Travel with Chef Marcus & Jamie Guiliano
*We take you to the best spots in Valle de Guadalupe Baja Mexico
*Very small group wine & food tours
*Fall in love with Mexican wine country
Ready to book or get more info (845) 647-3000, ask for Marcus
Below is sample 7 day tour schedule
Day 1 ~ Sunday
Your Mexican Wine experience begins in San Diego. We meet at the airport, which is 5 minutes from downtown. If you arrive early you are welcome to enjoy San Diego at your leisure. Our luxury shuttle will take us down the coast crossing into Mexico thru San Ysidro California.
Enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean and the small Mexican towns along the coast. We will make a stop in the legendary Puerto Nuevo for lobster. Travelers from all over the world stop here for Lobster!
Restaurant Villa Ortega's is the iconic spot here.
After we eat lobster and other Mexican classics we will begin our journey into the mountains. This is our entrance into the famous Valle de Guadalupe wine region. We will make a stop at Tahona Baja as we enter the Valle de Guadalupe. The property has two 80-year-old shrimping boats set in the middle of the vineyard. Our friend Barbara will take great care of us! Here we will watch these amazing bartenders shake us up some cocktails!
Next, we are off to our vineyard resort. El Cielo is a luxury oasis with a winery, restaurant, and villas all on one property. Here we will check-in and relax for a bit. We will all meet for our opening reception, dinner and wine in the garden BBQ area of the vineyard. Here we will watch dinner being cooked in front of us on slow wood-fired Rotisseries. We will also taste a variety of El Cielo’s wines. There is no rush here. Our villas are just a short walk back.
Your Mexican Wine experience begins in San Diego. We meet at the airport, which is 5 minutes from downtown. If you arrive early you are welcome to enjoy San Diego at your leisure. Our luxury shuttle will take us down the coast crossing into Mexico thru San Ysidro California.
Enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean and the small Mexican towns along the coast. We will make a stop in the legendary Puerto Nuevo for lobster. Travelers from all over the world stop here for Lobster!
Restaurant Villa Ortega's is the iconic spot here.
After we eat lobster and other Mexican classics we will begin our journey into the mountains. This is our entrance into the famous Valle de Guadalupe wine region. We will make a stop at Tahona Baja as we enter the Valle de Guadalupe. The property has two 80-year-old shrimping boats set in the middle of the vineyard. Our friend Barbara will take great care of us! Here we will watch these amazing bartenders shake us up some cocktails!
Next, we are off to our vineyard resort. El Cielo is a luxury oasis with a winery, restaurant, and villas all on one property. Here we will check-in and relax for a bit. We will all meet for our opening reception, dinner and wine in the garden BBQ area of the vineyard. Here we will watch dinner being cooked in front of us on slow wood-fired Rotisseries. We will also taste a variety of El Cielo’s wines. There is no rush here. Our villas are just a short walk back.
- Leave San Diego 12 noon
- Lunch in Punto Nuevo at Villa Ortega’s
- Cocktails at Tahona Baja
- Check into El Cielo Winery & Resort
- Reception with wine followed by dinner in the garden
This trip is the smallest trip we have done, space is limited
Ready to book or get more info (845) 647-3000, ask for Marcus
Day 2 ~ Monday
Day 2, feel free to get up early and walk the property and catch the sunrise. Breakfast will be at the resort’s restaurant, Latitude. Latitude features Yucatan Baja Fusion cuisine. You are welcome to stop in at your leisure and enjoy breakfast.
Our daily travel will start with a short ride to the North end of the valley to Bruma. Bruma is one of the most fascinating wineries in the valley. This is the winery that attracts celebrities. We just missed Mel Gibson on our first visit. And the restaurant is just as impressive. Here we will take a tour and taste their wines. Lulu, one of the most famous Mexican winemakers, calls this home. She also makes wines at another winery that we will be visiting later in the trip.
As for the restaurant at Bruma, Fauna is considered one of Mexico’s best restaurants! Here we will explore a farm-to-table experience with wine, of course!
We are at the northernmost part of the wine valley. Our next stop is just across the street to Chateau Camou. Here we will meet with Sergio, the winemaker for a tour and tasting. This winery has been winning gold medals internationally since 2000. And you will see why.
Then we head back to El Cielo for our official wine tour and tasting followed by a deck dinner in their restaurant while the sunsets.
