BajaNomad

Visiting Guadalupe valley- suggestions for spots to visit?

Whale-ista - 2-6-2014 at 09:46 AM

I'm considering spending some future weekends in the area so I'm looking for recommendations for must-visit wineries, that combine good food, art, music and/or other attractions with tasting experience

Bonus points for views, outdoor seating, pet friendly.

I have a place to stay, but ideas for interesting lodging for friends is also helpful.

Anyone willing to share their favorites?

BajaGeoff - 2-6-2014 at 01:30 PM

Stop in and visit Aime at Sol Y Barro...definitely one of my favorites:

http://www.bajabound.com/destinations/bajawinecountry/solyba...

Phil and Eileen Gregory have an amazing spot that includes La Villa del Valle, Vena Cava winery and Corazon de Tierra restaurant:

http://www.lavilladelvalle.com/

Have fun!

bajaguy - 2-6-2014 at 02:45 PM

You can start here:

Take your pick:

Lechuza
Las Nubes
Casa de Piedra
Vina Cava
Madera 5
Adobe Guadalupe
Monte Xanic
http://vinedosmalagon.com/Vinedos-Malagon-Home.html

Martyman - 2-6-2014 at 02:49 PM

My favorite is Villa Montefiori

Pompano - 2-6-2014 at 02:56 PM

For better dinner restaurants, try these time-honored favorites...

Laja's & Mustafa's

As to the future, new changes to this land will not be for the better. If it's not broke, don't fix it.

[Edited on 2-7-2014 by Pompano]

dasubergeek - 2-6-2014 at 03:30 PM

Finca Altozano opens in early March for the campestre season. Outstanding. Also second La Villa del Valle. If you want the view, though, you need to stay at Encuentro Guadalupe on Hwy 3 northeast of Fco. Zarco. Expensive but luxurious... you get your own cabin, no next door neighbor.

Also, for breakfast, La Cocina de Doņa Esthela, which is off the El Tigre road (the one that runs from the free road to Hwy 3 through El Porvenir).

DENNIS - 2-6-2014 at 03:35 PM

Guadalupe, the town, was founded by Russian immigrants who's families are still living there, as well as scattered throughout the Ensenada area.
In town, there is a Russian museum that is worth visiting.

BajaRat - 2-6-2014 at 03:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Guadalupe, the town, was founded by Russian immigrants who's families are still living there, as well as scattered throughout the Ensenada area.
In town, there is a Russian museum that is worth visiting.


Good to see you alive and kickn D. One day we want to see that museo.:cool:

Great Eats

bajaguy - 2-6-2014 at 04:02 PM

Second on Finca Altozano

Turn in from HWY 3 north of San Antonio de las Minas as you would for Laja, however continue straight past Laja for about a 1/2 mile, will be on your right.

Outdoor dining overlooking the Valle......can be chilly, wear a coat....a favorite spot

BajaGeoff - 2-6-2014 at 04:03 PM

There is a Russian museum at the Bibayoff winery...really interesting stuff to check out.

DENNIS - 2-6-2014 at 04:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaGeoff
There is a Russian museum at the Bibayoff winery...really interesting stuff to check out.



Hi Geoff..........did they relocate the museum that was in the middle of town?

BajaGeoff - 2-6-2014 at 05:52 PM

Wow great stuff Don Jorge!

DENNIS - 2-6-2014 at 05:54 PM

A bit of background:

http://www.bajabound.com/bajaadventures/bajatravel/guadalupe...

http://www.bajatimes.com/bajawine_bibayoff.asp

http://agringoinmexico.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/valle-de-gua...

DENNIS - 2-6-2014 at 05:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Jorge
Some of these places made Chuys look uptown



Brings tears to my eyes, Jorge. I know you remember the day.

Whale-ista - 2-6-2014 at 08:36 PM

thanks everyone! you are making me want to spend a lot more time in Ensenada area. I will be working on the casita in San Miguel this summer.

I also recall the "simpler" times of 20 years ago- nothing much going on in the valley. Going out to eat lamb at Mustafas was a long Sunday drive to see the countryside and visit friends who were "roughing it" in their lovely country homes.

Amazing to see such changes...

Santiago - 2-6-2014 at 09:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Jorge
The water west of Zarco is salty and many of the wells fail during dry periods. Where Ensenada draws their water the wells are good as is the water. But it is their water and the few that have tried to borrow some paid dearly for their indescretion.


If you are so inclined, elaborate a bit on this.
Thanks

The Fuentes family

bajaguy - 2-6-2014 at 09:43 PM

Don Jorge

Is the current Fuentes winery operated by Miguel Fuentes the same as the one you refer to???

David K - 2-6-2014 at 09:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Whale-ista
I'm considering spending some future weekends in the area so I'm looking for recommendations for must-visit wineries, that combine good food, art, music and/or other attractions with tasting experience

Bonus points for views, outdoor seating, pet friendly.

I have a place to stay, but ideas for interesting lodging for friends is also helpful.

Anyone willing to share their favorites?


The Russian Valley Hot Springs perhaps? East from L.A. Cetto winery, in the Caņon Agua Caliente...

See 2011 photos by baquito and BajaCat here: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=55995

Santiago - 2-7-2014 at 06:51 AM

DJ: Are you aware of any books on the history of the Valley? This is facinating stuff to me.

Santiago - 2-7-2014 at 07:00 AM

DJ: your comment on "Hobby" farms paid for by "Hobby" money has been something I was curious about. Some of the new wineries are pretty lavish and I just don't understand how the heck they make any money. There is a huge wine market 100 miles to the north of this valley and yet, I see very little effort to tap into it.
In my local super market in Nor Cal there are two long rows of wines from all over the world; 80% priced below $10/ bottle. Absolutely none of the wines form Mexico can be found. None. Zero. Zilch.
Porque?
Is there a local 'anti-Chetto' feeling still prevalent?
Thanks

DENNIS - 2-7-2014 at 08:10 AM

General interest:

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/06/09/5477780/valle-de-guadalupe-...

http://www.savorsdtv.com/portfolio-view/season-2-ep-2-the-gu...

bajaguy - 2-7-2014 at 08:46 AM

Jim

Next time you are down this way and have some free time, let me know.

If you are interested, I can introduce you to Miguel Fuentes, Joe Malagon, David Bybayoff, and a newcomer to the Valle, Ray Magnussen of Lechuza Vineyards........all great people and full of information about the business and the Valle.

Manuel Delgado of MD in Uripan has some historical background of the business in Uripan and the Sto Tomas valle.

Would make a fun and informative couple of days


Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
DJ: Are you aware of any books on the history of the Valley? This is facinating stuff to me.

Santiago - 2-7-2014 at 05:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Jorge
Oh but they do make money. Lots of it. The second biggest business in Mexico is making money, clean money, for the biggest business in Mexico.


:light: OK, I had to read that a few times but it finally made sense to me.

Hook - 2-7-2014 at 07:30 PM

And so, Santiago, we now begin to understand why some of these Mexican wines can "sell" for what they do. :lol:

BTW, I had the M.X. Calixa Cab/Syrah and I thought it very good. Nice dense fruit, even for a blend. It could use some aging, but I'm not sure it will get much in the bottle.

Still, I think I paid 280 pesos for it.