Category Archives: Valle de Guadalupe

Encuentro Guadalupe

We have been day dreaming about the eco-lofts and expansive views of Valle de Guadalupe since our last visit to Hotel Endemico. This time around we got to witness the growth, and truly learn and experience about what really makes up this magical place.

We sat down surrounded by stainless steel fermentation tanks, with little pops of the outside views peeking through. Architect Luis Pereira explained the idea behind what is now Encuentro Guadalupe, and how it came about. Encuentro Guadalupe was built around the beautiful nature and structures that were previously there. We really got to witness this, when we were brought down to their wine cellar. There are three giant boulder-like rocks, perfectly lined up. These were there before they began construction, and were left untouched during the progress.

The three factors behind the design of Encuentro Guadalupe comes from nature, art, and trade. The nature part speaks for itself. When you stay at these eco-lofts, you are out in the middle of nature. You will be walking on dirt and rocks, to get to the pool, and you will hear and see different animals during your stay. This is the beauty of it. This can also be defined as ‘glamping’. You have modern ammenities, all the while taking in the natural scenery, and elements of Valle de Guadalupe.

The art comes in with the overall architecture. Endemico Resguardo Silvestre includes the 20 eco-lofts designed by Graciastudio, and operated by Grupo Habita, as well as their winery, restaurant Origen, and the residential Eco-Villa. The minimal and sleek design is just brilliant, and still has me ooh and ahh each time I see it.

The trade factor comes into part, with the art exhibitions, and seasonal farmers markets that are held at Encuentro. Over 20 amazing pieces by artist Xawery Wolski, will be shown throughout this year beginning this month. Local artisans and producers sell and offer samples of olive oil, a variety of jams, salsas, and other handmade goods. You can also find some of these products for sale in their Lobby/Bar area.

Hugo D’ Acosta leads the winery, that includes 11 acres of vineyards. We were introduced to their 2012 Flora- Sauvignon Blanc, and their 2011 Fauna- A blend of five grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Nebiolo, and Merlot. The wine tasting bar is open to the public, groups can also schedule an appointment to view the underground cellar.

During a stay at Hotel Endemico, each of the eco-lofts include a mini wine fridge filled with 2 bottles each of their red and white wines. Noshing on local olives, while sipping a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon on your private balcony area, just taking in the fresh air and surrounding greenery, really is something else.

The property’s restaurant Origen is open, and serving up plates varying from salads with lettuce picked right from the garden, to locally caught fish, and a few desserts to choose from.

With the warmer temperatures coming into play, you absolutely can not avoid paying a visit to the infinity pool. Cool off with an ice cold local craft beer, or a glass of crisp white wine. The bar at the pool also offers breakfast in the morning, as well as some smaller plates to enjoy throughout the day. I could go for an order of their guacamole and totopos as we speak.

I mean can you really resist ending your day out on your private balcony area, with a glass of wine in hand, fire lit, and a canopy of the star lit sky up above you? I know that we weren’t able to.

Encuentro Guadalupe
Km. 75 Carretera Tecate-Ensenada 22750
Ensenada, Baja California
+52 646 155 2775

Valle de Guadalupe: Alximia, Hacienda La Lomita, Las Nubes and Barón Balché

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I am sure that we all have that one place where we can go to escape, clear our heads, and even feel inspired. It’s that one place, that while we can’t be there, we day dream about it in our minds. Well, as you might have figured out by now, for me that is El Valle de Guadalupe. Every time we head down there, we experience more sprawling areas of vineyard beauty, different wines, and more cuisine options.

There is a quote that I absolutely love in the Ralph Amey’s Wines of Baja California book: “To enjoy a delicious wine is truly a pleasure, but to experience it along with the beauty of the land in which the grapes were nurtured and where the wine was created then becomes a revelation.”

I couldn’t have said it better, it truly is something else..

This time around we had the chance to visit Alximia, Hacienda La Lomita, Las Nubes, and Barón Balché. The weather was just beautiful last weekend, and got me so excited for the nearly approaching Spring and Summer season.

Alximia has been in El Valle de Guadalupe since 2006, but has only been open to the public for just about a year. The Eco- friendly, space ship-like building is still under construction, and expected to be completed by June-July this year. The main structure was built keeping in mind, that they want to maximize the use of all of the natural rescources that they can.

