For our last stop in Baja we headed to the beautiful Valle de Guadalupe from San Felipe. Highway 3 was a little rough in the desert but looked like
the bigger potholes were patched. Once we got closer to Ensenada the last part was pretty twisty with cars passing you on blind corners and trucks
getting pretty close on the narrow part. Ensenada was busy and tight. We finally made it to the RV Park at Rancho Sordo Mundo. A very nice spot.
The Encuentro Guadalupe hotel across the street gets $400 for a room.
The vineyard behind the park.
Luke, whose parents founded the ranch, came by to collect a donation and gave us a ton of info on places to go. Our first stop the next day was Vinos
Fuentes with a free tasting. The next winery was Monte Xanic which was a beautiful winery with very nice wines and great views.
Our last stop was the stunning Las Nubes. Really good wines and we received a great explanation of the tasting in English. After the tasting, we
ordered a couple of glasses and cheese plate to enjoy on the deck.
The next day we got back on Highway 3 and crossed through Tecate. No wait at the border but did get inspected and they confiscated some things from RV
fridge.
Raw frozen chicken but from Costco in the US and some ham. Maybe a couple of other items. Oh well Hard to believe we were in Baja for almost two
months and still had stuff in the freezer from the US.
We would definitely come back here and stay longer next time.
Raw frozen chicken but from Costco in the US and some ham. Maybe a couple of other items. Oh well Hard to believe we were in Baja for almost two
months and still had stuff in the freezer from the US.
We would definitely come back here and stay longer next time.
Oh yes! Once the product (from a U.S. market) enters Mexico, it instantly becomes Mexican. No uncooked chicken, uncooked eggs, or any ham or pork
(cooked or raw). I think deep-fried pork skin snacks (CHICHARRONES) are okay, however!
I once had some Oscar Mayer lunch meat in my ice chest and on a trip in 2001, it was confiscated. I only brought turkey-based sandwich meat after
that!
Here's some notes my wife put together for a friend that might be helpful in planning your trip here -
First stop should be the Museo del Vino for a map of the area, directions, suggestions, etc.
Fuentes – Complimentary tasting. Good wine. Dinner at their restaurant, Sarmiento. Traditional Mexican. Big plates. Miguel, owner, and winemaker,
stopped by the table.
Monte Xanic – Just down the road from Fuentes. Lovely view. Interesting architecture. Great wines. They offered tapas with paired tasting for 250P.
Tasting was 300P. Tours can be scheduled.
Las Nubes – Best overall experience. Great wines. Views of the Valle. Tasting was 250P more or less. Food available. Highly recommend having a snack
and a glass of wine after your tasting. #74 on the map.
Both Monte Xanic and Las Nubes mentioned on Outside Magazine's Favorite Mexican Getaways. Link below
We stayed at the donation only campground at Rancho Sordo Mundo. All proceeds support the school for the deaf. Please check their Needs page in the
event you have room in the car, and your schedule, to drop off supplies. http://ranchosordomudo.com/needs
Luke, whose parents started the school, manages the campground and recommended these vineyards. Note: he likes beer too!
Baron Balche – for the wine, #62 on the map
Decantos – view, food and wine, #67 on the map
JC Bravo – great wine, especially whites
Finca La Carrodilla – small, gorgeous succulent garden, really good wines. Near #25 on the map.
Vinos Lafarga – visible from the campground, stone winery, great view of the Valle from the East
I can't believe that with the many many times I've been to Baja that I have yet to do the vineyards and wine tasting ..
(I was probably distracted by all the great fishing, surfing, getting drunk and playing with the Chica's )
With all your detailed posts I will be making it soon. Thanks for all the great info. !
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