Valle de Guadalupe Fine Wine Tour

June 12, 2010

How many times have you crossed the border at Tecate and ventured through the Valle de Guadalupe "Wine Country of Baja"? Some of you have stopped at the big LA Cetto Winery on the left hand side of the road. Purchased some Nebbiolo or a fine Petit Sirah. Well what about the other 20 or so wineries? Well, here's your chance to experience some of the valley's other unique boutique wineries, eateries and learn some Baja history with a well known Baja writer, wine and culinary critic, Steve Dryden. The best part you will leave your rigs at the hotel and travel by van for the whole tour; returning to the hotel after dinner. For those adventurous souls there also is a pre and post tour on your own; or among friends. If this sounds like something you would like to do; quickly call the Vag office and sign up, as there is only room for 12 in the van. Many of these wineries have won international awards and Steve's recommendations, you will find really invaluable.

Trip Leader: Jay Hammer
For Tour Reservations: Vag office 1-800-474-2252 or info@vagabundos.com

BASIC TOUR: $30 per person (Includes Commentary by Local Baja Culinary and Wine critic, Steve Dryden, who lives in the valley, transportation by Van, Baja Wine booklet and cheese, cracker, etc. pairings; Does not include lunch, dinner, tips and tasting fees. Limited to first 12 paid persons. Meet at Hotel El Mezon del Vino.

Directions: Traveling south from LA Cetto, KM 88 Highway #3, near a sharp turn, and a sign for "El Provenir" Turn right and follow the dirt road for ½ mile and then take the first left turn to the Hotel. *If you get to San Antonio de las Minas you have gone to far; turn around. Pre "Early Bird" (Friday 6/11) and Post (Sunday 6/13) unguided exploration of other wineries and eateries not on tour possibility depending on interest. There are about 20 wineries and other intriguing restaurants in the area to explore.

(8:30A.M) – Leave for L.A. Cetto Winery from Hotel el Mezon del Vino

(9:00 A.M.) LA CETTO (KM 73.5 Highway #3) Founded by Italian, Angelo Cetto is one of the most renowned and oldest wineries in Mexico. LA Cetto is the largest producer of wine in Latin America with international recognition and tradition. Second, only to Italy, as the producer of Nebbiolo wine in the world. LA Cetto this year earned "double gold" from an international wine competition in San Francisco and Japan for their 2004 Private Reserve Nebbiolo. In the past Cetto has won over 132 international medals in France, Italy, Spain, England, Canada and the United States. Nebbiolo, Petit Sirah, Terra, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Zinfandel. Cettowines.com

(10:00A.M.) MONTE XANIC (Turn off Highway #3 and drive through Francisco Zarco; look for guard gate on the right) The name comes from the Cora indigenous language and means "The flowers that springs from the first rain". Monte Xanic has quickly gained a reputation for fine wines. Monte Xanic has received many awards including bronze medal at the 2000 challenge International du Vin in Blaye-Bourg, France for the 1998 Monte Xanic Chardonnay. The 1995 Monte Xanic Cabernet Sauvignon received the gold medal and the Civart Prix d'Excellence in the 1998 challenge. Today Monte Xanic produces 50,000 cases annually and has won gold, silver and bronze medals in the United States, France and Canada *Tasting fee $8, 4 reds/4 whites. Gran Ricardo sold only in magnum; not available for tasting, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Columbard. Montexanic.com

(11:00A.M.) Lunch La Cabana (You buy your own lunch) Francisco Zarco

(1:30 P.M.) VINOS BIBAYOFF The only winery with Russian tradition. Vinos Bibayoff was the grand first place winner of the "La Cofradia Food and Wine Pairing event held on August 18th at the Cruise ship terminal in Ensenada. In fact it was the second time in the last two years that the Bibayoff's had captured the highest honors with their Chenin Blanc/Columbard blend of white wine. For many years the Bibayoff's sold their premium grapes to the boutique wineries that used the juice to produce award winning wines. This prompted them to experiment with their superior grapes and the result was the award-winning Chenin Blanc/Columbard/Muscat blend.

