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.