Mexico Guide
Baja California and the Pacific Northwest
Valle de Guadalupe
The vineyards of the Valle de Guadalupe are so heavily drenched in hype that on first visit anyone but the most optimistic – or wine-soaked – visitor will be disappointed. A cynic would say the valley does a better job marketing its wine than making it, but the region is clearly on the right track, as illustrated by the growing number of vineyards that are experimenting with foreign vines and cross-breeding others. Small boutique wineries and epicurean-related ventures are riding on the coat-tails of the emerging industry, and farms that aren't devoted to grapes grow olives, raise organically fed cattle or turn their milk into artisanal cheeses. These places aren't in tourist brochures but their creations can be enjoyed at stellar restaurants like Laja in the valley and Manzanilla in Ensenada.