Wine tasting in El Valle De Guadalupe

Add this to your bucket list!

I have been hearing about the wine tasting in el Valle de Guadalupe for a few years, but since it’s so close to Los Angeles it has always been easy to put it off for another day. Recently, I found myself without any plans over Memorial Day weekend and decided to take the Carnival Cruise down to Ensenada and book an excursion to the wineries. It was incredible!

The cruise left from the Long Beach harbor and you could start boarding at 11 in the morning. I had to work, so I couldn’t board that early, but I was able to make it by 2 and I’m glad I decided on the later time because since I had purchased the “Bottomless Bubbles” package it starts after you check-in with your muster station. I know that some people scoff at the 15 alcohol drink maximum with this package, but I just can’t imagine reaching it. I’m sure there are people that do, but I am not one those people no matter how hard I try. No judgment, if you have achieved the 15 drink maximum by the way! You’ll see why I say this later!

The second day was spent “at sea”. On this cruise it meant being parked in the ocean and enjoying the day. I spent the day in the adult-only section of the boat called “Serenity”. It is a lovely section of the boat with comfortable lounge chairs, bright yellow towels, and a conveniently located bar! I spent the day drinking Bloody Mary’s, Mojitos, and Sangria. This was my view for the entire day while I soaked up the sun and relaxed.

People always talk about the food on cruises and I must admit that it’s lost on me. I enjoy food, but I think I enjoy the taste of the drink a bit more which leads to me not paying too much attention to the food. I did have a delicious Indian dinner one evening and the fried oysters appetizers were lovely. My favorite desert is the Carnival Lava Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

The wine tasting meets at the dock at 845 in the morning. It sure felt early after spending the day before enjoying the sun, fun, food, and drink. It was a rough start, but I made it! Our guide Karla met us on the dock and got us lined up and on the bus quickly and efficiently. The bus ride into the valley was spent with Karla sharing engaging stories and fun facts about el Valle and Ensenada. I had no idea that Ensenada is home to five universities (offering 79 different programs) and the second largest flag in Mexico!

The excursion was for two wineries and a free bottle of wine. The first winery was LA Cetto.

Upon arrival, you are greeted by your host that walks you around the facility and explains the wine making process. It’s always nice to have a refresher on the process so you remember why wines taste different before you start drinking (tasting)! The facility is gorgeous! Very well maintained grounds! The tasting room is spectacular! The staff are very welcoming! The wines are delicious! I bought quite a few while we were there!

The next winery was just down the road, but what a completely different experience! The second vineyard was La Casa Dona Lupe and it was lovely. You can purchase delicious food, bread, jams and spreads, aqua frescas, and a delicious jarra de Sangria. The covered area for enjoying your wine overlooking the vineyards is breathtakingly beautiful. We were lucky enough to see a very talented violinist while we were there and his musical contribution enhanced the natural beauty of the la casa.

When the wine tasting was done, I opted to be dropped off in the city center and things went awry very quickly. The next decision was obviously made under the influence of alcohol and I am going to blame it on it just like Jamie Foxx and T. Pain taught me to do! The next stop on our day out in Ensenada was to go tequila tasting. Makes sense, right? Well, not really. Especially when you consider that tequila isn’t made in the state of Baja, but that’s a discussion for another time.

I entered into the tequila tasting establishment and I took no notice of the name of the place, but was instantly greeted by warm and welcoming people that ushered me upstairs to the area for tasting. I was advised the tour had just begun and I was more than welcome to join. Gleefully, I joined the group of tourists that were being guided around to look at pictures of how tequila is made. I started looking at the pictures a bit closer and had the feeling of deja vu.

When we looked at the picture of the bottle I realized in an instant that I had gone to La Hacienda Dona Engracia in Puerto Vallarta during November and had drank their delicious tequila! Now, I was beside myself with glee and couldn’t wait to get my drink on! If you have not had the opportunity to visit the real location I strongly recommend adding it to your must-do list. The same delicious tequila is still available at their Ensenada location, but the pictures don’t do the actual location justice. Aesthetic of location aside, I must admit their flavored tequilas taste just as delicious no matter where you are!

After the tasting, it was time for food. I strolled down the street and enjoyed some fish tacos with all the fixings. Next, I went to a restaurant for some queso fundido and beers. Then, I staggered over to the boat to pass out with wine, tequila, beer, and delicious food-filled bellies. I spent the night dreaming about all the beauty Mexico has to offer. The next morning, I woke up in Long Beach, feeling refreshed and excited for the next adventure!