Valle de Guadalupe: Private Wine Tasting Tour with Local Driver

Summary

Private driver wine tour in Valle de Guadalupe with tastings

You’ll wander through organic gardens at Finca La Carrodilla, taste bold Mexican wines at boutique vineyards with your local driver handling all logistics, and maybe even try horseback riding if you’re up for it. Expect fresh air, honest flavors, friendly faces — and moments you’ll remember every time you uncork something new.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the wheel, our driver Luis waved us into the van before I’d even finished my coffee — he had that easy smile you get from living close to vineyards. The drive out of Ensenada was all golden light and dust, and I kept catching whiffs of wild sage through the open window. First stop: Finca La Carrodilla. I’m not usually one for gardens, but walking past rows of tomatoes and basil (and a goat that eyed my shoelaces), it felt like someone’s backyard more than a big winery. Luis pointed out the chickens scratching under fig trees — “they eat better than me,” he joked.

I didn’t expect to actually taste vegetables at a wine place, but they brought out these tiny carrots with sea salt before we tried their Syrah. The wine was earthy, almost peppery — or maybe that was just the garden air mixing in. Next up was Vina de Frannes. The guide there poured us something deep red and told stories about how Mexican wines are finally getting noticed outside Baja. I tried repeating the name of one grape in Spanish; everyone laughed (nicely). The sun got higher and everything smelled warm — like dry grass and old barrels.

Monte Xanic came after lunch (which I probably ate too quickly — grilled fish, lots of lime). This place is older, more established, but still relaxed. We sat on a low wall overlooking the vines while someone’s dog wandered between tables looking for crumbs. Honestly, by then I’d lost track of which glass was which, but not in a bad way. There’s something about Valle de Guadalupe that makes you slow down without realizing it.

If you want to ride horses at some point, they’ll set it up at this little hotel nearby — I skipped it because my legs were already wobbly from wine, but another couple came back grinning and covered in dust. On the way back, Luis handed out cold bottled water and told us about his favorite taco stand in Ensenada (I wrote it down but can’t find the note now). Still think about those garden smells sometimes when I open a bottle at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and horseback riding

• Visit Finca La Carrodilla winery
• Walk vegetable garden and small farm
• Taste wines at Vina de Frannes
• Enjoy wine tasting at Monte Xanic
• Horseback riding at Boutique Hotel
• Dine at Fuego Cocina Del Valle

Top questions

How long does the Valle de Guadalupe private wine tour last?

The tour includes several winery stops and typically lasts most of the day.

Are wine tastings included on this private driver tour?

Tastings are available at each winery; fees may vary by location.

Is transportation provided during the Valle de Guadalupe tour?

Yes, a private driver is included throughout your day trip.

Can children join this Valle de Guadalupe wine tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infant seats are available if needed.

Is horseback riding part of the itinerary?

Horseback riding is offered as an optional activity for an extra fee.

Are meals or snacks included on this private wine tour?

No full meal is included by default; some wineries offer snacks or small bites with tastings.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

The tour includes transportation with a local driver; check with your provider for specific pickup options.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout your journey with a private local driver guiding you between each winery stop in Valle de Guadalupe. Horseback riding can be arranged for an additional fee if you’d like to add that experience along the way.