Day 2, feel free to get up early and walk the property and catch the sunrise. Breakfast will be at the resort’s restaurant, Latitude. Latitude features Yucatan Baja Fusion cuisine. You are welcome to stop in at your leisure and enjoy breakfast.
Our daily travel will start with a short ride to the North end of the valley to Bruma. Bruma is one of the most fascinating wineries in the valley. This is the winery that attracts celebrities. We just missed Mel Gibson on our first visit. And the restaurant is just as impressive. Here we will take a tour and taste their wines. Lulu, one of the most famous Mexican winemakers, calls this home. She also makes wines at another winery that we will be visiting later in the trip.
As for the restaurant at Bruma, Fauna is considered one of Mexico’s best restaurants! Here we will explore a farm-to-table experience with wine, of course!
We are at the northernmost part of the wine valley. Our next stop is just across the street to Chateau Camou. Here we will meet with Sergio, the winemaker for a tour and tasting. This winery has been winning gold medals internationally since 2000. And you will see why.
Then we head back to El Cielo for our official wine tour and tasting followed by a deck dinner in their restaurant while the sunsets.
- Breakfast at Latitude 32
- Bruma tasting and tour
- Lunch at Fauna
- Chateau Camou wine tasting and tour
- Dinner Tour, Tasting at El Cielo on the deck
This trip is the smallest trip we have done, space is limited
Ready to book or get more info (845) 647-3000, ask for Marcus
Day 3 ~ Tuesday
Enjoy breakfast in our hospitality suite at the resort.
Today we head off to La Cucina de Dona Esthela. This is the most well-known breakfast spot in Mexico. It’s off the beaten path, but gets lots of visitors. Here they are famous for Barbacoa Lamb, Chili Chilaquiles, and Corn Pancakes with local Ricotta and Honey.
Next we are headed down to winery row next. Our first stop is a French family that settled here to claim their mark in the Valley. Henri Lurton, the owner of the Grand Cru Classé, Château Brane-Cantenac in Margaux, with the support of his eldest sons, Vincent and Nicolas, has placed a confident bid on Baja California. These two brothers are making some of the best wines in the valley. There is no sign or official tasting room here so you would drive right by. And that would be terrible. But we know them and serve their wine at our restaurant.
Our next two stops are on the same road, thus winery row! Just a football field away is Clos Benoit. Ben, the owner, is from California. His retirement plan turned him and his wife into one of the smallest wineries in the valley. They make around 600 cases of wine, a white and red. Both wines are modeled after Chateauneuf du Pape. We are tasting wine here in Ben’s front yard or living room depending on the weather.
Next, we head out to Casa Magioni (same block). Here is home to the Godfather of Mexican wine! Camillo Magoni was born in Morbegno, Italy, which borders the Swiss city of Engadina. He moved to Mexico in the ’70s to make wine. And is known for growing the most varietals of wine in the region, 114 in total. We will tour and taste wine under the 400-year-old oak tree.
Dinner is at Finca Altozano, yes on the same block. This is Chef Javier Plascencia country steakhouse. Here we will enjoy a farm-to-table experience of the valley. Save room for the gelateria shop on the property.
Enjoy breakfast in our hospitality suite at the resort.
Today we head off to La Cucina de Dona Esthela. This is the most well-known breakfast spot in Mexico. It’s off the beaten path, but gets lots of visitors. Here they are famous for Barbacoa Lamb, Chili Chilaquiles, and Corn Pancakes with local Ricotta and Honey.
Next we are headed down to winery row next. Our first stop is a French family that settled here to claim their mark in the Valley. Henri Lurton, the owner of the Grand Cru Classé, Château Brane-Cantenac in Margaux, with the support of his eldest sons, Vincent and Nicolas, has placed a confident bid on Baja California. These two brothers are making some of the best wines in the valley. There is no sign or official tasting room here so you would drive right by. And that would be terrible. But we know them and serve their wine at our restaurant.
Our next two stops are on the same road, thus winery row! Just a football field away is Clos Benoit. Ben, the owner, is from California. His retirement plan turned him and his wife into one of the smallest wineries in the valley. They make around 600 cases of wine, a white and red. Both wines are modeled after Chateauneuf du Pape. We are tasting wine here in Ben’s front yard or living room depending on the weather.
