Last month I was in Southern California for three weeks, and I could have never imagined all of the fantastic wine I would be tasting that far south of the infamous Napa Valley.  First, I visited my friends Wolf Feather Honey Farm and visited the surrounding wineries in Temecula, then went further south with my native friend Danae to Valle de Guadalupe – a short two hour drive from San Diego over the border of Mexico.

I have never been so surprised by a place – what to expect versus what I discovered.  While the wine was on a definite Napa level, the architecture was much more modern and incredibly eco-friendly.  Most hotel rooms in the area are their own little pod, including this bubble style Airbnb – the Campera Hotel.

Other notable hotels include Bruma and Encuentro Guadalupe – with tiny hotel rooms climbing up the hillside with a pool at the top for guests to enjoy.

Valle de Guadalupe has no shortage of deliverables for the foodies – with James Beard award winners popping up all around.  I visited nominated chef Javier Plascencia at Finca – a winery with restaurant next door complete with tasty octopus and wine barrel seating to look over the valley.

Bruma had a picturesque sunset from the top of the vineyard, and my favorite meal of the day – a bowl of ceviche that made me go for round two and finish it all.

I only had a day to explore, but next time I will absolutely hit up Deckman’s en el Mongor, Laja, and Corazón de Tierra, as well as making hotel reservations WAY in advance!  Valle de Guadalupe was an adventure on all its own and I can’t wait to go back and visit.  Thanks to our favorite Mexicana Danae for showing me around!!

xx, P