Ah, the joys of birthday surprises and romantic getaways! For my special day, my husband and I continued our tradition of planning each other’s surprise birthday getaway. This year, he took the reins and whisked us away to the enchanting Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California—a wine lover’s paradise. The combination of stunning wineries, incredible food, and beautiful landscapes made it an unforgettable celebration!

Valle de Guadalupe is a hidden gem (although probably not to anyone in Southern California), a wine country less pretentious but brimming with charm. With everything within a short distance, getting around was a breeze, allowing us to indulge in some of the region’s 120 wineries (yes, you read that right – 120!!) & outstanding restaurants.

Our adventure led us to three wineries. First on the list was Casa Frida, which truly lived up to its name, embodying the spirit of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo. As we entered the estate, we were immediately greeted by a burst of colors and a contagious sense of joy. The winery’s architecture was a whimsical blend of Mexican charm and bohemian chic, making it a paradise for Instagram-worthy photos.

We arrived on a Friday and had the best time, although I would suggest going on a Saturday if you have the option! Word on the grapevine is that Saturdays bring live DJs and dancing, making it a must for party enthusiasts. Either way, the estate is massive & there are a ton of different areas to explore!

We split a wine tasting because their cocktails looked amazing & we wanted to try those too! This was also our first stop so we were definitely pacing ourselves! I ordered a margarita and my husband got a paloma after we finished our wine flight. Both were AMAZING – they have such creative margaritas & flights as well if you’re really just in the mood for a good cocktail.

Next up, Monte Xanic, a winery that left us in awe. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do a tasting upstairs due to high demand (note to self: reservations are a must!), but the outdoor patio by the serene lake made up for it. While they don’t do tastings down by the lake – you can buy a bottle to enjoy in nature & that’s exactly what we did. Sipping on a bottle of wine while soaking in the breathtaking views felt like a dream & it was truly the best backdrop.

Lastly, stepping into Vinicola Adobe Guadalupe was like wandering into a rustic hacienda. The charming architecture, adorned with beautiful adobe walls and arched doorways, transported us to another era. And I can’t lie – I am a sucker for Spanish architecture.

This winery had a more unique approach to wine tasting as it was inside the storefront & poured one at a time. Though unconventional, it allowed us to explore each wine intimately, one by one, in the comfort of their airconditioned shop – still a win after a hot day outdoors. They also have a food truck parked in the garden serving up Spanish tapas. This is the smallest winery we visited but still beautiful nonetheless.

Our visit to Valle de Guadalupe’s wineries was a journey of contrasts—a vibrant fiesta at Casa Frida, a serene symphony of nature at Monte Xanic, and a rustic culinary haven at Vinicola Adobe Guadalupe. Each winery offered a unique experience, reflecting the diversity and richness of Baja California’s wine country.

With every sip and every laugh shared, we fell more in love with Valle de Guadalupe & we’ll most definitely be back. We did only see 3 out of their 120 wineries, so we have some more area to cover! So, join me as we continue our adventures, savoring life’s surprises, and exploring the world one sip at a time!

Xoxo,

Your travel bestie