Valle de Guadalupe is the wine region located in Baja California, Mexico. It's approximately a 1.5 - 2 hour drive from San Diego. It's a 40 minute drive from Ensenada if you're familiar with that area.
Because we like it there! The landscape and architecture of the area is really unique. That along with the amazing food and wine options keep us coming back.
When crossing the border back and forth between Baja and San Diego, you'll need to have a valid passport or other acceptable identification handy. When entering the United States, U.S. citizens are required to show passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST) or an Enhanced Driver's License.
The easiest way is to drive. You can take the 1D freeway which is a toll road along the pacific coast (think PCH but in Baja). Ride shares are hard to come by in Valle de Guadalupe so if you're comfortable driving, that's the way to go. Just be aware that most of the wineries are off of dirt roads so it's preferable to have a vehicle with some clearance such as an SUV or truck.
Most major car rental companies allow their renters to drive the vehicle from the United States to Mexico. However, there are restrictions and only a few locations allow rental cars to cross the border. Read the terms and conditions of the suppliers below or better yet, contact them directly if you plan on renting a car and driving to the venue in Valle de Guadalupe. You will need to acquire an automobile insurance from a Mexican company since your U.S. insurance is not valid. That's why it is important to coordinate with your provider and read their policies. Avis Budget Dollar Enterprise Fox Rent a Car Hertz National Thrifty
There are tons of shuttle services and private transportation companies that will pick you up from the San Diego border and take you around Valle de Guadalupe (and vice versa). There are lots of options online to book private transportation so we recommend doing a little research and booking well ahead of time as July is peak season for Valle. If you can book a van or mini bus with lots of people, even better for your wallet! Here are some viable options: Baja Winery Tours - https://bajawinerytours.com/private-transportation/ Wine Eat and Travel - https://www.wineeatandtravel.com/privatetransportation Valle Guadalupe Baja - https://www.valleguadalupebaja.com/transportation/ Ensenada Excursions and Tours - https://www.ensenadaexcursionsandtours.com/private-transportation
If you have global entry you can use the SENTRI lane and it is usually a fraction of the time. Think fast lane at Disneyland. Every individual in the vehicle must have global entry or SENTRI though in order to pass. If not everyone has it you can drop off the others so they can walk across the border. This usually tends to be a quicker option as well.
There are lots of options in Valle de Guadalupe. Check out Booking.com, Airbnb, and VRBO for hotels and BnB's in the area. Alternatively, if you want to stay closer to the beach, you can stay in Ensenada or Rosarito, each are about a 45 minute drive to the wedding venue in Valle de Guadalupe. Just keep in mind the wedding reception ends at midnight and driving can be dicey at night if you're unfamiliar with the roads. Our recommendation is to stay in Valle de Guadalupe and book far in advance since July is a popular month. We have set up a hotel booking page for you with specially negotiated group rates that you can use. These rates are special group rates that are typically very large discounts that are not available to the general public. Just copy and past the following link (it tends to work better on a laptop or desktop computer): https://zola.hotelplanner.com/EventPage7735562 The hotels that we recommend staying at based on quality and proximity to the venue are the following: El Cielo Resort Maglen Resort Contemplacion Resort & Spa La Cima del Valle Hotel Prajna Valle de Guadalupe
Semi-formal to formal. The ceremony and reception are both outside and it's going to be the middle of July so wear lighter clothes if you can. But also bring a jacket because it can get chilly at night!
Although we love your little ones, this is an adult only affair.