Por: Arnulfo Manríquez
It shouldn’t, but it still amazes me that people who live in San Diego/Los Angeles/Southern California and are wine lovers, haven’t visited Valle de Guadalupe. Being so close and yet so far for many. The truth is that one can spend a whole day in Valle de Guadalupe, leaving early and returning at night after a delicious dinner at one of my favorite restaurants. But it is important to go with a plan if it is your first time. I can wake up on a Sunday, decide to go to Valle without a plan, and have an incredible time, but I’ve been visiting for years.
Here are some tips on how to make the best of a day at Valle de Guadalupe:
First plan for breakfast arriving Valle, around 9:30/10:00 with reservation, there are so many restaurants of all types and prices. I recommend a reservation at Cuarzo, there are several breakfast options, with meat and vegetarian dishes, a good lavender mimosa or pure sparkling wine, or some coffee.
I like Eggs Benedict with meat, but there are many options. Fresh homemade conchas are served to your table with jam while you wait for breakfast to arrive, sometimes we ask for seconds.
After breakfast, I recommend going to spend two hours in a vineyard that you want to know about or that is recommended, I recommend CASA MAGONI. Starting at 12:00, every weekend they have live music, you can sit outside under a 400-year-old tree enjoying such rich wines, whether, from valle-raised grapes or grapes that come from Italian clones that bring old-world traditions, that is their reserve line. Yes, I really like their reserve tasting, but all their wines are very good.
After about two hours, go out to see another vineyard, and depending on what you are looking for, either a vineyard with beautiful views or one that is more recognized for its wines, then decide. You can search for which one you want to explore.
On this occasion, I recommend Viña Emiliana, which overlooks its vineyards and the mountains to the north of Valle. There you can ask for a tasting; I prefer a bottle of their Nebbiolo Reserve or their Cabernet Sauvignon MAN CAB. Ask for Miguel or Laura and they will talk to you about their wines and share everything they know about Valle and its vineyards. Other options near there would be Emevé, Casta de Vinos, or Pijoan Wines.
To end your day in Valle de Guadalupe, a good dinner at Lunarios with a reservation at 4:30/5:00 pm, you can order a 4 or 6-course dinner, with or without wine pairing. It is a lot of food so, if you are hungry and eat a lot, then order the 6 courses, but 4 courses are enough. The whole table must decide which one they want. I have spent 3-4 hours in a 6-course dinner enjoying friendship, laughter, delicious dinner, and delicious wines. Lunarios change their food menu every first Thursday of the month, so each month you will find different dishes. Chef Sheyla Alvarado has a lot of creativity when cooking and they always have a very good pairing with wines. Finish with your cup of coffee and get ready for the trip back home. Always make sure someone can drive you back. There are many other restaurants to choose from, but I have lived days like this in Valle and I have had a great time.
Follow this plan since it does not have many deviations and you will be able to enjoy your day in Valle de Guadalupe.
