For those in California, Guadalupe Valley is an excellent option for a weekend trip!

Valle de Guadalupe is located near the coast-side of Baja California, 60 miles from the border of Mexico and the United States.

The vineyards host annual wine tastings and culinary events during the summer, where artists from both countries are invited to perform in celebration of the harvest season. This year the festival will take place on Sept. 12.

There are hotels, cabins and Airbnb options within the valley and in Ensenada: a city 30 minutes south. Tip: book at least a couple of weeks in advance, especially if you plan to visit during harvest season.

Guadalupe Valley caught my attention two years ago, and it has become a destination I often visit. My recommendations for a weekend trip to Valle de Guadalupe are the following…

Wineries

My favorite vineyards are Santo Tomás and Monte Xanic; they offer a very nice outdoor space to enjoy a glass of wine.

Bar Bura Cuatro Cuatros is a restaurant-bar on top of the mountains with a view of the Pacific ocean. There is a $7 fee per person that includes the shuttle ride to the bar and back to the lobby and a courtesy drink. My recommendation is to arrive before 2 p.m. or make an online reservation.

• 

• 

• 

The best way to end a day is by visiting Casa Frida, a spot inspired by Frida Kahlo’s “Blue House” in Mexico City. This place offers Airbnb, a signature cuisine and a roof with live music and delicious cocktails.

Food

Baja California is one of the states with my favorite seafood dishes in the country. Here are my top three places to eat in the area:

1. La Guerrerense is a breakfast/lunch place located in Downtown Ensenada. There is a small restaurant and a food truck across the street. The owner, Sabina Bandera, is known worldwide for her fresh seafood tostadas, and she is number eight on the top 50 World Street Food Masters list of 2017 by the World Street Food Congress.

2. Manzanilla Restaurante is another gastronomic experience for dinner. It is owned and run by the chef couple Benito and Solange, who have participated on MasterChef Mexico and have their own reality show. You cannot miss their oysters and “Tiger” – gin and tonic – cocktail.

3. Villa Ortega’s is a restaurant at the Puerto Nuevo Lobster Village, located on the Tijuana-Ensenada freeway. It is a nice place for lunch or dinner with a view on the way to the vineyards.

• 

• 

• 

All photos by me.