The building is designed to catch rain water, to keep the vines watered even during the hottest times of the year. The openings of the building are strategically placed so that the winds are able to circulate throughout the building, keeping it cool and at an ideal temperature for the wines. It really is a unique structure, and is sure to catch the eyes of visitors.

The exterior color of the main building at Hacienda La Lomita is just gorgeous. Not to mention stepping out to the iron railing with your glass of wine, and being able to just breathe in all of nature’s beauty. The tasting room did fill up quite quickly, so it was nice to step out and discover a little on our own. They offer a tour of the property as well, for those of you who are interested.
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Valle de Guadalupe: Cavas del Mogor and Corazón de Tierra

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Cavas del Mogor, Valle de Guadalupe
It may not come as a shock to you, that we headed to El Valle de Guadalupe to celebrate Antonio’s birthday. We don’t necessarily need any type of excuse to pay a visit, but with such beautiful scenery, and amazing meals at our finger tips, how can you resist? I was just happy that it had stopped raining, after the previous day of the lovely hail and rain that we had. We got down to El Valle a couple of hours before our lunch reservation at Corazón de Tierra, so a wine tasting and visit to their Farmers Market could have not been more necessary. It’s such a shame staring at all of the gorgeous produce, just knowing that I wasn’t able to bring any home with me, but we did bring home a beautiful jar of olives. We finally got to tasting them last night, let’s just say there is no longer a need to buy jarred olives at the store any more.

Cavas del Mogor, Valle de Guadalupe

"Cavas

For 50 pesos the wine tasting of Cavas del Mogor that day consisted of one white, and two reds. With the blustery air blowing by, sipping the Chassellas de Badan had me picturing the hot summer days and a nice ceviche. The second red, a French and Mexican grape Syrah-Grenache blend, and the third their most popular Mogor Badan Red Bordeaux blend. Before the Mogor Badan tasting was poured into our glasses, we all got to head down to their cava. That is really an experience all on its own. The smells, and sights are just unbelievable. First thing that popped into both Antonio’s and my mind was, “Wow! Could you just imagine what a dinner party would be like here?” We can dream can’t we…

Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California
Corazón de Tierra, Valle de Guadalupe

The couple of hours at Las Cavas de Mogor passed by in the blink of an eye, and it was time to sit down at Corazon de Tierra for lunch. The views from your table seem to get even more magnificent with each visit, and the meal that we enjoyed, well there are not many words to describe it. I always leave in a blissful state, feeling so inspired after dining at this restaurant.

Corazón de Tierra, Valle de Guadalupe

The smoked tuna amuse bouche, was delicate and just the right way to begin the rest of the afternoon.

Corazón de Tierra, Valle de Guadalupe
An array of different lettuces, picked fresh from the garden outside, with pine nuts, and local cheese. Underneath the green leaves, was a tomato-olive puree. Every bite, I worked my way around the plate ensuring that I had each component on my fork. Oh, and those baby carrots, who knew such a tiny vegetable could be bursting with such sweetness.

Corazón de Tierra, Valle de Guadalupe
After each meal that my husband and I enjoy together, we can’t help but ask ourselves what was our favorite of the day. It was difficult to choose from so many outstanding dishes, but the Barnacles came slightly above the rest. The acidity from the lime juice covered barnacles, and the avocado puree was just heavenly. The barnacles had the perfect texture to them. You can’t finish that plate without eating the Purple flower that tastes exactly like an Oyster. If you have never tried one, please do when it ends up on your plate. We all looked at each other at the table, with such smiles on our faces.
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Birthday Celebration in El Valle de Guadalupe

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My birthday actually fell on a Saturday this year, and it could not have been more perfect. We headed down to the vineyards for a late lunch at Finca Altozano, and as far as plans after that, well there weren’t any. That is the best way to go, just let the wine or your appetite lead the way. In this case, we were full from the amazing lunch at Finca Altozano, but of course that did not stop us from eating a little bit of birthday cake at Corazón de Tierra. Bougainvillea ice cream anyone?

The whole setting at Finca Altozano was just gorgeous! The weather has actually cooled down a bit, well okay so it’s 85 degrees instead of 95, but honestly it makes a difference.

Once the menu was placed in front of me, I had to do my best at holding back and not ordering every single item. That is even more of a reason to go back, not that we need an excuse in any way. Take the feeling of a nice breeze blowing, chilled white wine, and assorted food options, all the while looking over vineyards… Hi, is this heaven on earth?

