Page 12 - ARUBA TODAY

A12 WORLD NEWS
Tuesday 27 February 2018

Mexico wine country: Foodie paradise and tastings in Baja

By NICOLE EVATT namic sister location, Finca tive of Mexican families. rable meal of the trip was HIP HOTELS
Associated Press La Carrodilla, are commit- It's one of the largest, old- Finca's grilled pacific oc- Though gourmet food is a
ENSENADA, Mexico (AP) ted to organic farming. est and well-manicured topus ($8.75) in a mouth- steal in Valle, expect fewer
— Wine lovers, listen up: Lomita's tiny, but trendy properties in the area. The watering citrus soy sauce. frills and pricier rates from
There's a little-known gem tasting room is known for winery's dry and fruity mal- Don't forget to check out the boutique hotels pop-
just south of the border its artsy ambiance and bec ($37 per bottle) was a the gorgeous grounds and ping up throughout the
called Valle de Guadal- ruby red rose, a marshmal- standout. Tastings are $10- the larger-than-life wine area.
upe. low and caramel flavored $17 and bottles range from barrel viewing decks, per- Villas Maglen: This newly
It's a bit dustier and rougher built, centrally located ho-
around the edges than Cal- tel has six desert-chic villas
ifornia's prized Napa Val- grouped around fire pits,
ley, but Baja's wine country a small pool and an onsite
offers a relaxed, unpreten- restaurant.
tious, budget-friendly ex- Adobe Guadalupe: Ex-
perience clustered along a plore the valley’s vineyards
main highway in this region via horseback while staying
of Mexico known as the in this stunning, hacienda-
Ruta del Vino. style hotel.
The fast-growing wine Encuentro Guadalupe: This
mecca just two hours south unique property offers 22
of San Diego is home to hip modern, eco-friendly pods
boutique hotels, an impres- with sweeping vineyard
sive culinary scene and views.
more than 100 wineries to
satisfy the most discerning PLAN LIKE A PRO
of aficionados. You can fly into Tijuana Air-
The greenest and busiest port or cross the border by
time to visit is May through car. To drive, you’ll need
September, but other a passport, a tourist card,
months welcome serious also called an FMM (Forma
connoisseurs looking for a Migratoria Multiple), and
quieter trip with more per- Mexican car insurance,
sonal attention — often which can be purchased in
from the winemakers them- advance from a number of
selves. Add in a few crisp This Oct. 16, 2017 photo shows wine during a tasting at Monte Xanic winery in Valle de Guadal- companies.
evenings spent sipping upe, Ensenada Municipality, Baja California, Mexico. Visit on weekdays to avoid
your favorite chardonnay (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt) crowded tasting rooms and
by a fire pit and you've got traffic jams at the border,
yourself a memorable wine but note that many winer-
getaway with a fraction of dream ($11.82 per bottle). $12-$53. fect for stargazing with a ies are only open Thursday-
the fuss. Tastings range from $12- nightcap. Sunday and most close by
$21. FOOD FINDS Adobe Food Truck: For a 5 p.m. You can check bor-
SIP TIPS Villa Montefiori: Set back off Come for the wine, but stay casual lunch with outdoor der wait times online.
Vinas de Garza: This roman- the main road, Montefiori's for the food. Valle de Gua- seating, stop by this popu- Credit cards are widely ac-
tic hilltop tasting room has tasting room is a large view- dalupe's restaurants serve lar food truck serving sand- cepted throughout Valle,
some of the best views in ing deck perched above up artistic, creative haute wiches, salads and tapas. but it may handy to pick up
the valley. Tastings range its sprawling vineyard. They cuisine with a more palat- Many plates are $5 or less. pesos before you arrive.
from $10-$16. Don't leave boast "Mexican wines with able price than a compa- Deckman's: Dine under the You can bring one liter of
without trying the Blanco an Italian heart" with vines rable meal stateside. stars with an outdoor kitch- alcohol back per person,
del Rancho Mogorcito, a imported from owner Paolo Finca Altozano: This rus- en helmed by Michelin- duty free, to the United
delightful sauvignon blanc- Paoloni's home country, It- tic, Instagram-friendly, starred chef Drew Deck- States. Pay a small fee at
chardonnay blend that de- aly. Try a glass for $4, tast- steakhouse whips up lo- man. The locally grown, the border for additional
livers bright, fruity, unoaked ings range from $6-$24 and cally sourced, seasonal de- farm-to-table fare includes bottles.
flavors ($17.10 per bottle). bottles run $16-$64. lights like wood-fired quall Thai curry mussels ($12.75) You’re allowed five liters
Hacienda la Lomita: Fami- Monte Xanic: This lakeside ($13.25) and ahi tuna tosta- and a five-course tasting per passenger when travel-
ly-run Lomita, and its biody- oasis is owned by a collec- das ($5). The most memo- menu for $39.80. ing by plane. q