y4pcT1JaIwGptQJPO6l_mZmgv34 tiffin unboxed: Baja Summer Trip - Valle de Guadalupe Wine Country

Baja Summer Trip - Valle de Guadalupe Wine Country

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor f glass and barrells

It's hard to believe Valle de Guadalupe, about 14 miles north of Ensenada, is within driving distance of Los Angeles. I am more than happy with Napa Valley, Sonoma and the Central Coast. So now we go to touch upon the traditions and products of Baja Wine Country.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor grounds a road to winery

Our first official winery visit was Mogor Badan. The key varieties were Chasselas (based on a Swiss style), Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and  Merlot.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor grounds

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor building a

The Badan family produces small batches of wine with full respect to the land and environment. Owner Natalia Badan greeted our group before we toured the facilities and grounds, visited the cave and enjoyed a tasting.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor building b

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor building c
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor tasting b

We tried the locally produced olive oil as well.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor tasting chasselas bordeux blend a

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor b roof

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor building d

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor d

Once bottled, wines would be stored in a stone cave on the property. You can see them lined up against the back wall.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor e

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Mogor Badan dog

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor grounds tree

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Mogor Badan roosters

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Mogor Badan geese

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Mogor Badan lamb a

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Mogor Badan lamb b

We were encouraged to let the wine breath. Some of us sat under a large shade tree and also wandered the grounds to find the animals. The lambs were definitely not in a talkative mood.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Cavas del Mogor grounds bamboo

Another winery we visited is Las Nubes.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes grounds g

The Las Nubes, or "The Clouds", winery was founded about 5 years ago by Victor Segura. The views of the valley and modern aesthetic as well as Segura's passion for the wine really shone through.

He encouraged questions and lit up when I asked a series of them.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes grounds a

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes grounds b

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes grounds c

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes grounds d

The building with thick stone walls reflects and blends in with the land from which it was built. Water gets collected and stored in a reservoir and used throught the year to farm the grapes. Part of the vineyards are used for experimental wines/grapes.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes house in vineyard

This house with radiating grape vines growing on the trellis was not part of the Las Nubes property, but added beauty to the landscape.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes tasting a

Some of the wines are named after clouds, such as Nimbus and Cumulus. We tried Cumulus, whose earthy qualites come from Carignan, Grenache and Tempranillo grapes. We also tasted a white and a Rosé called Jaak, containing zinfandel grapes among its blend.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes tasting b lettuce honeydew cheese

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes tasting b

Despite a hearty breakfast the group really enjoyed the appetizers, such as this lettuce wrap containing honeydew melon and local cheese. It was an unexpected but refreshing combination. I also can rarely resist olives, and the olive cheese really tasted unique.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes grounds e

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes grounds f

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes tasting wine room a

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes tasting wine room b

The grapes are produced onsite. They have a wine club and have begun selling their wine in San Diego, planning to expand even more in the future.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Las Nubes barrels a

t's amazing how one feels like they really got away without getting too far in distance. Breathing the fresh air of this Mediterranean micro-climate, the wineries, buying olive oil and jam from the roadside, finding quaint bed and breakfasts as well as luxurious hotels and inventive Baja Med cuisine, it takes your mind and palate off day to day life.


2 Responses to “Baja Summer Trip - Valle de Guadalupe Wine Country”:

  1. Anonymous says:

    Wonderful description of Baja, Mexico. I could feel the eternal beauty of the place by the narrative article. Thanks.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Beautiful description of Baja. I could feel the eternal beauty of the place.

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