Chenin Blanc, Columbard, Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Zinfandel. Email: Bibayoff@telnor.net

(2:30 P.M.) VINA DE LICEAGA (KM 93.5 Highway #3) *Tasting fees $5 a person. Family winery known for their Reserva Merlot wine. Vina de Liceaga has been producing award winning wines for many years. In 2002 the winery was selected as the "Best in the Nation" (Mexico) at the world's biggest wine competition at the San Francisco International Wine competition. Also Gold medals from Brussels, Austria, and Mexico; Silver medals from San Francisco, Israel, Los Angeles, Orange County and Mexico City. Gran Reserva Merlot, which has attracted attention and appreciation globally, is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Guests also get the rare opportunity to taste Liceaga's amazing Italian "Grappa" called Aqua de Vid. Vina de Liceaga is the only winery in Mexico that produces and sells commercially distilled "Grappa". Other wines to try are the Vinto Tinto Castillo de las Minas, a blend of Merlot and Grenache and the Castillo de las Minas Chenin Blanc 2005. Merlot, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Grappa "Agua de Vid" (clear/red). Vinosliceaga.com

(3:30 P.M.) VINESTERRA (San Antonio de Las Minas) Aberlardo Rodriguez and his wife Patty host the Vinisterra tasting room. Their newly released Macouzet 2005 Tempranillo is an outstanding wine aged 40% in new American oak with almost two years bottle aging. A good quality wine with a reasonable price of under $30 per bottle. The Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend is also a high quality Mexican wine. The new Tempranillo 40% and Grenache 60% is another wise choice. Tempranillo, Grenache, Vino Tinto and Rosado, Cabernet Sauvignon. Vinisterra.com

(4:30 P.M.) TRES MUJERES Three women, Laura MacGregor, Ivette Vaillard, and Eva Actanirano have created a unique setting and style of winemaking. Tres Mujeres is set in rustic setting with magical atmosphere and has artisanal wine products like olive oil and olives. The tasting cellar is also known for pottery and tiles, which are made on site. Ivette is a skilled and talented ceramic tile artist whose works are displayed in Ensenada and San Diego.

(5:30 P.M.) "Vivero La Hacienda" Dinner (about $10) *End of tour; return to hotel El Meson del Vino.

Lodgings:
*Hotel El Mezon del Vino (9) Rooms (KM 88 – follow Provenir dirt road for 800 meters; first left turn). Room rate: Weekday 600 Pesos Weekend 800 Pesos. No credit cards. Phone in USA. (619) 424-8278 Mexico: (646) 151-2137 / 151-2139. Web: elmzondevino@yahoo.com. RV Dry camping available. Restaurant opens at 8:00 A.M. each morning. "Pancho" is 24 hour watchman for late night arrivals.

Rancho Maria Teresa "Posada Inn" (15) Rooms (KM 82.5) Fall and Winter $50. Spring and summer $70. Phone: 011-52-646-155-2425 or 2450. Email: rancho_mt@yahoo.com.mx or www.ranchomariateresa.com
Las Brisas del Valle (6) Rooms. Rates: $150 minimum two night stay. Contact Martha Phone: 011-52-646-189-8583 or www.lasbrisasdevalle.com

Adobe Guadalupe (6) Rooms. $168 plus tax per room (includes breakfast for 2 persons).
. Dinner $70 plus tax per person (includes wine).
. Lunch $15 plus tax per person (only for guest).
. High Tea $10 plus tax per person.
. Horseback riding $50 (1 hr)
. Massage $85 (1 hr)
. Wine tasting $5 (Four reds and one rose with olives).
. Red wine $29.32 plus tax (Kerubiel, Serafiel and Gabriel). No children under 12. Phone from U.S.: (949) 863-9776 or adobegpe@telnor.net. Web site: adobeguadalupe.com

Hacienda Guadalupe (12) Rooms (KM 81.5) Room Rates: $150 a night. Haciendaguadalupehotel.com

La Villa Del Valle (6) Rooms. Room Rate $195 minimum stay two days. No children or pets. Lavilladelvalle.com

Rancho El Parral (4) Rooms (KM 92) Room Rate $110; breakfast included. Phone from U.S. 011-52-646-947-5804. Web site: http://98.175.245.39/elparral/

Vinedos Malagon (4) Rooms (Calle Sexta No.75, Francisco Zarco). $100/150; Breakfast included. U.S. contact Rachel Malagon 949-547-8776 or email info@vinedosmalagon.com Web site: vinedosmalagon.com

Villas Tierra Santa (6) Rooms (KM 88.5 – Parcela No.195) Room rate $61/107. Web Site: villastierrasanta.com

Plaza Fatima Hotel (14) Rooms (KM 92) Rates: $50 a night. Phone: 011-52-646-155-3279 or (562) 652-7399. hotelplazafatima@aol.com

RV Parking:
Rancho Sordo Mudo (KM 75 – One mile south of DOMECQ winery) Phone: From U.S. 011-52-646-155-2201 or Luke 619-708-4473. Mexico: 01-646-155-2201. Web site: jon@ranchosordomudo.org or luke@ranchosordomudo.org

Vinos Bibayoff (Russian Winery) Take road through Francisco Zarco; right side of the road. People to camp for $10; for $30 he will prepare lamb dinner, wine and camping.

Rancho Maria Teresa (see lodging) (KM 82.5) Dry Camping fee $10.

*Hotel el Mezon del Vino (see lodging) Lot of room for dry camping.