Northern Baja, Mexico and the wine country

On our trailer trip 10 years ago we did not stop in the wine country. Back then we were driving a giant Suburban and dragging a 28ft travel trailer. Not the easiest vehicle to navigate on this slim Mexican roadway. Back then our concern was to stay on the road and not venture off onto the dirt. This trip we were looking forward to exploring a little of this beautiful olive-tree-rich area with acres and acres of vineyards. We were not disappointed. The first valley which we spent most of our time in was the Valle de Guadalupe. The offerings were vast and we visited a variety of vineyards. On the northern end of route 3 we started with a tour of L.A. Cetto. It is Italian owned and the largest winery in Latin America. I was thinking… kind of like visiting the Budweiser plant in Fort Collins. The difference was, Mike and I and another couple from main land Mexico were the only visitors. Our tour guide was a charming kid who switched back and forth between Spanish and English at an alarming rate. L.A. Cetto has it all together with a lovely tasting room, gift shop, grounds and gardens. We bought a couple of bottles of very affordable wine and moved on.

I can’t recall the name of the second place we stopped, it was very small, possibly a combination of several vineyards who opened a very hip outside restaurant and tasting room. We sat under white sails, looked over the vineyards, ate excellent snacks, tasted excellent wine and played Frisbee with one of the smartest dogs I have ever met.

That evening we stayed the Posada Inn, (Mision de Guadalupe, Rancho Maria Teresa). It was a great little place, it had a petting zoo. We had the whole place to ourselves, swimming pools, BBQ’s, and lovely gardens. The Posada Inn is right on Route 3 and not expensive (around $60 USD).

While Mike was inspecting the grounds he met an engaging fellow who ran the breakfast shop next door. He explained that Birrieria’s La Guadalajara (since 1972) served up traditional Mexican breakfast and lunch. The menu says “Conozca nuestro Asadero de Carnes Selectas” Translates to something like grilled select meats. Anyway we got some. We had our choice of beef head, beef tongue, lamb, or pork. I kind of wanted the beef head but went for the pork, Mike got the lamb. It was delicious.

For breakfast you got the bowl of meat, and on the side; broth, tortillas, radishes, onions, cilantro and several bowls of salsa. Next time I’m getting the beef head, you can’t go wrong at this place. It’s right before Posada Inn on Route 3.