my feet don't want to go to sleep

When you think of wine on the California coast, don’t think north, think south. In Baja California there is a valley with the most delicious grapes, the most interestingly designed wineries, and incredible cliffside ocean views on the drive. This destination is called Valle de Guadeloupe.

To Arrive

The best way is to fly into Tijuana or into San Diego. From San Diego you can take the train straight down to the boarder and walk across. This is the largest boarder crossing in the world and something to see. From there you can take a cheap uber to Rosarito or continue straight to Valle if you are staying there. We booked this cliffside resort, called Las Rocas, just outside the main town.

You can also book a driver from San Diego to the wineries. A group of 6 of us choose this way. The tour provider booked our reservations at the wineries and lunch stop. The second time I went I researched my own wineries and booked a local driver to take us from Rosarito. Second option is much cheaper as you would guess, book that here.

To Explore

In Rosarito, take the collective for a dollar right on the main road and jump out in town. You can walk on the beach, along the pier and read about how the Titanic was filmed here. Make sure to take out some cash and explore the Mercado De Artesanias which has all the souvenirs you could ask for.

Heading towards Valle De Guadeloupe, make sure to stop by Los Portales de García for the most beautiful views. The food is delicious, the environment is colorful, and it is the best first taste of Mexico.

To Drink

The number of wineries are so endless the two times I visited I have not repeated any. Amazingly most of the wineries can take you at a moments notice. You can do a tasting or get a glass and explore their grounds. I loved the flexibility considering it gets fairly expensive to do tastings at all locations, not to mention the inebriation creeping up as the day goes.

• Cuatro Cuatros
• Vinedos Mina Penelope
• Viña de Liceaga
• Don Tomas Vineyard
• Bloodlust Winebar
• Lumi
• Vena Cava
• El Cielo Resort Valle de Guadalupe
• Las Nubes Bodegas y Viñedos
• Casa Magoni Winery
• Vinicola Adobe Guadalupe
• Monte Xanic Bodega Vinícola
• Bruma Wine Garden

The drive back through the mountains with the wine buzz will make you appreciate what Baja California has to offer.