Just south of the California, Mexico border, you’ll find the isthmus that is Baja, California. Home to famous places like Rosarito in the north to Cabo San Lucas in the south, it is also home to Ensenada. A pretty coastal town without the hustle and bustle of Tijuana or the star studded-ness of Cabo.
Sure, Ensenada has night life like the famed Papas & Beer as well as being a port city for cruise ships however, it has something that the rest of Baja can’t boast. A hidden jewel that is the Valle de Guadalupe. Wine country that rivals Sonoma and Napa with a Latin twist.
If you’re planning on visiting Ensenada, a stay at the Hotel Coral and Marina is a must. With ocean views, lovely suites and wonderful staff, The Hotel Coral is not only the number one choice of travelers to Ensenada but also dignitaries and celebrities.
Complete with a fabulous spa, delicious dining both in the resort as well as on the waterfront, great water activities, and yes, it’s own marina, The Hotel Coral has it all! Plus, their wonderful staff offers shuttles to and from wine region as well as pick up from the train station in San Diego for a 5 star border crossing!
In fact, Hotel Coral and Marina is really getting into the health craze offering oceanfront yoga, health and fitness retreats, delicious health conscious menus and more. A resort just a stone’s throw from San Diego with so much to offer!
So the Valle de Guadalupe is home to some of the most unique wineries, and world class dining, that I’ve ever had the privilege to experience. The landscape is California coast meets Mexican desert, a perfect environment for cultivating hearty grapes. Here are a few of my favorite wineries in the Valle:
- Vena Cava is a terrific winery who knows how to make a presence. With an overturned, salvaged boat as it’s entrance and it’s found objects outdoor party area, it’s ambiance is as unique as the wine they make.
- When it comes to sustainable, biodynamic wine as well as buildings, look no further than Finca la Carrodilla. It’s eco-friendly container building and restaurant is just as fabulous as it’s tasty wines. Green growing, living and business is their specialty!
- For a truly chic winery experience, you have to visit Monte Xanic. It’s an architectural dream with sprawling views of the valley in a peaceful setting. And it’s wines? Just as chic and delicious as its locale.
Now for the dining in the Valle, brace yourself…it’s out of this world!
Hands down, one of the most memorable and delicious meals I’ve ever had was at Corazon de Tierra. An over 3 hour, 10 course vegan meal, featuring fresh ingredients not only from the region but from their own organic garden, the chefs at CDT are nothing short of genius. Celebrating Mexican flavors and culture along with their local produce, the dishes they come up with a magnificent works of gastronomic art! Not to mention the sustainable design of the restaurant and eclectic decor make for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
A very close second is Malva by chef Roberto Alcocer. Malva is perched on the top of a hill where you can see the valley below with an open air ambiance that perfectly complements the fresh menu. Hand selected ingredients and delicately put together, a meal here is sheer bliss!
Now if you want to get your hands dirty and learn some local cooking while also getting to taste your creation afterward, head over to The CookBook Cooking Classes with Chef Ryan Steyn. Great for singles, friends, couples and even kids, the cookbook offers super fun classes in the heart of the city. You’ll go home with great new skills, recipes and memories!
So what are you waiting for? Get your sun, fun, wine and dine on in Ensenada asap!