Next, we head out to Casa Magioni (same block). Here is home to the Godfather of Mexican wine! Camillo Magoni was born in Morbegno, Italy, which borders the Swiss city of Engadina. He moved to Mexico in the ’70s to make wine. And is known for growing the most varietals of wine in the region, 114 in total. We will tour and taste wine under the 400-year-old oak tree.
Dinner is at Finca Altozano, yes on the same block. This is Chef Javier Plascencia country steakhouse. Here we will enjoy a farm-to-table experience of the valley. Save room for the gelateria shop on the property.
- Breakfast at Dona Esthela
- Henri Lurton tasting with Nicholas Lurton
- Clos Benoit wine tasting
- Casa Magoni
- Dinner at Finca Altazano
This trip is the smallest trip we have done, space is limited
Ready to book or get more info (845) 647-3000, ask for Marcus
Day 4 ~ Wednesday
We are off for an early lunch, tasting, and a tour with Tru Miller. Here we will explore the Adobe Guadalupe winery. Mrs. Miller has been here since the late 90’s making world-class wine. Her wine has been in many top NYC restaurants over the years. Here will discover some of the best red wines in the valley. As we wander throughout the property we will eventually make our way to the garden. This were will stop and have some lunch in what the locals say is the best food truck in the valley.
The next stop is Daniel at Vinos Melchum. Here we will taste wine from the rooftop overlooking the whole valley. Next, we will stop in the cellar to check out the barrel aging room. After our tour and tasting, we are walking across the parking lot to their award-winning restaurant. Here we will have dinner and more wine.
Then we hed back to the hotel to relax or drink more wine!
We are off for an early lunch, tasting, and a tour with Tru Miller. Here we will explore the Adobe Guadalupe winery. Mrs. Miller has been here since the late 90’s making world-class wine. Her wine has been in many top NYC restaurants over the years. Here will discover some of the best red wines in the valley. As we wander throughout the property we will eventually make our way to the garden. This were will stop and have some lunch in what the locals say is the best food truck in the valley.
The next stop is Daniel at Vinos Melchum. Here we will taste wine from the rooftop overlooking the whole valley. Next, we will stop in the cellar to check out the barrel aging room. After our tour and tasting, we are walking across the parking lot to their award-winning restaurant. Here we will have dinner and more wine.
Then we hed back to the hotel to relax or drink more wine!
- Adobe Guadeloupe tour and tasting, lunch at the food truck
- Hacienda Guadalupe aka Vinos Melchum tasting, tour, and dinner
Day 5 ~ Thursday
It’s our last day at El Cielo. Make sure you haven’t missed the sunrise. Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant.
Our first stop is Monte Xanic. This winery has been around a while and was one of the first wineries to up the quality of wine in the valley. Every wine here is exceptional.
After our tasting, we had to their amazing restaurant on the water. Watch the chefs cook on an open grill.
Now we start our trip down and out of the valley. But our last stop in the valley is Casa de Piedra. Here Daniela, one of the family members, will do our tasting. This winery started as a second home for this family in the valley. Their house quickly turned into a winery, which still is. But they also have a new tasting room and restaurant above the original winery. They are one of the very few wineries here making a traditional method “Champagne” style wine. And oh boy is it impressive! And you will want to smuggle back their Chardonnay, yes it’s that good. We will enjoy an early dinner here with more wine! They asked if we wanted oysters with our “champagne”!
Our final destination is Torre Lucerna. We are staying in the loft rooms on the second floor. It’s the VIP floor! This hotel has it all, including ocean access. The patio and pool are impressive. Here we will relax and maybe have some more wine! After all, this is a wine vacation!
It’s our last day at El Cielo. Make sure you haven’t missed the sunrise. Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant.
Our first stop is Monte Xanic. This winery has been around a while and was one of the first wineries to up the quality of wine in the valley. Every wine here is exceptional.
After our tasting, we had to their amazing restaurant on the water. Watch the chefs cook on an open grill.
Now we start our trip down and out of the valley. But our last stop in the valley is Casa de Piedra. Here Daniela, one of the family members, will do our tasting. This winery started as a second home for this family in the valley. Their house quickly turned into a winery, which still is. But they also have a new tasting room and restaurant above the original winery. They are one of the very few wineries here making a traditional method “Champagne” style wine. And oh boy is it impressive! And you will want to smuggle back their Chardonnay, yes it’s that good. We will enjoy an early dinner here with more wine! They asked if we wanted oysters with our “champagne”!
