The spiky, stylized blue agave plants covering the hillsides near the small town of Tequila have long been the crowning jewel of Mexico’s booming beverage industry. But these days, it’s wine, not tequila, that inspires the next trend in tourism in Mexico.
Drive just two hours from San Diego, and you’ll hit the landlocked Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. These dusty, dramatic, lunar-like landscapes hide one of the world’s most exciting new wine regions. Visitors increasingly journey south to sample the region’s sought-after wine, discovering stylish new boutique hotels, award-winning dining options, and a dizzying array of wineries along the way.
But Wine?
You wouldn’t be the first to question how good a Mexican wine can be, especially when spirits dominated the country’s production and palate for generations.
The Americas have produced little wine beyond the United States and the powerhouse regions of Chile and Argentina. Sure, the latter made Malbec a staple and introduced vinophiles to varietals like Torrontes. However, Valle de Guadalupe increasingly earns international acclaim for its wines from an impressive array of grapes, notably Nebbiolo, Merlot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.
“Many people are surprised to learn about how great Mexican wine can be,” says Ivan Maa. He’s the Bar Manager & Wine Specialist at the newly debuted Kimpton Mas Olas Resort and Spa, a stunning sanctuary for farm-fresh food and holistic wellness located in Todos Santos, Mexico, south of Valle de Guadalupe and just an hour north of Los Cabos.
“Valle de Guadalupe is really known as the Napa Valley of Mexico, and though it’s well known in Mexico, its fame is still growing elsewhere,” says Maa. “In the United States, for example, export of these wines is still limited, so very few people outside of Southern California have ever even heard of them.”
More Than Just Wine
That’s starting to change — and fast. What began as just a handful of tiny wineries in the 1990s has quickly grown into the country’s largest producer of wines, with more than 200 wineries in this area alone.
Boutique hotels with just a few rooms have popped up left and right to welcome visitors, though larger resort-style properties centered around experiencing local wines first-hand are some of the most popular places to stay with wine connoisseurs.
One property, El Cielo Resort, boasts 95 suites and a winery spanning 200 acres. The land bears grapes ranging from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, almost all certified organic. In addition to its winery, the luxury resort offers two specialty restaurants, including the Michelin-recommended Latitud 32, ensuite spa services, a pool, and a hassle-free border-to-door car service.
Mira Earth Studios
Wine tastings and tours are the indisputable initial draw to Valle de Guadalupe. Still, visitors discover the area offers much more, even for those who can’t tell the difference between a Cabernet and a Chardonnay. One of the region’s impressive boutique properties, MIRA Earth Studios, doesn’t have its own winery, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming the ultimate Valle de Guadalupe destination.
“We feel incredibly lucky to have found this spot,” says MIRA Earth Studios co-founder Nick Kendall. He conceptualized and designed MIRA alongside Nicaraguan architect Juniette Bermudez, introducing the property’s six first rooms in 2023 and another four this year. “MIRA’s uniqueness starts with its location. The rock formations and valley views are breathtaking… Rammed earth walls create a tranquil atmosphere, making MIRA a space you won’t want to leave.” Green roofs and all-natural colors and materials of the construction help it feel like a natural extension of the energy and beauty of its hillside location overlooking wine country.
Each room at MIRA feels like a private spa, with features like a jacuzzi and sauna, private outdoor space, “not-so-mini bar” and kitchen, and thoughtful design throughout. “It’s a complete wellness experience in the privacy of your room,” Kendall muses. MIRA is an experience worth traveling for in its own right; its proximity to the best of this buzzy region only makes it even more enticing.
Exploring Valle de Guadalupe
Alongside wineries, the area boasts an increasing array of gourmet, farm-fresh restaurants and eateries offering everything from fine dining to street food. Want to experience it all? “The classic car tour is a standout experience,” says Kendall. This MIRA highlight is an impossibly cool way to experience the region’s best attractions.
“Eddie Everett, who owns Rancho Sordo Mudo where MIRA is located, has an amazing collection of classic cars and loves giving the tours himself. He’s lived in the valley for over 50 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and charm to the experience. Guests love being driven in style to the wineries, and it makes for fantastic photo opportunities.”
In a way, not having an on-site winery at MIRA gives guests an even greater advantage. The property’s earth-honoring beauty invites visitors to explore one of Mexico’s most enchanting corners.
Little Luxuries
Despite Valle de Guadalupe’s incredible growth in the past decade, Kendall insists there is much more to come. MIRA is also working to open its new culinary concept with the help of some of Mexico’s best and brightest young chefs.
“I expect more restaurants, wineries, and hotels to open, and I hope to see more international brands…enter the market. This will help establish the region as a true luxury destination and push everyone to raise the bar on service, amenities, and quality,” he says.
In the meantime, Mexican wine’s growing profile centered in this multi-faceted destination positions Valle de Guadalupe as a place you’ll surely hear more about. That’s something that even those who know nothing about wine can love.
