Around the World in 80 Vineyards - Chapter 4! We're clocking them up. Who knew Mexico had such a thriving Wine Industry? Valle de Guadalupe has over 100 Wineries, spread along the fertile valley on what the Mexican Government has christened 'El Ruta del Vino'.
Minor deviation from the Pan American Highway and we're headed straight along this enticingly named Ruta looking for some Vina action.
But first - a place to stay. Heavy US Tourism (Valle de G only 42 miles south of the US:MX Border), visiting now before Trump's Wall goes up, means Hotel prices have soared. High-end Boutique Hotels charging $395 a night! By some stroke of fortune we find a place on expedia.mx which looks Fabulous - has Availability - contains the word Boutique - includes Breakfast - with WiFi - bedrooms in individual Cabins - perched on stilts on the Mountainside - all for £50 a Night!!! Hotel Boutique Valentino come on down!
Takes some finding mind you! HBV only been open 6 months - not yet on any maps - or road signs - extremely exclusive!! Just 6 Cabins - and oddly we're their only guests for two of our three night stay! Fabulous Hotel - owned by the Abramovich Family - yes - Russian Roubles have reached Mexico too!!
Day One Wineries: L.A. Cetto, Vina Cava, Magoni
Day Two Wineries: Monte Xanic, El Cielo, Baron Balch'e
All within walking distance of Valentino's! All the wine good - the Sauvignon Blanc at L.A. Cetto excellent - and Monte Xanic's SB wonderful (but pricey!) - Merlots good too - according to DH!
Valentino's has a Fire Pit - we bonfired every night in true 5th November style and stargazed into the clear black sky. Our last nights in Mexico before the Wall!!!
Big thanks to George & Samantha at Valentino's for looking after us - could have stayed forever!