Our final destination is Torre Lucerna. We are staying in the loft rooms on the second floor. It’s the VIP floor! This hotel has it all, including ocean access. The patio and pool are impressive. Here we will relax and maybe have some more wine! After all, this is a wine vacation!
- Monte Xanic tasting and lunch on the lake
- Casa de Piedra tasting, tour and oysters plus dinner
- Check-in to Torre Lucerna in Ensenda
This trip is the smallest trip we have done, space is limited
Ready to book or get more info (845) 647-3000, ask for Marcus
Day 6 ~ Friday
Wake up to the Pacific Ocean. On our last trip we saw dolphins swimming to the sunrise. Our driver and tour guide will pick us up at 9:45 for breakfast/lunch. We are headed to La Guerrerense, Mexico’s #1 Ceviche spot. Of course, there is more than Ceviche here. Anthony Bourdain and Rick Bayless have all been here!
Next we are headed south to the San Vincente Valley to two wineries. Santo Thomas is the oldest winery in all of Baja. They are the ones who started it all. Here we will get a tasting, tour, and make our own bottle of wine. Yes, we go to the cellar and blend wine from the barrels. Then we label it and bottle it. It’s ours to take home and enjoy later.
Just 10 minutes up the road is our friend Jaime Palafox. Palafox Winery, headed by Jaime and winemaker Lulu, are producing amazing wines. Here we will get a tour, tasting and early dinner with Jaime. Enjoy the beautiful garden he has created for his family.
Back to Ensenada we go! Here you can do an optional visit to Bar Andaluz or back to the hotel. Bar Andaluz claims fame to inventing the Margarita! It’s near the waterfront in an old casino. We can also hop around downtown Ensenda to other hot spots. Tony, our driver is here for us.
Wake up to the Pacific Ocean. On our last trip we saw dolphins swimming to the sunrise. Our driver and tour guide will pick us up at 9:45 for breakfast/lunch. We are headed to La Guerrerense, Mexico’s #1 Ceviche spot. Of course, there is more than Ceviche here. Anthony Bourdain and Rick Bayless have all been here!
Next we are headed south to the San Vincente Valley to two wineries. Santo Thomas is the oldest winery in all of Baja. They are the ones who started it all. Here we will get a tasting, tour, and make our own bottle of wine. Yes, we go to the cellar and blend wine from the barrels. Then we label it and bottle it. It’s ours to take home and enjoy later.
Just 10 minutes up the road is our friend Jaime Palafox. Palafox Winery, headed by Jaime and winemaker Lulu, are producing amazing wines. Here we will get a tour, tasting and early dinner with Jaime. Enjoy the beautiful garden he has created for his family.
Back to Ensenada we go! Here you can do an optional visit to Bar Andaluz or back to the hotel. Bar Andaluz claims fame to inventing the Margarita! It’s near the waterfront in an old casino. We can also hop around downtown Ensenda to other hot spots. Tony, our driver is here for us.
- Early lunch at La Guerrerense
- Santo Tomas tasting, tour and make your own wine
- Palafox winery tour, tasting and dinner
- Bar Andaluz for margaritas
Day 7 ~ Saturday
It’s our last day in Mexico. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. But don’t eat too much. We are headed to Taco el Yaqui for the best tacos in the region. It’s a taco stand in Rosarita. Here you will experience the best street tacos every. They are simple but fantastic!
Next, we start our drive up the coast to San Diego. Upon arrival in San Diego we can drop you off at the airport or you can unwind at our hotel suite in San Diego. Depending on what time your flight leaves you are welcome to join us for dinner and keep your luggage at our hotel.
It’s our last day in Mexico. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. But don’t eat too much. We are headed to Taco el Yaqui for the best tacos in the region. It’s a taco stand in Rosarita. Here you will experience the best street tacos every. They are simple but fantastic!
Next, we start our drive up the coast to San Diego. Upon arrival in San Diego we can drop you off at the airport or you can unwind at our hotel suite in San Diego. Depending on what time your flight leaves you are welcome to join us for dinner and keep your luggage at our hotel.
- Breakfast and checkout at Torre Lucerna
- Lunch stop at Tacos el Yaqui
- Sad Diego to the airport/ hotel and/or dinner.