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Hugo D’Acosta learned the art of winemaking in France and Italy and today passes on his prodigious knowledge to the next generation of Mexican winemakers while operating one of the most highly regarded wineries in the Valley. Reservations are highly suggested. The restaurant uses locally sourced organic vegetables and locally caught seafood.
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Small family-run ranch producting natural wines from Misión and Palomino vines planted over 200 years ago. The tasting room is in their historic 1800s adobe home.
This small, family-run winery opened in 1997 and produces 5,000 cases per year and reflects humble beginnings from just before the boom in small wineries hit. It reflects a passion that's almost more hobby than business, though the stability of its operation attests to the quality of its wines. It's a startling contrast to the valley's bevy of over-funded technology-heavy glass and stainless wine labs. The family built their cave from adobe, by hand. They crush grapes using a wooden press, by hand. The Pa Abola is a blend of Barbera and Tempranillo with 6 months in American and French oak. Mezcla Bordelega is a French-inspired red blend of Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that ages 12 months in American and French oak and one to several years in the bottle. The house signature wine, labeled Retorno, is a blend of 90% Grenache and a hint of Syrah, aged 2 years in the barrel and one year in the bottle.
Founded in 2002, the small winery produces about 3,500 cases per year. It is a quirky place with eclectic sculptures of iron and wood, like the lizard near the entranceway or the spider in the tasting room. The wines are serious business though. Jala is a light white wine that's a blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Maat is made with old growth Granache and aged 12 months in French and American oak. The Sangiovese is an Italian varietal with a floral bouquet.
Baja's oldest winery offers a wide range of varietals both in Valle de Guadalupe and at their tasting room in Ensenada. They produce a number of red wines, but many people will pick the Alicio Chardonnay as one of the winery's best.
Founded in 2016, this small winery produces up to 1,200 cases per year. It's a beautiful rustic space with tables and chairs under towering shade trees. The winery produces several varietals and some excellent blends. Their Dazzle wine is light and refreshing, a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Viognier. They have a Merlot, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Nebbiolo (which seems to be one of the most popular grape varieties grown in the Guadalupe Valley). Guest rooms are available for overnight stays.
Founded in 2005, the winery produces 3,500 cases per year. The winery includes an upscale restaurant called Mixtura that serves innovative Baja Med cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood dishes. The main tasting room is a work of art in itself, designed with sharp angles and so much glass that it's impossible not to feel an intimate connection with the outdoor environment. The Chardonnay is blended with 20% Chenin Blanc and aged in concrete tanks. The rose is a blend of Pinot Noir and Malbec (no Granache). Several varietal wines are available including a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Merlot, and a Nebbiolo.