Harvest Magic at El Cielo in Valle De Guadalupe

There’s nothing like being in the heart of a wine region during Vendimia (the wine harvest). 

A mere 90-minute drive from San Diego, just across the Mexican border, Valle de Guadalupe in sunny Baja, is a premier, somewhat off-the-beaten-trek wine region producing almost 90 percent of all Mexican wines. And though it may not be as well-known as some more familiar US wine regions, the “Valle” as the locals call it is one of the fastest growing wine regions in North America producing some of the finest award-winning varietals earning well-deserved international acclaim. 

To be there during the grape harvest (this year in August) is an amazing experience, but any time of year is ideal for a wine lover’s escape. And El Cielo in Valle de Guadalupe was the best place to experience it all.

Staying at the El Cielo Resort

In Spanish “Cielo” means “sky” or “heaven.” And heavenly is the perfect way to describe a stay, play and dining experience at this dreamy, unforgettable property. Set amidst mountains, olive trees and surrounded by verdant vines, El Cielo offers a boutique hotel experience in elegant Tuscan-style villas situated on a picturesque mirrored lake.

Guests can choose between junior king or two-queen suites, a master suite or book the entire residence that includes the master on the ground floor and two junior suites on the second level. An executive three-bedroom villa is also available for families or a group of friends traveling together as well as an extravagant Presidential Villa. And best of all, the resort is quite pet friendly.

My accommodations included a master suite with a fully-equipped kitchen, living room, dining room, gas fireplace, two bathrooms and a king room. The master bath featured a spa-jetted tub that overlooked the vineyards. An outdoor patio offered comfortable seating around a fire pit, available only to master suite or entire residence guests. Junior suites do however, offer an outdoor balcony.

The property features an outdoor pool with plenty of seating, ideal for cooling down on a warm Baja day along with a full fitness center.

Because the resort is so popular for weddings, there is a stunning wedding chapel on site that’s also open to those wishing to attend Catholic mass. But that also means, that rooms go quickly, especially during harvest season, so hurry up and reserve now!

Playing at the Resort

Though wine-related activities are always fun, there’s something about resort experiences during the harvest that bring a special note. 

Nothing could possibly beat getting up at 6 a.m. to get ready to join the vineyard manager for the first day of vendimia. The first handpicked vines were Chardonnay, and I and my friends learned about the harvest process and got to clip some the grapes to be used in the processing.

A narrated vineyard tour through the vineyards in a shaded wagon accompanied by three tastings of El Cielo wine labels culminated in a fun grape-stomping experience. One of the most fascinating activities was our introduction to El Cielo’s falconry program to learn about their role in the winery’s sustainability efforts. The gorgeous birds of prey are absolutely fascinating, as is the patient and dedicated trainer.

Aside from the variety of wine-tasting experiences, guests can also create their own wine in a blend-your-own-wine activity in the winery’s cave complete with your own label name, along with a wine and chocolate pairing that includes virtual reality goggles, making the activity even more adventurous and exciting.

Wine-Tasting Experiences

As a wine lover and aficionado, I gladly proclaim that the wines at El Cielo are outstanding. Winemaker Jesús Rivera and his team have produced varietals for every type of palate including enormously bold reds, mineral and sparkling whites, and one of my favorites during my visit, a selection of tantalizing rosés.

Wine labels sport astronomically themed names such as Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Capricornius, Galileo, Hypatia, Orion, and more.

The Astros line features young wines and varietal blends characterized by fresh flavors, fruity expressions and elegance. Astronomers line was inspired by old-world style wines with the Mexican terroir touch. These classic blends reflect the expression of classic grapes in a new-world style.

The winery’s Constellations Line showcases New World wines through innovative blends while G& G by Ginasommelier Line was born from the vision of the impressive, world-renowned Sommelier Gina Estrada and estate co-owner Gustavo Ortega designed to tempt and delight the palate. Stars Line represents El Cielo’s premium collection, considered the best oenological gems of quality wines.

Dining at El Cielo

El Cielo is an absolute culinary haven and restaurants on property offer an amazing selection of delights for the food lover.

Latitud 32

Signature restaurant Latitud 32 earned a mention in the 2024 Michelin Guide Mexico. The chic, classy indoor-outdoor venue open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serves a delightful, delectable Yucatán-Baja fusion menu that tantalizes the palate. If it’s not too warm, ask to be seated at an outdoor table commanding prized views of the valley’s landscape.

Inside, the rustic elegant setting includes high ceilings, stone and brick-lined walls and floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors. Service is exceptional and if you’re looking for wine-pairing selections, servers here are extremely knowledgeable.

Due to El Cielo’s proximity to the Baja coast of Ensenada, seafood is as fresh as it can possibly be. For lunch, our group of friends drooled over a seafood oyster tower. Another treat was the Maya Ceviche with octopus, fish and shrimp marinated in citrus, habanero oil and black recado and a Tuna Tiradito in Pipián (lime and sesame oil marinated tuna).

Dinner is a special time of day when the sun sets behind the mountains and the restaurant lights up with vibrant hues, leading to romantic lights strung outside of the venue. Grilled octopus is an incredible starter cooked and served in a cast iron skillet with a truffle oil dressing and paprika.

Don’t miss the Mayan Seafood dish, a homemade pasta with a hearty serving of shrimp, clams and mussels flambéed in Xtabentún liqueur and Edam cheese. If Nasty Cake is on the menu, head straight for this chocolate-lover’s delight topped with fresh strawberries.

Polaris Restaurant

This second-floor restaurant at the El Cielo winery stands out for its haute cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Focusing on seasonal products, the breakfast-only restaurant features impressive weekend buffets and a la carte selections throughout the week.

Guests can choose between light and healthy menu items like a smoothie bowl, fresh fruits and granola or head to something a bit heartier. 

These selections include Huevos Ranchero, Chilaquiles and Chef Specialties such as Crab Benedict, Croque-Monsieur and Steak and Eggs. The orange juice is fresh-squeezed and green juice is another popular and tasty selection.

Other not-to-be-missed El Cielo dining experiences include Dining Under the Stars Terrace with a fun and festive barbecue theme and a private, intimate, romantic candlelight multi-course tasting dinner with wine pairing at Enoteca. 

An unknown author once said “The discovery of wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation.”

A visit to Valle de Guadalupe’s magnificent El Cielo gives visitors both discoveries – incredible, quality wines, many named after constellations, and clear, starry night skies that make this destination so magical.

Last Updated on October 3, 2025 by Maria Haase

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