Private Insider Wine & Gastronomy Experiences
Hosted by Chef Marcus & Jamie Guiliano
October 3-11, 2026 | December 5–12, 2026
Private custom travel also available for groups, families, and culinary clubs.
Travel through Baja California’s wine country from the Pacific coast into the mountain vineyards, olive groves, and open desert of Valle de Guadalupe — Mexico’s most exciting wine region.
Date
Destination
Experience
Just two hours south of San Diego, tucked between the Pacific Ocean, rugged mountains, olive groves, vineyards, and open desert, lies a destination that has quietly become one of the most exciting food and wine regions in the world — where Michelin-starred chefs cook over open fire, family wineries still outnumber corporate wineries, and Marcus and Jamie have spent years building friendships throughout Baja that allow guests to experience a side of Mexico most travelers never see.
Pacific coastline, Ensenada’s ocean vistas, the rolling vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe, ancient oak groves, dramatic canyon landscapes, and the hidden boutique estates that make Baja feel personal, layered, and alive.
Private winery visits with the owners themselves, sunset tastings overlooking the valley, long lunches under ancient oak trees, conversations with winemaking pioneers, Michelin-starred Baja-Med cuisine, family recipes shared in intimate settings, and the warmth of Mexican wine country hospitality shaped by years of genuine friendship.
Join one of our hosted Valle de Guadalupe departures — @October 3, 2026 → October 11, 2026 or @December 5, 2026 → December 12, 2026 — or ask us to design a private version for your own group.
Instead, private winery experiences, producer relationships, owner introductions, family hospitality, long lunches, small groups, and insider access. Because often the owner becomes your guide.
Expect wood-fired meats, Pacific seafood, handmade tortillas, estate olive oils, local cheeses, farm-raised lamb, vegetables harvested hours before dinner, and the kind of Baja-Med cooking that reminds you Mexico’s wine country is one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the world. Every meal is part of the story. Every bottle comes with a face and a name.
Eight-day immersive itinerary
Each day is designed around the rhythm of place: mountain vineyards, Pacific coastline, canyon wineries, boutique estates, Ensenada’s vibrant culture, and the family hospitality that defines Baja California.
Arrive in San Diego and cross into Baja California. The journey begins with a lobster lunch at Villa Ortega’s in Puerto Nuevo, one of the world’s largest lobster ports, with breathtaking ocean views. Continue into the mountains for cocktails at Tahona Baja, a unique mezcal bar housed within two vintage 80-year-old shrimping boats on a mountainside. As the afternoon wanes, visit Viñas de la Erre for a private sunset tasting with Ernesto, a pioneering first-generation winemaker. Check into Maglen Resort, then dinner at Kings and Queens, one of the valley’s most vibrant dining venues.
Start with a breathtaking sunrise at Maglen Resort, then breakfast at Huevos Republic. Embark on a scenic drive into the canyon to visit Solar Fortun, where Javier and his brother craft Rhône-style blends in an open-air kitchen — canasta tacos and unforgettable tuna tartare with strawberries and avocado await. Continue to Hilo Negro, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, for a guided tasting and early dinner before returning to Maglen Resort.
Today takes you to Bruma Winery to meet Lulu, the valley’s celebrated winemaker with 15 years of experience from a prestigious Château in Bordeaux. Enjoy a personal session tasting her creations and hearing her stories. A short walk leads to Fauna, acclaimed as one of the best restaurants in Latin America, for lunch. In the late afternoon, visit Xolo Winery, one of the newest additions to the valley, with its exceptional wines and serene lake. Return to Maglen Resort for a relaxing evening.
Begin at La Cocina de Doña Esthela for authentic dishes like Lamb Birria and fresh corn pancakes — a rustic farm-to-table eatery beloved by Anthony Bourdain and Rick Bayless. Then visit Monte Xanic, a pioneer in crafting world-class wines, for a VIP tasting overlooking the vineyard and private lake, with vines over 80 years old. Lunch at Primitivo by the lake, then check into the iconic Adobe Guadalupe estate — six guest rooms around a tranquil courtyard — with a wine reception hosted by Mrs. Miller. Sunset dinner at Deckman’s, renowned for its exceptional farm-to-table offerings.
Enjoy breakfast in Mrs. Miller’s kitchen at Adobe Guadalupe. Visit Bodegas Henri Lurton, where the Lurton brothers from Margaux, France craft some of the valley’s most refined wines in an authentic warehouse setting. Stroll next door to Clos Benoit for an intimate tasting on Ben’s front lawn under native trees — only three wines, each from different vintages. Cross the street to Casa Magoni, where Camilo Magoni, affectionately known as the godfather of Valle de Guadalupe wine, hosts a relaxed afternoon under an old oak tree, sharing wines, stories, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Dinner at Finca Altozano, Chef Javier Plascencia’s exquisite open-air farm-to-table restaurant.
After a final breakfast at Adobe Guadalupe, visit Cava Marcella in the lesser-known Ojos Negros Valley for cave-aged cheese tasting. Continue to Ensenada’s Wine Warehouse District to visit Madera 5, where many local wineries begin their journey, for an informal tasting. Check into Torre Lucerna Hotel, Ensenada’s premier luxury hotel on the Pacific Ocean. In the evening, stroll next door for a wine reception and dinner at Raw Escala with Jaime Palafox, a noted vintner from La Grulla Wine Valley.
Start with a leisurely breakfast at Torre Lucerna overlooking dolphins in the bay. Visit the Black Market, a bustling hub of fresh seafood and local crafts. Continue to Le Guerrerense, the most famous ceviche spot in Mexico, celebrated by Rick Bayless and Anthony Bourdain. In the afternoon, visit Santo Tomas, the oldest winery in Baja established in 1888, for a history lesson and tasting. Dinner at Di Tony’s, an intimate six-table Italian restaurant, followed by margaritas at the birthplace of the margarita.
Visit Viña de Frannes for a final wine tasting on their stunning deck with panoramic vineyard views. Stop at El Pan Meyor, widely celebrated as Mexico’s best bakery, for fresh baked goods and edible souvenirs. Take the scenic route through Tecate back to San Diego, carrying with you lasting memories of the tastes, sights, and spirits of Mexico’s wine country.
Expect to explore: Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese, Barbera, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. From bold reds shaped by ancient granite soils to crisp whites influenced by Pacific breezes — the diversity here rivals the great wine regions of Europe.
Many of the wines produced here are unavailable in the United States. Several wineries produce only a few thousand cases annually. This is a rare opportunity to discover wines few people outside Mexico ever experience.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the closest major US airport. Cross the border at San Ysidro or Otay Mesa. Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) also works for guests flying from within Mexico.
Yes. Valle de Guadalupe is in Baja California, Mexico. A valid passport is required for US citizens.
Yes. Arrival and departure transportation during the hosted experience is included.
Absolutely. Whether you’re deeply into wine or simply curious, this experience is designed for all levels.
Light to moderate. Expect walking through vineyards, winery visits, and uneven terrain at some boutique estates.
Yes. We assist guests with purchases whenever possible, though shipping regulations vary.
This is the smallest group departure we offer. Space is intentionally limited.
Comfortable walking shoes, smart casual dinner attire, layers for cooler evenings, sun protection, and room in your suitcase for discoveries.
Because we built this through relationships, not reservations. We don’t simply show you places. We introduce you to them.
Space is intentionally limited. Many of the wineries, restaurants, and experiences included simply cannot accommodate large groups. Once the trip is full, it is full. Leave your details and Marcus or Jamie will personally share more tour details.
Your details are used only to follow up about the Valle de Guadalupe hosted journey or private travel request.
