Wineries

Valle de Guadalupe Vineyards

Valle de Guadalupe is one of Mexico’s main wine-producing regions. Head north from downtown Ensenada, then drive northeast on the Ensenada/Tecate Highway. As the road enters the tiny town of San Antonio de las Minas, vineyards begin to dominate the landscape. At Km 90.5, turn right to visit Fiesta Farms, an organic herb and flower ranch cultivating over 180 varieties of culinary, medicinal, and curative plants. Fragrant herbs and herbal vinegars, dried floral arrangements, garlic or lavender wreaths, and chile ristras may be purchased at wholesale prices. At the junction turn left into Francisco Zarco. This town was established by Russian immigrants of the Molokan sect who settled in Guadalupe Valley in the early 1900s. Spend some time at the Museo Comunitario del Valle de Guadalupe, situated in an original Russian home dating from 1905. The museum displays an interesting exhibition of photographs, farming tools, and the historic memorabilia of Russian pioneer families, as well as crafts from the nearby Paipai and Kumiai Indian communities.

Continue along the dirt road and turn into the Château Camou winery. Experience a complimentary tour that begins on the hillside with a dramatic view of luxuriant vineyards and Guadalupe Valley. Explore the underground pressing and aging rooms. Then sample the fragrant wines and purchase a bottle to share with friends.

Château Camou

Before rejoining the highway, visit the nearby site of Misión de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe del Norte, the last of the Baja California missions, founded by the Dominicans in 1834.

Continue northeast on the highway to Calafia Valley, site of the Domecq winery, Mexico’s oldest and largest producer of wines. Enjoy a complimentary tour of the facilities. Then sample the many distinctive wines and brandies in the pleasantly appointed tasting room overlooking the lush vineyards. Visitors are welcome to purchase a bottle and picnic on the charming terrace perched above the vineyards.