We thoroughly enjoyed Jamon Serrano, Pulpo a las brasas, Pato de cerdo, some of the most amazing chorizo that I have ever come across, and tacos de borrego. Oh my, and now stomach has started to growl…

Finca Altozano we will meet again. I can guarantee it.
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Deckman’s En El Mogor

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Deckman's at Mogor Badan in Valle de Guadalupe

During our two night stay at Hotel Endémico, once the sun began to set, we decided to leave our serene eco-lofts and venture out into the night. Bill pointed us all towards the direction of Deckman’s en El Mogor. Deckman’s en El Mogor is the pop up that Chef Drew Deckman is running for the summer season, while his restaurant in San Jose del Cabo is closed for that time being. Underneath a canopy of pine trees are wooden tables, chairs, and wine barrels, that make up the seating area. The kitchen is an outdoor grilling station, that billows the sweet smell of mesquite as soon as you approach the area. The table setting tied in with the scenery perfectly. Mason jars, mis matched plates, and a little bouquets of flowers from the surrounding area were on each table. Rustic wooden tables and eclectic table settings are one of my favorite sources of inspiration for design. You could not ask for a more beautiful backdrop for the evening. The sun setting left the sky with an irresistible hue of pink, and the temperature outside was nice and mild. They offer either a 3 or 5 course meal, which in all actuality is made up of 5 or 7 courses. We decided on the 5 course meal, with the wine pairings, and a mezcal shot just to get the evening started off on the right note. Go big or go home..right?

If you are reading this on an empty stomach, I highly suggest that you grab a snack, because this is going to take you on quite the tempting ride. Alright, here we go.

Deckman's at Mogor Badan in Valle de Guadalupe

The first course was abalone offal (Yes, you read that right.), beet and duck confit. The drizzle of local olive oil, added this smooth finishing touch to the overall richness of the dish. There were so many textures, and flavors, that my mind didn’t even know what to process first. At first bite, I knew that this was going to be a memorable night.

Deckman's at Mogor Badan in Valle de Guadalupe

The second course, fresh oysters from nearby Salsipuedes, drizzled with a red wine vinaigrette and pink peppercorns. The acidity was refreshing, and still let the natural juices of the oyster shine through.
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Hotel Endémico

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Hotel Endémico in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California

The Hotel Endémico located in the Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, is just about a 90 minute drive south of the San Ysidro border. The hotel is designed by Jorge Gracia of GraciaStudio, and is a part of the Mexican Hotel Grupo Habita. Hotel Endemico is made up of 20 individual Eco-Lofts, that sit on steel stilts up into the hillside. They are each built above the ground, so that they will not disturb the soil, or nature in any way. As soon as we approached the property, our eyes were automatically drawn up into the hillside at these beautifully constructed lofts. My mind was blown, and this was before I even set my eyes on the scenery from our space. The minimalist design of each eco-loft is just stunning. The tone for the interiors of the mini cabin are set by the stark white walls, and crisp bed linens. Each room houses a king sized bed, bathroom, and a table and chairs. Each eco-loft also comes with its own individual patio terrace with a table, chairs, and a clay kiva.

Hotel Endémico in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California

There is a short drive up from the lobby up to the loft that you will be staying in, which is provided by the hotel’s staff. As you make the whole 2 minute drive, you will notice their pool, jacuzzi, and restaurant that is tucked away into its own area of the hillside as well. In all honesty, you never have to leave the property during your stay, everything that you may need is provided, even WIFI.
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Valle de Guadalupe: Baja California’s Enchanting Wine Country

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Being in El Valle de Guadalupe there is always this feeling of serenity that I can not get enough of. On our most recent trip we were celebrating Father’s day. We rarely ever have a plan or set agenda, it’s more like we make the drive down there and see where we end up. With our stomachs doing the talking, you never know what we will be in the mood for. This time around our first stop was at a little road side stand bearing a sign that said “Barbacoa”. So you may have guessed it, we stopped for of course barbacoa, as well as tacos de lengua. The smell of the lamb meat was just intoxicating. It is honestly the random food stops that have such simplicity and quality, that make me love food just that much more. You might now think that it is possible, but it is all about the world of exploration.
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