There is no shortage of wineries in the valley, but the standouts are natural wines made by female winemakers. Be sure to visit Pouya , helmed by Fernanda Para. Last seen in San Diego at 2022’s NatDiego natural wine festival, Para makes natural wines that complement, rather than fight, the natural terroir of Valle. Try her skin-contact chenin blanc and—if there are any bottles left—her collab with Tecate’s Bichi Winery, a pét-nat of colombard called (wait for it...) Pichi. Henri Lurton and Bruma also make the shortlist for winery visits. For an overnight stay, Siempre Valle is a hotel- meets-vacation rental that has sprawling views of vines and some of the best off-season rates around. Take a quick room respite, then start your evening with some local bubbles and oysters at the charming Conchas de Piedra to, well, aphrodisiac yourself. Cap off a stay with dinner at the newly opened hipster staple, Bloodlust wine bar. The architecture of the grounds nearly outshines the stellar food and natural wine list, as it plays host to an amphitheater- like stage for live music, while local DJs command the decks inside the garlic-bulb-shaped restaurant. (Blood... vampires... garlic... get it?) If you didn’t get enough wine in, stop by Baja Divina , a wine shop brought to you by Lauren Plascencia, daughter of chef and hospitality giant Javier Plascencia.
LEFT, BELOW New Valle de Guadalupe wine bar Bloodlust serves natural wine and good tunes in a garlic bulb-shaped abode. ABOVE Valle de Guadalupe wine shop Baja Divina owner Lauren Plascencia clutches a bottle.
85 SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE
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