Forget Napa. Exceptional wines can be found in Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe- just south of the border. This is your new reason to Visit Mexico! On this trip we stopped at Vena Cava– a vineyard and winery with exceptional wines and adjacent Troika- a food truck featuring local and classic Mexican cuisine. If I could write this post in only two words it would be “Carnitas” and “Tempranillo”.
Spend an afternoon taking a tour of the winery and enjoy a tasting. Find your favorite wine and buy 2 bottles- one to appreciate with lunch and one to take home (customs only allows liter per person). Tempranillo was hands-down my favorite and I wish I could have taken home a whole case. The Rosé- was a close second. Sit and enjoy your wine with a leisurely lunch at Troika- they have beer too, if you’re so inclined. I savored every last bite of a Pulpo Tostada but my true adoration goes to the Carnitas. Always a favorite, their style and presentation proved to be pure perfection. The portions were more than ample and in truth we took the rest home to scramble into some eggs the next morning. Great wine- check. Great food- check! The best way to spend a weekend in Baja.
Vena Cava also features modern ‘up-cycled’ architecture- the winery and tasting room are topped with reclaimed boat hulls. Beyond the fabulous authentic fare, lovingly handcrafted wines and eclectic architecture- the people were happy and helpful. Needless to say- we’ll be back for more dirt roads and Rosé.
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