Little Ole Wine Drinking Me

I don't cook every day, or close to it. But rather than let the blog languish under the weight of my odd travel schedule and penchant for eating cereal some evenings, I figure I can also post about peripherally related things, such as wine.

The other day on Chowhound, I saw a short article about Mexican wine from the Valle de Guadalupe, and a commenter praised the writer for being "ahead of the curve" when it came to discussing the region. Well, that commenter should be even more impressed that I actually went there more than a year ago. So there!



For anyone in Southern California, the Valle de Guadalupe is the PERFECT romatic weekend getaway. It's about 20 minutes east of Rosarito, meaning you can have lunch in San Clemente and be tasting wine by 4. I was there for a company retreat, but I could definitely see the potential for some lurve-filled days and nights in this gorgeous valley.

There are about a couple dozen wineries in the area, and two great hotels (Adobe Guadalupe, which incidentally makes what I consider the region's best wines, and La Villa del Valle, where we stayed). I believe both hotels will take care of your meals, but dinner at Laja is pretty much mandatory as well. (And yes, Laja's Web site is in Spanish.)


When my co-workers and I first arrived in the Valley, we stopped at Tres Mujeres (specialize in Tempranillo and Grenache). Three women run the winery, and one happened to be there to conduct a tasting with us in the adorable wine cave.

(Information: Kilometer 87, Hwy. 3; 011-521-646-171-5674)



Cheers!

I bought a bottle of Grenache (I'm holding it in the first picture of this post) and still haven't opened it... I'm waiting for a special occasion!

As mentioned, we stayed at La Villa del Valle, which at the time was almost brand new. So much great hospitality, including access to one of the best sparkling wines I've had in a long time. We loved it so much we drank all five bottles they had in the two days we were there. :)

The hotel itself is gorgeous, all Spanish tile and arched doorways.

Every day there was a perfect, glorious sunset just like this.

And lots of wine to be shared outdoors!

Here's a very partial list of some wineries in the Valley, courtesy of Food & Wine magazine.

Tasting-room hours in the Valle de Guadalupe are generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, but it's best to call ahead and make an appointment.

Casa de Piedra Winemaker Hugo D'Acosta produces an intense Tempranillo-Cabernet blend. Kilometer 93.5, Hwy. 3; 011-52- 646-156-5268.

Château Camou Known for wines like the Flor de Guadalupe Zinfandel and Blanc de Blancs (a blend of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay). Calle Principal, Francisco Zarco; 011-52-646-177-2221.

Mogor-Badan Winery A family-owned winery known for its crisp white Chasselas and its Wednesday farmers' market. Kilometer 86.5, Hwy. 3; 011-52-646-177-1484.

Paralelo Another Hugo D'Acosta–owned winery, distinguished by its ziggurat-style building. Kilometer 73, Hwy. 3; 011-52-646-156-5268.

Tres Mujeres Baja's only all-female team of winemakers—Eva Cotero, Ivette Vaillard and Laura MacGregor—Tempranillo and Grenache. Kilometer 87, Hwy. 3; 011-521-646-171-5674.

Viña de Liceaga Produces Chenin Blanc, as well as a Merlot and Grenache blend; also known for its Viña de Liceaga Gran Reserva wine, a blend made with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Kilometer 93, Hwy. 3; 011-52- 646-155-3091.

Viñas Pijoan Cult winery with a coveted Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot blend. Rancho San Marcos, Hwy. 3 at "El Tigre"; 011-52-646- 178-3482; open weekends only.

Let me know if you go! I hope you love it as much as I did!

* FYI, the post title is a Dean Martin song