Chillin’ in Baja’s Wine Region: Valle de Guadalupe

Sep 17, 2016
by Nicolas Switalski  


Break the routine, travel with friends and discover new horizons through mountain biking! This lifestyle gives meaning to everything we can’t understand, an escape valve, it transports us to a place where all our body’s energy is renewed and our mind is cleared.

This story takes us on an adventure north of Mexico in Baja California, searching for new trails, new tastes and new experiences in the wineries of “Valle de Guadalupe".

Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe


In a hidden corner of civilization, surrounded by mountains with great rock formations is a place called Bruma, located in the heart of the wineries is a little bed and breakfast with excellent design and a touch of old Mexican architecture. A perfectly balanced space ideal for adventure and relaxation.

Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe


After a long trip from Mexico city, it was time to take our bikes and start to ride towards the tallest mountain we set our eyes to: “ The Sierra Blanca”. Without having much knowledge of the area we decide to adventure ourselves in search of some trails. Having criss-crossed the valley, pedalling mostly through fire roads and having seen several trailheads, it was time to make a decision and choose one. It was easy and we set our hearts on a small trail of approximately 8km long that went down to the skirts of the wineries. A fun natural technical single track among ruts, rock slabs and boulders that challenged us to go faster as the trail progressed.

Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe


"Valle de Guadalupe" is a small wine producing town located north of the country, surrounded by mountains with a history that dates back to the 1900s when the first Russian descendant families coming to the USA started to develop the first wineries of the area. The terrain and weather are perfect for growing grapes thanks to the rich limestone that allows excellent water filtration and perfect nutrients for its growth. Nowadays, the valley is home to several wineries among them “Paralelo” from “Grupo VYVA”.

Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe


Days here start with Doña Yolanda’s kitchen, the soft aroma of coffee mixed with the fragrance of the place make the days spent here very special. Watching through the window and seeing the bruma (fog in Spanish) fall between the wineries is like being in the clouds. The soft and lazy sounds of the kitchen combined with the smells of Mexican food make a call to the senses telling us breakfast has been served. This is a time to get everything ready and share with the other guests of the house the first meal of the day in the dining room. Bread, fruit and the local specialty (Enfrijoladas, Huevos a la Mexicana, Enchiladas, etc…) all specialties in Doña Yolanda’s cookbook.

Time passes slowly between conversations and anecdotes while the first rays of light warm up the valley slowly dissolving the fog. Around 9:00 am the weather of the valley is at it’s best to hop onto our bikes and explore the area. It is impossible to look at the surrounding mountains and not see a possible spot to play with our bikes with all the natural features this place has. Great boulder formations are part of this place’s charm as is the type of dirt and vegetation characteristic of arid places, made up of small brushes that maintain distance between each other, making natural trails that are perfect to ride or walk through.

Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe


Blend notes:
bigquotesSweet tastes mixed with the deep bouquet of biking give life a special touch that rapidly turn into an addictive substance for the body and mind. With a hint of endorphins generated from mountain biking, diverse landscapes far from civilisation and a warm and balanced lifestyle make days in the valley the perfect recipe for enjoying a mellow adventure with an intense and spicy undertone.

This is what makes up the spirit of our specific blend, perfect for serving with bikes, trails, sunsets, and friends.
Note: Best served quite “chilled”!


Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe
Chillin in Baja s Wine Region Valle de Guadalupe


RIDER: Diego Sada



MENTIONS: @evil-bikes / @POC / @nswitalski



Author Info:
nswitalski avatar

Member since Dec 15, 2010
23 articles

27 Comments
  • 8 0
 I've driven through this area many times, and it certainly is beautiful, and definitely has a lot of wine choices to sample, but this photo collage certainly doesn't show that there is really any great riding there. Looks like a cool place to chill out with your SO and drink some wine and relax, maybe not so great for mountain biking though.
  • 6 0
 Perhaps but most places I visit without my bike I’m wishing I had it. Looks like they found enough of a reason (some scenic trails, some boulder drops, etc) to bring their bikes along. For me riding is at least half about the destination anyway. I’d rather ride around some vineyards than only walk and tour them. What a perfect opportunity to let the wife sleep in and get a pre-sunrise ride in! Then go tour the vineyards with the significant other. Win, win.
  • 3 0
 Pictures are unusually sharp!! That contrast is amazing!
Far away background is so clear...
Is it related to the dryness of the area or there is some mad processing at work? Or both..?
  • 4 0
 muy fino!!! Big Grin inviten! jajja
  • 2 0
 Que chingón! El jueve me voy para alla, creo que ya encontre una razón para llevarme la bici! Algún contacto que me puedas pasar para rodar por alla Nico?
  • 1 0
 @javiersalazarps Comuncate con los de la tienda Bajadventours (facebook.com/bajadventours), ellos te pueden poner en contacto con grupos de paseos xc y dh/enduro.
  • 3 0
 One of my favorite places in the world! Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing!
  • 1 0
 heading down to Baja for a couple weeks soon and the wife might like to swing through here. Anyone know about camping options?
  • 1 0
 I've been to the Baja dozens of times and never had a problem finding places to camp. Just stop for some food and chat with the folks about the camping options. There will be something.
  • 2 0
 Muchas felicidades Nicolas y Diego por seguir enseñando al mundo que hermoso es nuestro México.

Saludos y un abrazo
  • 3 0
 Definitely a wine wine situation.
  • 2 0
 HMMMM ITS JUST STUNNING .
  • 3 0
 Incredible.
  • 1 0
 Gorgeous place and cheaper and more convenient alternative to Argentina or Italy Smile
  • 1 0
 More biking less vine'ing!
  • 1 0
 Nice photos. Looks liks a nice mellow trip.
  • 1 0
 Condé Nast Mountain Biking Trip.
  • 2 0
 Beautiful!
  • 1 0
 Que buenas fotos Nico! ¿fueron a rodar o a chupar?
  • 2 2
 Pinkbike - Mountain Biking's finest whine-yard
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.059068
Mobile Version of Website