Valle de Guadalupe
For those of you planning to extend your trip (or return in the future!), we have compiled below our personal recommendations for eating, drinking, and lodging. For our more active and adventurous friends, many hotels also have pools, gyms, spas, and padel or tennis courts, and there are horseback riding, ATV, hiking, and other tours in the area. This “hidden gem” destination is also not so hidden anymore - a quick Google search will turn up travel guides from Goop, The Points Guy, Conde Nast Traveler, Food and Wine, Wall Street Journal, and many bloggers.
If you have any questions while planning, please reach out to us so we can help you! We are happy to share our advice / contacts for transportation, guides, restaurants, wineries, hotels, and other activities.
Where to Eat
-
Animalon
Seasonal fine-dining restaurant under a centuries-old oak tree. Our favorite restaurant in Valle de Guadalupe!
-
Villa Torél
Outdoor dining at Bodegas de Santo Tomas, the oldest winery in the region. Bring a group and enjoy sharing-sized plates surrounded by lavender bushes and citrus trees with views of the rolling hills.
-
Deckman's en el Mogor
Creative farm-to-table / contemporary Mexican cuisine in a vineyard., surrounding a live fire outdoor kitchen. The first restaurant we visited on our first trip!
-
Conchas de Piedra
Seafood bar by chef Drew Deckman paired with sparkling wines from Casa de Piedra. The perfect mid-day snack and a must visit if you love oysters, aguachile, and ceviche.
-
La Cocina de Doña Esthela
Traditional and hearty Mexican breakfast People come from all over the area and line up before sunrise to taste what Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsay enjoyed!
-
Lunario
Brooklyn-chic meets greenhouse. 10/10 locally-sourced seasonally changing tasting menu with an open kitchen. Located on the grounds of Lomita winery.
-
Fauna
This flagship restaurant at Bruma (winery / eco-villa resort) was named The Best Restaurant in Mexico in 2023. The food and vibes are outstanding. But hot take: skip the wine.
-
Bruma Wine Garden
Lovely casual dining under the olive trees on the Bruma winery property; sister restaurant to Fauna. Best enjoyed for lunch.
Where to Drink
-
Finca La Carrodilla
Our favorite winery (and almost where we decided to host our ceremony)! First certified organic vineyard in Mexico with a gorgeous rooftop succulent garden.
-
Vinos Lechuza
Fantastic wines from a family-owned winery, run by the founders’ daughter. You may recognize their wines on esteemed wine lists such as The French Laundry in Yountville, CA.
-
Casa de Piedra
Top notch wines from winemaker Hugo D’Acosta. Tastings for the full range are by advanced reservation only but you’ll find their whites and sparkling wines at Conchas de Piedra downstairs.
-
Vinos Pijoan
Family-run winery founded in 2002, at the beginning of the Mexican wine boom. Most importantly, great wines AND the site of our first photo together in 2008!
-
Bloodlust Wine Bar
Super cool wine bar started by three friends. Hosts DJs and artsy pop ups on nights and weekends. Looks like a giant garlic; you can’t miss it!
-
Monte Xanic
Founded by five friends and one of the pioneers of this wine region. Beautiful winery that is worth a visit.
-
Vena Cava
The first winery we visited together in 2018. Unique architecture with ceilings built from reclaimed fishing boats and a fantastic on site food truck, Troika.
-
Bar Bura / Tajona
Hands down the best sunset view in the region. Caveats: a bit of a trek to get to, in between Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe, and quite touristy.
Where to Stay
-
Banyan Tree Veya
Destination wellness resort; one of the newest in Valle. An enchanting collection of 30 spacious villas nestled in the hills of a bespoke vineyard.
-
Encuentro
Unique set of 20 standalone eco-lodges (and 2 eco-villas) amidst an ecological reserve.
-
Casa Gracia
A stunning mountaintop villa with panoramic views on the Encuentro property. Perfect for a group of friends with 1 master + 4 rooms.
-
Bruma Wine Resort
Collection of three different boutique hotels and villas on the Bruma property.