pebble Beach-esque challenge. The final three holes, hugging the water, were the grand finale—a trifecta of natural spectacle and sportsmanship. With foamy waves crashing and salty breezes meddling with our shots, the scores hardly mattered. Post-match, cold cervezas and micheladas were the trophies, washing down bites of savory wood-fired pizza. This wasn’t a prim and proper round of golf; this was a day of camaraderie forged in laughs, shared awe at the views and the odd misplaced swing.
Mezcal Tasting and Eats: Tahona Restaurant
$$$ – Blvd. Sanchez Taboada 10287, Zonaeste, 22000 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
We made our way to Tahona Restaurant, which is not too far from Casa Uno. Tahona offered us something unique—a mezcal tasting on a beautifully restored shrimp boat. An unassuming speakeasy was tucked away on site, adding to the charm of this eclectic locale. Here, we relished in the authenticity of Oaxacan dishes, indulging in rich mole negro and fresh, hand-pressed tortillas. To complement the meal, we sipped on mezcal-infused cocktails, each a testament to the cultural richness of Mexico. A stop at Tahona was more than just about satisfying hunger, it was about embracing a culinary narrative woven with tradition and innovation.
Wine Tasting: Bruma Wine Garden
$$$$ – Carretera Federal #3 Km 83, Valle de Guadalupe, 22750 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
Our journey led us to Bruma Wine Garden, nestled in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe. Within this expansive 70-acre estate, we found an oasis of olive trees and a long dining table that awaited us. As the sunlight danced through the leaves, we savored fresh-baked bread and fried fish, surrounded by the tranquil hum of nature. Adding to the allure was a gigantic 20-foot selfie mirror that reflects the picturesque mountains and vineyard—a modern touch amidst the rustic charm. At dusk, cafe lights twinkled above us, and the warmth from the fire pits hugged us in comfort. What truly set Bruma apart, however, was the wine, produced right on the property—each sip resonating with the flavors of Valle de Guadalupe’s fertile soil and favorable climate.
Wine Tasting: Norte 32 Vineyard
$$ – Camino de los Ranchos #1 Parcela #7, 22755 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
Our wine journey continued at Norte 32 Vineyard, a place that has its roots in the same latitude as renowned wine locales of Southern Italy and Australia. The vineyard welcomed us with a gigantic arch door, serving as a grand entrance to a world where wine reigned supreme. The winemaker led us to a cool, dim-lit wine cave and, using a wine thief (a long glass tube for drawing out samples) offered us a taste of an unreleased wine. An ensemble of dogs, each with its own personality, made our visit all the more interesting, as they tagged along, some more friendly than others, adding a quirky twist to our epicurean adventure.
Wine Tasting: Bloodlust Wine Bar
$$ – Carretera Ensenada-Tecate Km 93.5, 22755 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
When the stars took over the sky, we arrived at Bloodlust Wine Bar. Rising up like a giant garlic bulb, this 30-foot-tall beige building was an unexpected but memorable sight. The moment we stepped in, the pulsating music, like a soundtrack made for vampires, gripped us. The place was a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, both coming alive under the glow of red-hued lights when the sun dipped. As the night aged, the DJ’s beats rolled from the stage, adding rhythm to the crimson-lit ambiance. Amid this electrifying setting, we relished the bar’s gourmet food and outstanding wines, finding another facet to Valle de Guadalupe’s rich offerings.
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Dinner: Oja Restaurant
$$$$ – Camino Vecinal al Rancho San Marcos, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
As the sun cast its warm glow over the rolling vineyards, we reached our ultimate destination: Oja Restaurant. This hidden gem celebrates the essence of Baja by showcasing the region’s finest local ingredients. Set amidst the picturesque vineyards, Oja harmonizes with the landscape; its outdoor seating is beautifully furnished to complement the desert surroundings. The menu, a true masterpiece, captured our attention with its culinary artistry. Every dish that graced our palates was a symphony of flavors, expertly crafted to showcase the bounty of Valle de Guadalupe. And to accompany our meal, we indulged in mezcal cocktails that added a touch of smoky delight to the already unforgettable dining experience. Oja embodied the spirit of this remarkable region, leaving us with a lingering taste of its culinary prowess.
Our trip to Valle de Guadalupe had it all—good food, fine wine, breathtaking landscapes and, most importantly, boys time. As we drove back to San Diego with the taste of the valley’s wines (and mezcals) still fresh in our memories, we knew we had found a place we would return to, time and again.
Erik Hale is the visionary and publisher behind LOCALE Magazine. He launched the magazine in 2010, wanting to give the community of OC a premiere lifestyle magazine that knew all the native knowledge behind OC. “Six years ago Ashley and I sat at a table scratching the name LOCALE (among some other names) onto a sheet of paper,” says Erik, “coming up with story ideas and basically dreaming. Everything we imagined has happened and we have been blessed with so much more. I am so grateful as we start another year for my family, my two wonderful children, my health, our amazing writers, designers and photographers, our advertising partners and you.”
