Pressing News from Valle de Guadalupe

By Steve Dryden,

You’ll probably be “crushed” when I tell you this, but, it’s harvest time in the Baja California wine country! Several wineries and vineyards have started crushing and pressing the white grape varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and others. Warm days and cool nights continue to create superb climatic conditions for the region’s grape growers and winemakers. The 2007 growing season has been dry with cooler than normal summer heat followed by several weeks of warm and hot weather. It’s a great time to venture on down to our wine country and experience the excitement of the “harvest season” for yourselves.

Most of this year’s La Vendimia Festival events are winding down and it was another record breaking year for attendance and quality presentations. I attended an event at Liceaga winery which featured an amazing selection of fine cuisine, great music and good people. In fact, I shared a table and conversation with Ralph Amey and his beautiful wife. Ralph is the “original” American wine writer for Mexico and is in the process of updating and editing his second edition of his Baja California wine book. And, every year I make it over to L. A. Cetto for their annual twelve hour extravaganza of food, wine, great entertainment and to see old friends in the industry, not to mention, all the beautiful women who seem to gravitate to this event!
On August 18th, we hosted a wine bar celebration at “Destino - El Portal de Guadalupe” the new one billion-dollar Oceanfront Destination Resort near Km 88 on scenic Highway 1. Their new “Discovery Center” is under construction and will provide regional wine lovers and “first-timers” an opportunity for a “preview” wine country experience en-route to Valle de Guadalupe or Ensenada. The center will feature samples of local wine, maps and wine country information. In addition, we’ve purchased the Valle de Guadalupe hotel, El Mezon “Destino” del Vino and will offer special wine country escapes, culinary and wine events and year round wine-related activities at affordable prices. Special events, wine tasting, guest chefs, and “wine country escapes” at El Mezon “Destino” del Vino will hosted by Mexico’s Wine Country Concierge, Steve Dryden and regional personalities.

Vinisterra Winery has released some new wine and will provide you with “unsurpassed hospitality” and some of Mexico’s best premium wine when you visit this season. Liceaga Winery, already famous for their amazing Merlot, has released a new Chardonnay that is very desirable. The Liceaga family is almost finished with their new tasting room, visitor center, cellar room and awaits you’re arrival. Don’t forget lunch or dinner at Mustafa’s Moroccan restaurant, they still have the “best priced” quality Rib-eye steak in the region and other creative blends of traditional Moroccan and Mexican food.

Friday, September 7th, David Bibayoff, will be presenting his wine and Russian Molokan heritage for lucky guests at Chabert’s Restaurant at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. (See our ad on this page for wine and food pairings) Don’t miss this event to learn about our unique Russian culture, be entertained by the “charming and spunky” David Bibayoff and discover the culinary delights being created by the “cuisine wizards” in Chabert’s “world class” kitchen.
It’s time for a celebration, we have new juice for our wine and a new Mayor in Rosarito Beach. Join us at Chabert’s for a fun dinner party or head on down to Guadalupe Valley and enjoy the harvest, great wine, and good people!

Steve Dryden is a wine and travel writer livng in Guadalupe Valley where he guides private and motor coach wine tours. He can be reached at (619) 300-4976 or at sbdryden@hotmail.com. Visit his web asites at www.mexicowinetours.com or www.bajawineandtours.com