Mexico

The Bounty of Baja: Wine, Food & Local Life in the Guadalupe Valley

Program No. 22338RJ
Discover the wine industry’s best kept secret in Guadalupe Valley as you learn from world-class winemakers, chefs and artists about their industries and get a taste of their creations.

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At a Glance

Forget Napa, Sonoma and Tuscany. There’s a new destination on the enological map — Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley, where tidy rows of vineyards are surrounded by boulder-dotted mountains. Unlike its American and European counterparts, the vineyards in Guadalupe Valley thrive in a special climate resulting in a flavor unlike anywhere else in the world — a hint of saltiness and a little heat. Discover how to distinguish these rare flavors as you venture to vibrant Mexico and escape the California crowds for a less commercial, highly authentic wine experience. Then, take your taste buds to the valley’s unique culinary world as you explore the region’s world-renowned Baja California cuisine through delicious multi-course meals including a cooking class. Learn from seasoned winemakers, chefs and artists who have flocked to Baja and established exuberant wine and culinary industries in the beautiful countryside. What are you waiting for? Vámonos!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one mi. per day. During the visits, walks are generally short on even ground; however, longer walks on uneven gravely terrain are required for some visits and meal events. Some stairs are unavoidable, minimum one flight. Standing time 1-2 hours per event. Elevations up to 1,000 ft.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn how to develop your senses to identify unique aromas and flavors for the ultimate wine-tasting experience at several vineyards.
  • Experience a hands-on cooking class with a seasoned chef as he reveals the secrets of this region’s cuisine.
  • Meet famed local artists while learning about their different crafts and how the colorful Mexican culture has influenced their work.

General Notes

This program is limited to 14 participants to allow for visits to exclusive vineyards and restaurants. Road Scholar cannot offer air for this program. Participants have to arrange their own flights as well as transportation to the first hotel in San Diego. The program ends at the Courtyard Marriott with a drop-off at the San Diego Airport on the way.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Maria Mitrani
Maria Mitrani was born in Italy, then lived in Canada, the United States and France. She finally settled in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, where she has been living since 1976 with her husband and three children. She has a bachelor’s in Italian and art history from the University of California at Berkeley. Since 1985 she has led learning adventures through different parts of Mexico and is a specialized guide for Baja California. She is one of the owners and founders of Andiamo.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Maria Mitrani
Maria Mitrani View biography
Maria Mitrani was born in Italy, then lived in Canada, the United States and France. She finally settled in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, where she has been living since 1976 with her husband and three children. She has a bachelor’s in Italian and art history from the University of California at Berkeley. Since 1985 she has led learning adventures through different parts of Mexico and is a specialized guide for Baja California. She is one of the owners and founders of Andiamo.
Profile Image of Esther Mitrani
Esther Mitrani View biography
Esther Mitrani was born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, then worked in San Francisco for three years in human resources in high-tech. Missing her home, she return to her native city. Esther has been guiding since 1994, and joined the family business in 2002 as an organizer and tour leader. She is an eager traveler, and she loves sports and languages.
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