Valle de Guadalupe is the valley between Ensenada and Tecate Mexico. We had been planning a trip out there to check it out. Halfway into planning we saw that Turista Libre was planning the same trip, so that seemed to work out easier. We started out at the US/Mexico border and piled into the van. After a mild parking detour we were on our way. Heading down highway 1 we got to take in all the sites of the baja coast. Somewhere near Rosarito we stopped for tamales. There was a choice of something like 6 different kind of tamales. I went with one pineapple and 3 wildcards. My gamble paid off because the food was amazing. We walked around a bit and scored some hand made margarita glasses. Once we regrouped it was time to head to the first winery which was called Hacienda La Lomita. This was my favorite of the three wineries. We had one white and three reds are this place. If my memory serves me correctly this was the order: First a 50/50 Sauvignon Blanc / Chenin Blanc. Second was a Grenache, Syrah, Merlot blend. Third was a pure Grenache which was amazing this was worth the 400 paseos to take home. Last one was a Caberinet Sauvignon (I think). This place was amazing and I’d definitely go back if I was in the area. Next winery was Baron Balch’e which had an actual cellar that was interesting to see. I don’t recall the wine order or selection as much from this place. They did however have lovely scenery and we managed to take a group photo. The last winery on the tour was Emeve which had a Rosa that Charlene liked and for 100 paseos it was a no brainer to take home. I ordered a cheese plate here that was delicious and well needed at this point. I had been sneaking beers in the back of the van most of the trip and food was inevitable. Luckily Derrick the tour guide had planned for this and took us to one of the best pizza joints that I have ever been too. A couple of pitchers of Sangria and a few pies later I was full, drunk, and happy. It was dark by the time we headed home. We got stopped a couple times by the federales which I think is pretty routine. However, there was an accident ahead of us on the 1 and we ran into some debri causing the van to crack the oil pan and flatten the rear tire. Bummer but what can you do? We had to wait for awhile for another car to take us back to the border. It was quite amusing watching people try to interact without cell phones because the US phones didn’t work in Mexico. A couple hours of chit chat and we were headed back to the border. We missed the last trolley to get home and got stuck in San Yisdro, CA for a bit but we got a ride home. I had a blast. The trip was amazing even with the Van mishap. We all now have a Mexico story to tell. Cheers to all that came and Cheers to Turista Libre for an awesome trip
