Valle de Guadalupe

Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico's Wine Route: a semi-desert valley between Ensenada and Tecate that produces the vast majority of Mexican wine, with well over a hundred wine projects ranging from historic giants to garage-sized boutique wineries. Over the last decade it added open-air restaurants, design hotels and a food scene that now competes internationally. It's the most "special occasion" day trip you can make from Rosarito.

The classic format is two or three wineries in a day —more is rookie ambition— alternating tastings with one long meal at a campestre restaurant set among the vines. Among the best-known, easiest houses to visit are L.A. Cetto, the valley's biggest and oldest; Monte Xanic, pioneer of premium Mexican wine; and Adobe Guadalupe, with its hacienda surrounded by vineyards. Nearly all charge for tastings, and many credit the fee toward a bottle purchase.

The most intense time is harvest: from late July to late August the valley celebrates the Fiestas de la Vendimia, with dozens of events, tastings, concerts and the traditional paella contest. It's the best and worst time at once: the valley is at its peak, but prices climb and without reservations you won't get in anywhere.

Mind the logistics: distances inside the valley are deceiving, many roads between wineries are still dirt, and the whole point is drinking. If nobody in your group wants to stay dry, book a tour with transport from Rosarito or Ensenada, or agree on an actual designated driver.

Great for

• ◆Couples and wine-loving groups of friends
• ◆One long meal among the vineyards
• ◆Celebrating something special without going to Napa
• ◆August, if you're up for harvest season (with reservations)