Lodging in Mexico’s Wine Country

By Steve Dryden

Mexico’s premier wine country near Ensenada has grown and expanded so much in the last few years that it takes an overnight adventure to capture the true essence of it’s magic and charm. Up until recently overnight accommodations were limited, but this has changed with the expansion of Posada Inn and the construction of two excellent inns: Adobe Guadalupe and Las Brisas del Valle. Baja wine lovers and newcomers now have some romantic and inspiring options that will exceed their expectations and expose them to some of Mexico’s finest hosts and hospitality.

The wine country is located about seventy miles south of San Diego and can be accessed by heading south on the Tijuana-Ensenada toll road to the last collection station before the seaport of Ensenada. About one mile south of that toll station look for the sign Tecate Highway 3 or Ruta del Vino (Wine Route) and travel east on Highway 3 for seven miles until you drop down into the Baja wine country at San Antonio de las Minas. This is the western end of the Guadalupe Valley wine region which extends fourteen miles east towards Tecate ending near Km 73.5 at L.A. Cetto and Domecq wineries. Lodging is centrally located in the heart of the wine country!

Rancho Maria Teresa is the home of The Posada Inn and Los Naranjos Restaurant. This 28 acre resort is a tropical paradise surrounded by citrus groves and vineyards. Two large swimming pools entice guests during the spring and summer months and during the cool, fall and winter months guests enjoy the heated pool. The grounds are planted with a variety of local and tropical flowers, shrubs and trees creating a “garden of eden” atmosphere. Guests enjoy walking the gardens on their way to the pools or the restaurant located on the same property. A picnic area is available for guests and day users that includes picnic tables and BBQ cooking areas. The citrus grove provides fresh juice for the restaurant and their vineyards are the source for house wines!

This quaint hotel has clean and comfortable rooms and is conveniently located off Highway 3 at Km 82.5. The rooms are large enough to accommodate up to four people and the rates are reasonable. Room rates (up to four persons) during the fall and winter are $50. U.S. and during the spring and summer are $70. U.S. It is recommended to make reservations in advance by calling 011-52-646-155-2425 from U.S. or email at: rancho_mt@yahoo.com.mx The Posada Inn is perfect for couples, families, or two couples seeking comfortable and quiet rooms in the wine country. The location is ideal for wine tasting as it sits in the middle of the Baja wine country with wineries in the area and the renowned LAJA restaurant located right next door!

The Santana family owns and operates this wonderful resort and casual restaurant. Los Naranjos is open Wednesdays thru Sunday from 8 am to 5 p.m.. They provide friendly service for breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring a wide variety of Mexican dishes and house specialties. You can contact the restaurant at: 646-155-2522. Reservations are not needed for dinning.

Las Brisas del Valle (Breezes of the Valley) is nestled in the heart of the wine country providing discerning travelers with privacy, ambiance and tranquility. This secluded Tuscany-style inn sits upon a hill offering panoramic views of ranches, vineyards, mountains and sunsets, far from the distractions and congestion of modern city life. The resort is situated on seventy “serene” acres among the rolling hills and back country of Guadalupe Valley where nature is the dominant force encouraging guests to recreate and regenerate in a natural and gentle manner. In addition, guests can drink wine or a favorite beverage in or around the new pool and jacuzzi overlooking the area.

Las Brisas has six beautiful rooms with king, queen and extra long twin beds, individually decorated with designer bathrooms and elegant linens. The beds and bedding are of high quality ensuring cozy and comfortable nights. Four rooms have balconies and three have small fireplaces or “chimineas”. Each room features individually controlled air conditioning and heating units.

As the suns rises above this beautiful valley guests enjoy an elegant and hearty breakfast served either in the dining room or on the verandah. Fresh fruit, local organic produce, homemade granola, jam, yogurt, “panaderia” and guacamole are served with fresh eggs, creating a healthy and delightful country culinary wonder! Dinner prepared by a distinguished local chef can be arranged for parties of six or more or guests can experience several local restaurants offering an amazing array of international dishes complimented by Baja’s new “world class” wines.

Cool evenings can be enjoyed around the inviting and romantic fireplace while enjoying your choice of local wine and cheese. Global communication is available in the media room featuring high speed internet access and a reading room. Yoga classes and professional messages are available at the inn. The entire facility is available for special events, weddings, corporate retreats, seminars or workshops. Room rates are $150. per night with weekends requiring a two night minimum. Contact Martha for reservations and information at 011-52 (646) 189-8583 from U.S. or www.lasbrisasdelvalle.com or 044-646-113-3629 Cell MX.

Guadalupe Valley’s most distinguished and elegant “wine country resort” is Adobe Guadalupe Inn. Don and Tru Miller left their home in the U.S. with the intent of creating a sophisticated and upscale inn, winery and equestrian center. Combining several distinct architectural styles into a Mexican locale has resulted in one of the most beautiful and stunning resorts in Mexico. This is a “first class” lodging experience for those seeking refined and sophisticated accommodations, world class wines and one of Mexico’s top equestrian centers in one romantic and elegant setting. The most demanding wine lovers and connoisseurs will find comfort and satisfaction here!

Adobe Guadalupe is a Mediterranean-style hacienda with six impressive guest rooms attached to a large villa, complete with dining room, reading room, TV room, library, living room and gourmet kitchen. The interior is well designed and decorated with a superb blend of regional and international works of art. Culinary delights abound in the gourmet kitchen providing guests with a delicious breakfast. Lunch and dinner options are available by request and high tea is offered during the winter months from 4-6 p.m.. Fresh produce, herbs and vegetables are grown on-site and can be viewed from the relaxing and tranquil Moroccan garden where guests enjoy a cool and relaxing setting while sipping wine and watching marvelous sunsets and panoramic views.

The equestrian center offer guests the opportunity to ride some of Mexico’s finest breeds of horses in a beautiful setting of vineyards and majestic mountains surrounding Guadalupe Valley. The stables are located near the inn and often accommodates horse shows, art shows, and special events. Tru Miller operates the center and has created one of Mexico’s leading equestrian centers.

Room rates are $150 per night and includes breakfast. Reservations, information and directions can be obtained at (949) 863-9776 U.S. or in Mexico (646) 155-2093 or adobegpe@telnor.net