Mom: Is it safe?

Mother-in-Law: Don’t drive at night.

These are just a few of the things I heard when I said we were going winetasting in Mexico. Some of you may be thinking, well umm yea, you’re driving through Mexico. While others think it’s super dope. Well to be honest I was a little afraid of driving through Mexico, but I know lots of people who do it and love it. So why not??

Well, I made it back and I am here to give you the deets. I decided to name this trip “Road to Vino.”

I am talking wine, beer, lobster, tacos, going topless, and good times.

The purpose of life is to enjoy every moment and whenever you get the opportunity to do something that feeds your soul, do it!!

Back in February, I took three-day, two-night road trip to Ensenada, Mexico by way of Puerto Nuevo. It was one of the most beautiful drives I have taken AND the first one in Betty (that’s my jeep…Beep Beep…who got the keys to my jeep..LOL). Taking a road trip to wine country in Mexico has been on my list for a while, but let’s face it, Mexico gets a bad wrap, so I have been hesitant and didn’t want to drive my car. But in 2022, I committed to taking more road trips and seeing what the world has to offer. Plus, with C19, the airports and traveling by airplane have become absolute trash.

“Road to Vino” is the first of many road trips I plan to share. The funny thing about this trip is I supposed to be exploring the United States. But I guess I will explore the U.S. the next round.

Once we passed San Diego (CA), I feel like the border was not too far away, 20 minutes or so. It is so funny how easy it is for people to get into Mexico but trying to get out is another story. But that is a topic for another day on another platform.

A quick bit of advice, as soon as you cross into Mexico STAY RIGHT, we made the mistake of not taking that first quick right and ended up mucho traffico and a funky roundabout, but that wasn't the bad part. We ended up in the "city", taking about 45 minutes longer than necessary, and missed beautiful scenery. This is noted for next time. So, stay right y’all.

ProTip: Bring cash for the toll booths and restaurants. Some restaurants only take cash. I didn’t make the rules!

What started as a road trip for two turned into a group road trip of eight and I was here for it.

Our first stop was a restaurant in Puerto Nuevo for lobster. We ate at Angel del Mar. It wasn’t the best, but it was good. Ok food, decent price, magnificent view. It was nearing the end of lobster season. Lobster season is October through March. Apparently, you gotta go with a smaller lobster because they taste better but the big ones are Instagram worthy, so you have to decide are you going to “do it for the gram” or your taste buds.

After lunch we walked around Puerto Nuevo. It is the cutest town. Lots of vendors and the Puerto Nuevo Gallery, which has fantastic artwork. There were a few guys working on pieces while we were there. Plus, we had some bomb coffee. So, bomb. Add a shot of tequila and you REEEEADY!! The barista puts on a little show for you while he makes your coffee. Stand back if you want to keep your lashes and brows. Make sure you walk around the gallery.

The road between Puerto Nuevo and Ensenada is AMAZING, the coastal views are everything. This was one of the beautiful drives I have ever taken. Some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. Definitely driving topless is a plus. (I am referring to the jeep lol)

ProTip: Map out your destination before you get on the road. You may not have reception everywhere and although I felt safe, I wouldn’t recommend getting lost.

Ensenada

You will know when you hit Ensenada by the smell. The smell was unbearable. I am not exactly sure what it was, maybe a dump or sewage facility but WHOA….This is where driving topless was no bueno.

I have been to Ensenada several times on a Carnival cruise but driving through and staying in a hotel was a little different and I loved it. I loved being able to see everything and it all take in. While driving in Ensenada you get keep your head on a swivel. The drivers are a little aggressive. One thing I have learned in my travels is driving in other countries is different from driving in Southern California. We stayed at Torre Lucerna Ensenada, a beautiful hotel facing the ocean with the best steak sandwich you will have in life.

 Torre Lucerna is about a five-minute Uber/Taxi ride from Downtown Ensenada and less than $10. So, if you want to check out downtown definitely use one of those options. I don’t recommend driving because of aggressive driving and no parking, but it's up to you. Plus, you don’t want to drink and drive.

Hotel Eats: We did not have a “sit down” meal at the hotel, just ate at the bar and the steak sandwich was ah-mazing. The breakfast buffet was ok if you are into buffets. I’m not, but I tried it because there weren’t many breakfast options. There’s always room service.

Nightlife in Ensenada: Tacos, tacos, and more tacos. Plus throw in a few micheladas and you are winning. Of course, you can go to Papas & Beers but walking around and doing a bar/taco hop is funnn!! Be warned, only do what your stomach can handle. Sometime street tacos my not agree with your gut.

Valle de Guadalupe

We went to Casa Frida King and Queen Cantina Valle de Guadalupe. Both places have a great ambience and are definitely great photo opportunities. The art in Casa Frida is unlike any other winery I have ever been to.

Margarita flights at Casa Frida for the win! Plus, the charcuterie and Agua Chile was BOMB.

Kings and Queens was comparable to a LA or San Diego bar, fun drinks, cool ambience. It is a do it for the gram place. 

Both places are great for couples or group trips.

ProTip: Get a driver to take you to the wineries. You can drive but who wants to be the designated driver. Email me for driver info.

On the way home, I browsed local real estate listings because there were so many properties and locations I wanted to purchase. I absolutely loved the towns between Ensenada and Puerto Nuevo.

ProTip: Sign up for Sentri Global

Highlights: The views (driving and from our hotel)

Lowlights: Driving through Tijuana on the way home. The area near the border has Skid Row (Los Angeles, CA) vibes. There were a lot of transients laying on the street. It was very depressing. And crossing the border takes about two hours, at least.

Would I go back? Yes!!!

What would I do differently? Spend one more day exploring more wineries and restaurants (we only spent one day) and getting a driver.