Rumor: Chef Cosmo Goff to Helm Cava Maciel's Campestre

Here's an update/correction to the post below:

Via David (Valle Wine Life)

I wanted to correct the info from your post today. The chefs name is Cosmo Goss. He is a consultant for the new restaurant at Jorge Maciel’s winery which will be of an Argentinian theme. He will not be the day to day chef.

Cosmo and Michelin starred chef Dan Salls will be collaborating with Jorge Maciel on an upcoming multi purpose project that should be completed sometime in 2019. In addition, Cosmo is a partner with Valle Wine Life on our new retail product line that offers everything from country pickles, infused sea salts, olive oil, merlot honey and much more.

For those who would like to know Cosmo’s food, he will be collaborating with Jorge at the Provino event at Cava Maciel entitled Carne y Vino, Argentina en el Valle on August 14, 2018.

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I was told this tip by someone who has an excellent record of passing along good info, but since I haven't confirmed it I'm tagging this post as rumor..

Cava Maciel's campestre which is slated to open shortly will have a celebrated chef at the helm.  Cosmo Goff formerly of The Publican in Chicago will be bringing his talent to the Valle.

 Cava Maciel - Facebook

New Restaurant: Kopai at Vinos Pijoan

I was wrong (sorry about that).  The campestre operating at Vinos Pijoan this season is not Nomada (as I had previously posted) but rather it is Koipai Cocina.  

Chef Giberto Morales's cooking is inspired by the indigenous people of the Baja peninsula. The official opening is Saturday, June 30. 

Kopai Cocina - Facebook

Vinos Pijoan - Facebook

Vendimia Event: Así Se Va a las Estrellas at Finca Carrodilla - Aug 10

The line-up of chefs is very impressive.

Finca La Carrodilla - Facebook

Trip Report and Photo Gallery: House Inhabit

Baja

Shout Out: WineEnthusiast - Finca Altozano

Finca Altozano is on the list.

Mexico's Top 10 Wine Restaurants

Event: Placeres Eternos at Finca La Divina - August 16

Lechuza, Plascencia, Weeks, Oh my!

Boletos/Tickets

Event: Bodegas Cieli's Celebration Picnic

According to Bodegas Cieli's original announcement their Celebration Picnic was going to be a one day event.  No más. The festivities will now start on June 30 and end on July 8 (they will take the 2nd and 3rd off.)  Monitor BC's Facebook page for additional information.

Bodegas Cieli Winery and Brewery

Vendimia Event: Del Huerto y Viñedo a tu Mesa - August 17

Javier Plascencia always brings big name talent to Finca Altozano for Vendimia.

Boletos/Tickets

Travel Guide: Travel Addicts

This is a solid guide and it looks like they may have brought a drone to the Valle as the post has a couple cool aerial shots.

Mexico's Intriguing Wine Country: Valle de Guadalupe

Ouch! It took them 6 hours to cross back into the U.S. at San Ysidro. I'm going to give my SENTRI card a big hug.

Vendimia Event: Dinner at F Rubio - Aug 18

It's time to start highlighting some special events taking place in the Valle during this year's Fiestas de la Vendimia. 

I'll try to link to a bunch more events this week.

Tickets/Boletos

Early Bird Tickets: Guadalupe Valley Fest

I don't think the musicians or chefs have been announced but last year's line-up was impressive.

Tickets/Boletos

Guadalupe Valley Fest - Facebook

Chip's Tips: First Stop - Last Stop

Lots of people who are thinking about going to the Valle for the first time ask me for tips to help them plan for their visit.  So, here's my first post of which there should be several that will highlight things we have learned on our many Valle visits.

We usually cross at San Ysidro and head to the toll road for the trip south.  Next, we exit the toll road at La Fonda (sometimes stopping at Poco Cielo to enjoy a snack and the view from their patio) and get on the free road which is a bit of a shortcut to Valle de Guadalupe.

Whether it's a one day trip or we're spending a long weekend in the Valle we usually have the same first and last stops.

First Stop: Mixtura/Relieve

Located on the western edge of the Valle, the winery Relieve and its restaurant Mixtura is our usual first stop. We like to time our arrival between 12:30 and 1:00 PM and order a glass of wine and some bites to eat (the ceviches, tiraditos, and grilled oysters are favorites).  The setting is lovely and it's a great  place to settle into a relaxed Valle state of mind.

Last Stop: Viñedos de la Reina

We like leaving Valle by heading north on HWY 3 towards Tecate.  (We then head west on HWY 2 which provides an easy access to the Otay SENTRI lanes for our passage back to the states). 

Since we're exiting the Valle by driving north, the new winery Viñedos de la Reina located just off HWY 3 a mile or so past Encuentro is an excellent last stop.  It's a beautiful venue, has a spectacular view and a perfect place to toast the Valle farewell. 

Restaurant Report: Discover Baja - Once Pueblos

W. Scott Koenig has the details.

Michoacán Meets Baja at Restaurant Once Pueblos

Nomada at Pijoan This Summer?

Like their name suggests Nomada does not have a permanent home.  Instead, they set up shop at a different winery each summer (last year it was Cava Maciel).  While I haven't confirmed this information, I have heard from a pretty good source that Vinos Pijoan will be Nomada's home this summer.

Restaurante Nómada Cocina Itinerante - Facebook

Vinos Pijoan - Facebook

Event: Vino + Paella at Barón Balché - June 23

Vino + Paella - Barón Balché - Facebook Event

Trip Report: Kinda Arzon

Sounds like Kinda and her family have caught the Baja travel bug.

Road Trip to Ensenada & Glamping in Valle de Guadalupe

Trip Report: Puerto-Pelasco Blog

Beverly Arrowood and her husband spent several days in the Valle last month. 

Valle de Guadalupe's Wine Country Baja, Mexico Part I

Valle de Guadalupe"s Wine Country Baja, Mexico Part II

Event: Wine Runners Half Marathon + 5KM - Nov 4

Time to blow the dust off my running shoes...

Wine Runners Half Marathon + 5KM

Wine Runners Half Marathon + 5KM - Facebook