BacchusV

Indeed, the Valle de Guadalupe is fantastic for both wine and food. You did right by getting a private tour at the better wineries. We've been on two excursions to the Valle de Guadalupe from cruises and used BTK (Baja Test Kitchen) both times. (about 4 and 2 years ago) We haven't been to Vina de Garza as yet, but have been to Villa Montefiori (twice now) and once to Vina de Frannes. By the way it seems Montefiori is going to be changing their name to Paoloni, the newer bottles already sport the new name. Food is the other reason to visit the valley. At Vena Cave winery, there is a food truck called Troika that makes some wonderful dishes. My favorite is the octopus tostada. We recently returned to the Valle for a longer tour (again with BTK, but not associated with a cruise this time so we could spend more time, a 3 day, 2 night tour) and we again had lunch at Troika, so I was able to enjoy those octopus tostadas again. Between the three tours of the Valle de Guadalupe, we've been to at least 10 wineries and 5 great restaurants/eateries. Highly recommend that if you love wine, by all means take a private our of the Valle de Guadalupe, you will not be disappointed. I also recommend using BTK to do so.

Our goto tour group is Baja Test Kitchen. They do small group tours or private tours of the Valle de Guadalupe and we are always impressed with their knowledge and contacts in the area. We've twice taken one day tours from ship cruises, and recently took a three day two night tour separate of a cruise. And it's not just the wineries, it's also the food! You will not be disappointed. https://www.bajatestkitchen.com

We twice used Baja Test Kitchen tours while on stops in Ensenada and highly recommend them. They take you to the smaller, and arguably, better wineries than the ship tours will take you to. Also, smaller tour groups, which helps. You can add lunch to the tour and they will get you into one of many great restaurants in the Valle de Guadalupe. We've recently taken a tour with BTK separate of a cruise that was spectacular. They usually have weekend tour groups, but you can contract them for a private tour as well.

If you are adventurous, you could try Trailero Ensenada, which is a truck stop on the way North out of town (in El Sauzal). You would need a car/cab/Lyft to get there and back, but it decidedly one of the best around for Ensenada Fish Tacos, Al Pastor and more. We've been a couple of times and no food issues either time.