San Diego weekend gateway

Valle de Guadalupe

Will you believe me if I tell you that lucky San Diegans are only two hours away from tasting one of the best Mexican wines, strolling along Russian vineyards (whaat???), and having a romantic dinner aboard Titanic? The best part of it all - the price, that is twice cheaper than going on wine tours in Temecula or Napa Valley. Mix of Mexican and Russian history with Di Caprio in it too? How is this possible? Well, after reading this 5 minutes article you'll see how!

Fortunate residents of Southern California (San Diego in particular) have it all: sunny climate, ocean till horizon, pristine beaches, snowy mounts, international cuisine, possibility to surf and to snowboard within the same day. It's almost impossible to find something that will awe "spoiled" San Diegan. Although, not many people know that only two hours drive down south, one can find himself/herself among spectacular valleys that are known as Mexican Tuscany. As much as 90% (12.7 million bottles a year for local market) of all wine produced in the Mexico comes from this region and is exported to more than 30 countries (according to statistics in Wine Museum). The Valle de Guadalupe is located only 70 miles south of the border and belongs to Ensenada municipality. The Mexican highway 1D is comparable with famous U.S highway 1, if not more spectacular; the infrastructure is well developed (there are couple toll booths, so have change prepared), roads are in good conditions and it is safe to travel(!). Driving on the highway, it's hard not to get distracted by immense mountains on the left and endless blue ocean on the right, cheerful sun reflections playing on the water and eye capturing views of the endless valley. 

Balcony at the restaurant Encuentro

Besides dazzling scenery, traveler can indulge its taste into wine and food selection of the region. I recommend restaurant/hotel Encuentro which is hidden between two small mountains and has spectacular view on vineyards below. Besides eloquently decorated and delicious dishes, this place offers wine tasting, gift shop and can turn typical restaurant experience into romantic refuge from our mad world. The region is also famous for Baja Med food, contemporary trend of “fusion cuisine of Mexican cuisine, such as chicharrón and cotija cheese, with those of Mediterranean, such as olive oil, and Asian cuisine, such as lemongrass” (from wikipedia). Along "Ruta del Vino" there are plenty of other wineries as well and even Wine Museum, which I highly suggest, it’ll give you history of the beverage and the region, plus feeling of appreciation next time you leisurely sip glass of wine.

Russian stand in the Wine Museum

So by now inquisitive reader is guessing, how are the Russians got their part in my article, right? Well, in the beginning of 20's century a small religious sect called "pryguny" (jumpers) from the south of Russian Empire (Caucasian region) had been persecuted and was forced to immigrate. Mexico had become their new home. Unfortunately, my country is infamous for religious intolerance (the most recent victim is Jehovah’s Witnesses). The immigrée settled in Baja California and started cultivating the land, like they did back home (at that time Russia was still predominantly agrarian country, therefore people had special love, appreciation, and connection to land). They were one of the pioneers to harvest the grapes and turn them into wine. I was lucky to meet the owner of Bibayoff winery - blue-eyed, grey-haired, big-foreheaded face with wide smile reminded me of my home. Sometimes destiny sets us to discover our own roots in the places we less expect. It was weird to talk to him in Spanish and hear his almost forgotten remains of Russian language. Nowadays traveler can enjoy several Russian museums and even taste authentic dishes at a restaurant nearby. Indeed, Mexican history has more ties to Russian than one might think.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my opus about treasures of Valle de Guadalupe and bits of Russian history. Hasta pronto!

-"...But wait a minute... didn’t you mention something about the movie               Titanic?"

-"Ahh... that's right."

The Rosarito Beach, a little town on the way to the Valle, had become for a very short time, world famous for hosting the most expensive movie at the time – Titanic. Now all memories of the filming had long gone, but visitor still can enjoy a lunch with not only spectacular ocean view, but have a chance to immerse into Titanic theme and for a minute pretend to be living as if it were 1912 at the Restaurant Bar El Galeon. A bit old, but still interesting article recalls little town's hey-days. 
Entonces, this is all for today. I'll see you next time, ciao!