South of the Border
San Diego is a gateway to adventures in Baja, as the international border is a mere 20 minutes
from The Del. Mexico’s glorious wine country, Guadalupe Valley, which Anthony Bourdain
likens to Tuscany, is a pastoral paradise, home to patchworks of vineyards (150 and counting),
al fresco eateries, organic gardens, world-class chefs and savvy winemakers, just 90 minutes
south of Tijuana. Baja Food + Wine tours can create a safe, day-long adventure into this
dynamic, up-and-coming epicurean destination.
Wineries
Upside down fishing boats serve as the roofs at the colorful Vena Cava Winery where you
can taste robust reds and delicious Extra Brut Rosé, followed by food truck taco dining while
DJs spin. Montefiori Vineyard pours lovely wines from Italian varieties, while eco-friendly
Las Nubes serves up floral whites, sophisticated reds and stunning valley views from its
hillside perch. Pyramids dot the landscape at Clos de Tres Cantos whose barrel room feels
like a place of worship, home to divine red wines. At Vinicola Torres Alegre, the winemaker
Travel Tips
Bring a valid passport when crossing
the border in Mexico
Wear layered clothing as it can
get cool, especially after sunset in
Guadalupe Valley
Wear good walking shoes
Download the Best Times to Cross
the Border app to access wait times
to return to the U.S.
has a PhD in enology from Bordeaux and his Sauvignon Blanc is as good as it gets.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Organic farms, local olive oil and fish
plucked straight from the sea in nearby
Ensenada deliver all the right ingredients
to the talented chefs in Guadalupe Valley.
Diners relax under the stars, surrounded
by gardens and the sprawling
countryside at Deckman’s, where
Michelin-starred chef Drew Deckman
roasts meats, fish, and garden fresh
veggies over an outdoor grill. At Fauna,
Chef David Castro Hussong, formerly
of NOMA and Eleven Madison Park,
makes magic with local ingredients, while
Tijuana’s famed chef Javier Plascencia
cooks over mesquite at his open-air
eatery Finca Altozano, the perfect
spot for a leisurely lunch overlooking
the vines. Homemade pastas and fresh
from the garden salads can be found
at Tre Galline. Before heading back to
Hotel del Coronado, stop by Bar Bura
at Cuatro Cuatros, as this cliff top bar is
the perfect spot for a craft cocktail, small
plates and views of a Baja sunset over
the Pacific.
Montefiori Vineyard
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