Looking for a weekend getaway? Valle de Guadalupe, just two hours south of San Diego, offers world-class wine, food, and scenery at a fraction of the price of California. I’ve visited three times for a girls’ trip, a romantic weekend, and a day trip from Rosarito, and each experience has been equally memorable. The rustic yet upscale vibe, combined with a taste of another culture, makes it a perfect escape without the hassle of flying.
Here’s my travel guide to the best wineries, restaurants, and places to stay, to help you make the most of your weekend in this beautiful Mexican wine region.
3 Day Itinerary – Weekend Trip from San Diego
Day 1
Drive to Valle de Guadalupe, dinner at Fauna
Day 2
Tour and tastings at 2-3 local wineries, dinner at Bloodlust
Day 3
Drive back to San Diego, brunch at Cuatro Cuatros on the way
Nearby airport – Tijuana International Airport (TIJ). If you’re flying into the US, the closest airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Getting around – Drive or hire a driver. Since the main excursion here is visiting local wineries, I’d recommend the latter!
Best season/time to visit – Year-round, but I’d recommend visiting in winter (December to March). This is the low season, when temperatures are mild and hotels are cheap.
How many days I’d recommend – 2 to 3 days is ideal, but a day trip works too in a pinch.
Dog friendly – Many wineries and restaurants welcome dogs! Always safe to double check in advance though.
How to get there
Walk across the border & hire a driver – This is a game-changer. It takes the stress out of crossing the border and navigating unfamiliar roads, so you can fully relax, enjoy the wineries, and soak in the scenery, without a worry.
Emanuel is your guy. Born and raised in the valley, there wasn’t a place we went that the locals didn’t know him and he’s super freaking sweet. You can reach him on WhatsApp to coordinate your weekend +52 646 117 7193.
Drive – Valle is just a 2-hour drive from San Diego, and the journey is part of the fun. You’ll pass beautiful views of the Baja California coastline before the landscape transforms into a rugged, mountainous desert as you get closer to the valley.
A few tips for crossing the border if you decide to drive:
- You need auto insurance. Check with your insurance provider to see if you’re covered internationally. If not, purchase insurance from BajaBound.com.
- Make sure you have cash for the tolls. They accept USD!
- Crossing into Mexico is a breeze. The way back, not so easy. Check border wait times and trends at bwt.cbp.gov and plan to go at off-times. Best case scenario you’re waiting 1 hour. Worse case scenarios 5+ hours…
- If you travel to Mexico often, consider getting a SENTRI pass. Easiest way to get one is by registering your vehicle through Global Entry.
Hotels in Valle de Guadalupe
Contemplacion Resort & Spa $$ – After a full day sightseeing, a little buzzed from all the wine, and sleepy from being in the sun – melting into the hot tub under the stars at Hotel Contemplacion proved to be the perfect way to end the night. We had our own private villa with gorgeous views of the valley and the restaurant on site was super convenient for breakfast.
La Villa del Valle $$ – A charming six-bedroom bed and breakfast set amidst breathtaking grounds. With a winery and restaurant on site, the only problem with the place is you might never want to leave.
Mexico en la Piel $$ – Choose from one of their 14 casitas, each with their own private terrace and fireplaces.
Things to do
Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico’s top wine region, so sampling the local wine should absolutely play a leading role in your trip.
Book a wine tour – lean back and let a local do the planning for you! From coordinating transportation, choosing the best wineries, and making reservations – a tour is well worth the cost. There are tons of great wine tours to choose from at varying price points here on Get Your Guide.
If you’re looking for a private, more elevated experience, I highly recommend Calandria Experience. The owner Andrea is a gem and will show you the best time.
Plan your own wine tour – prefer to have full control of your itinerary? You’re talking to the right gal. Checkout my sample itinerary here, as well as some of my favorite wineries and restaurants below. I recommend keeping it to 3 wineries tops in a day, plus dinner!
Wineries in Valle de Guadalupe
Vinos Pijoan – Family owned winery, offering natural wines at communal tables overlooking the valley. I struggled to choose which wines I was taking home with me in order to not exceed the 2 bottle limit crossing back over the border..
Las Nubes Bodegas y Viñedos – Arguably one of the best views in Valle can be seen from the patio at Las Nubes. Best paired with a glass of their rose and one of their sweet doggos nestled by your feet.
Cavas Sol y Barro – Visit for the delicious wines, then stay to hear the interesting stories behind their creation, told by the owner, Aimé, in the clay wine cellar he crafted himself.
Clos de tres Cantos – Simplistic, sleek, modern architecture with lovely outdoor spaces to enjoy their chocolate and wine tasting.
Tip: No matter the season, always a good idea to make a reservation!
If you need a break from the wine…
Almagre Café & Deli – In need an afternoon pick-me-up? Almagre has you covered with delicious speciality coffees and beautiful views.
Casa Frida Valle de Guadalupe – Kitsch, vibrant decor add to the lively atmosphere of this Frida Kahlo themed property. Their Granada Terrace is an ideal spot for a margarita and lunch.
Bloodlust Wine Bar – The cool girl of the Valle. A wine bar shaped like a garlic bulb. Or is it an onion? Whatever it is, expect house music, lounge seating, and tasty cocktails. Perfect for a nightcap.
Restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe
Fauna – You’ll be hard pressed to find a guide that doesn’t mention Fauna, and for good reason! Their sustainable farm to table menu is exceptional and the ambiance strikes the perfect balance between elevated and relaxed. I highly recommend the tasting menu for the full experience, just make sure to come hungry!
Bar Bura Cuatro Cuatros – Perched on a cliffside, Cuatro Cuatros boasts breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the Baja coastline. Seriously, I mean knock your socks off views. To make the experience even better, pair the stunning scenery with one of their fresh seafood dishes, sourced right from the crystal-clear waters below. While it’s technically just outside of Valle, this spot is an absolute must-see when you’re in the area.
La Cocina de Doña Esthela – For authentic, homemade Mexican food in a warm, laid back atmosphere, Doña Esthela’s is your spot!
Finca Altozano – An upscale Mexican grille featuring local produce, meats and seafood. The grounds are beautiful too! Recommend cozying up next to one of the fire pits with a cocktail to end the night.
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