skipowell
Nomad
Posts: 156
Registered: 11-9-2009
Location: San Diego
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Monte Xanic/ Malegon in Guadalupe Valley
Had such an amazing day yesterday felt the need to share.
Had 6 friends from San Diego come down to experience the Valley. Wanted to give them a balanced perspective of the valley. Started the day from our
beach house in San Antonio Del Mar (Rosarito)
First we went to Monte Xanic. We had not been there for a few years and were blown away with the changes they have made in the past year. Always
have liked their wines. But the grounds, winery tour and service was over the top. They were also very generous in letting us try many wines. It is
now my favorite winery in the valley. SO polished and refined. Came home with a good collection of their wine.
Next we decided to go to a little rustic winery called Malegon. Oh my gosh, you feel like you are family at this wonderful place. Reminds me of the
old days in the Valley. Our favorite was Grenache/Petite Sirah blend but they also have a very reasonable red blend called Whistling Donkey that
everyone enjoyed.
The two wineries couldn't be more different from each other. Yet they both gave such a great experience.
Next thing we know only two wineries down and it was already time for our dinner reservation. I was a bit nervous as there were big rain clouds and
strong winds and knowing that Deckmans is outside dining thinking we should change locations. SO glad hubby insisted that follow up on our
reservations. They now have this funky hay wall with a door! and tin roof covering the dining area. It was spectacular eating with a storm brewing
during our meal. They had plenty of nice clean warm blankets.
I will be curious to see if they will be leaving the structure up during the summer. Deckman's has always been one of our favorites during the warm
summer evenings. Yesterday we did the Bounty of Baja tasting menu. The Oysters, Quail, and the Pork Belly were my favs.
We are so lucky to have this amazing valley so close by. Our friends just left and already planning a return trip right away. I think we may book
rooms and stay the night next time so we have more time to play.
If you haven't been down this time of year give it a try. Summers are so busy, nice to be there without the crowds
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redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
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Great report! We love Malagon...was AnnaRosa your hostess? She is a real firecracker when she gets going!!!!! As you said, makes you feel at
home...and they usually have good cheese and bread for snacks.
We just went through the valley last week and tried Tres Valles for the first time...VERY good wines, nice art, nice atmosphere and good people. We
also went to Vena Cava as I have heard so much about it...great room, good wines, and a wonderful vibe but...maybe a tad pricey as to tastings?
Skip: have you found any wineries that wave the tasting fee if you purchase wine? Ken
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Lechuza
http://vinoslechuza.com/
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4848
Registered: 9-27-2006
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Quote: Originally posted by redhilltown  | Great report! We love Malagon...was AnnaRosa your hostess? She is a real firecracker when she gets going!!!!! As you said, makes you feel at
home...and they usually have good cheese and bread for snacks.
We just went through the valley last week and tried Tres Valles for the first time...VERY good wines, nice art, nice atmosphere and good people. We
also went to Vena Cava as I have heard so much about it...great room, good wines, and a wonderful vibe but...maybe a tad pricey as to tastings?
Skip: have you found any wineries that wave the tasting fee if you purchase wine? Ken |
She was our hostess/guide too. Quite the lady! We recommend their limoncello too!
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skipowell
Nomad
Posts: 156
Registered: 11-9-2009
Location: San Diego
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Ken we have found that a lot of the little wineries dont charge when you purchase wine. I dont believe we paid a tasting fee at Malegon, but then we
purchased several bottles along with some lemonchillo. Monte Xanic was well worth the tasting fee. Amazing tour and lots of great tastings once you
got past the Calixia line.
Havent been to Finisterra this year yet, but they use to always wave the tasting fee when you puchase wine be are big fans of their Cascabel
(something to do with Rattle on a snake). We usually make reservations and only visit a two max three wineries on each visit
Lori
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