Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California is home to some of the most eclectic, untouched and marvelous wineries on the West Coast, but getting there can be intimidating. On Saturday, April 9, The Wine Pub, at 2907 Shelter Island Drive, hosts its premiere customized wine tour for a relaxed trip across the border to share the magic and charm of Baja with its customers. The event is sold out, with the next event set for Saturday, May 21. Reservations are required and are available at thewinepubsd.com.
Typical trips across the border include long waits, dirt roads to wineries and perhaps some wrong directions. On the other hand, getaways with The Wine Pub are made easy, and every trip is guaranteed a new, intimate experience impossible to duplicate.
“When I first discovered Valle de Guadalupe, I completely fell in love with the spirit of this nearly undiscovered wine and food destination,” said Sandy Hanshaw, owner of The Wine Pub. “I want to share that experience with other wine lovers and adventure seekers — hassle-free.”
The itinerary will begin as participants gather at the pub and jump into a large van for an 8:30 a.m. departure. After a trip across the border, the bus will make a late-breakfast taco stop at a hidden gem in Tijuana’s booming street-food scene before continuing the journey to Valle de Guadalupe. The rest of the day will include winery hopping for exquisite tastings at Adobe Guadalupe, La Lomita and Torres Alegre y Familia.
Each trip will have a new set of guest appearances from wine experts and winegrowers. For the April 9 trip, special guest wine connoisseur and Baja California expert Fernando Gaxiola will guide the tour with insight into the region’s history, winemakers and wines. Gaxiola owns the largest importer of Baja wines, Baja Food + Wine, which represents and promotes boutique, family-owned and artisan wineries from Valle de Guadalupe — the region that produces 90 percent of artisan Mexican wine.
The adventurous and pleasurable excursion ends with dinner at Michelin star chef Drew Deckman’s restaurant, Deckmans en el Mogor. According to Hanshaw, the farm-to-table experience “is the best way to end a day engaging your senses and raising a glass to great memories and new friends.”
Tickets for Valle de Guadalupe wine tours are $195 a person and include transportation, border fast pass, Tijuana food stop, all tastings and dinner at Deckman’s. Drinks during dinner and driver tips are not included.
The Wine Pub s located at 2907 Shelter Island Drive. Reservations for the May 21 event are required and are available at thewinepubsd.com.
