| Baja California Wine Country: Guadalupe Valley by Steve Dryden | | | | By: Steve Dryden | << back  Page 2 of 2 |
Exploring the Baja wine country is a unique adventure in itself because most of the wineries are hidden throughout the valley and accessible by dirt roads. Maps can be obtained in The Baja Times, at local wineries or in the regional wine newsletter, The Guadalupe Grapevine, offering complete directions, maps and updated information. This valley offers the opportunity to visit scenic and undeveloped habitats, meet wonderful folks, discover Mexico’s premier wines and beautiful vineyards, enjoy numerous culinary treats, and relax in a country setting.
Despite the growth and recognition of Mexican wines the area stills faces some challenges. Water availability is of great concern because water is limited and the city of Ensenada still pumps massive amounts from the valley into the city. Another factor is the conflict between new land development for housing and agriculture! Illegal water wells and subdivisions are creating some problems for the future of the wine industry. The general attitude here in the valley is that most don’t want this area to become another San Diego suburb like the Baja coast between Tijujana and Ensenada is rapidly becoming. Progress and economic development should and must be managed to ensure the future of Mexico’s wine industry and to allow for practical and balanced growth. The Mexican government and locals need to work together to protect this special valley. This valley is special and unique because it is a rare ecosystem, habitat and growing zone where “world class” wine grapes can grow to their fullest potential with a little help from dedicated vineyard managers and winemakers. Land development for housing can be accommodated in many other areas of Baja without destroying a valuable economic asset for Mexico like the Guadalupe Valley wine country. Anyway, this is just the beginning and with a balance of land management issues Mexico has a bright new star: Mexican wines from Guadalupe Valley.
Steve Dryden is a natural resource manager, tour director and travel writer living in Guadalupe Valley where he guides private wine tours. He can be reached at (619) 300-4976 U.S - (646) 118-9801 MX cell or sbdryden@hotmail.com
About the Author:
Steve Dryden is a regional wine writer based in San Diego and Baja California. He is a San Diego native, local historian, wine tour operator and wine enthusiast. His wine articles can be viewed every two weeks at: www.bajatimes.com. He is a former winery manager for Deer Park winery in Napa Valley and Escondido, CA. He publishes his own wine newsletter, The Guadalupe Valley, and owns Tasteful Tours, a walking tour of San Diego featuring local wines, beer, culinary delights, history and culture. He can be reached at sbdryden@hotmail.com or 619 300-4976.
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