Elite Traveler March-April 2016

WINES OF ADOBE DE GUADALUPE VINEYARD

The Guadalupe valley region, which starts approximately 12 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and runs in a northeast direction toward Tecate, is surrounded by rolling hills that are emerald green in the cooler months and turn an amber brown inmid-summer. Perhaps the best way for first-time visitors to get the history and flavor is to start with a visit to theMuseo de la Vid y el Vino, which also has an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and cultural performances. Wineries here have teamed up with chefs and hoteliers to create Baja’s very own Ruta del Vino (wine route). Less than two hours by car from San Diego, California, the Valle de Guadalupe, anchored by the city of Ensenada’s private airport, has moved past its Tequila-and-Cerveza roots to ones based on vintage grapes. In fact, there are several distinct wine-growing areas in the region to explore: Valle de Calafia, Valle de San Antonio de las Minas, Valle Santo Tomas and Valle San Vicente. This reminds us of the various distinct growing areas in the broader Napa-Sonoma valleys. The grapes grown by top Baja producers, including Casa de Piedra, Viñas de Garza, Vinisterra, Rincón de Guadalupe, Hacienda La Lomita, Santo Tomas, Monte Xanic and Vinos Pijoan, are a mixed bag of varieties that can handle warm conditions. The region produces mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah, Zinfandel, Grenache, Cabernet Franc and Nebbiolo among reds; Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier among whites. The boutique hotels that dot the vineyards and hillsides are as unique as the Valle de Guadalupe itself. Don’t expect to find Four Seasons- or Ritz-Carlton-style luxury, instead enjoy a different feeling of luxury, highlighted by personalized service and warm hospitality. From hacienda-style converted estates, like Hacienda Guadalupe or Boutique Viñedos

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