Wine Country of Mexico

The Wine Country of Mexico

Here I will try to share my experience at “ Fiestas de la Vendimia” (Harvest Time) in Ensenada, the wine country of Mexico, such a magic place!

If you are a wine connaiseur or a wine expert you probably have visited Napa Valley or other wine places in the world, but no other place has this Mexican style and flavor that only Ensenada can give you. Mexican wine is the one that we drink with spicy mole, a chardonnay with a fresh ceviche, or a traditional Chile en Nogada paired with a  marvelous Rosé wine. Mexican soil has given the world varieties based on our history and culture, that is reflected in the taste and bouquet of each bottle. 

During Las Fiestas, everybody is in that mood that only wine puts us in, you can almost touch the joy and with a little bit more wine, you will sure be part of this scenario of happiness and laughter. We have met the best people, tasted the best wines, and experienced the best pairings... and what a wonderful weather! 

Then of course, is the Mexican cuisine and specially the fresh and unbeatable seafood that you can find in Ensenada, places such as Laja, Ophelia's and La Guerrerense, will regale your palate in a way you can not imagine!

I can warranty you, a travel to Ensenada, in the vintage or any other time of the year is something that you will not regret. 

So many wonders in Baja, from top to bottom, this is a land full of magic, surprises, ocean and many things yet to discover. Take the road, get by airplane, there will be a boutique hotel waiting for you and ready to make this, an unforgettable experience.

Contact me if you need any further information or specific recommendations, I will be more than happy to help.

#VinoMexicano #LoveBaja #LiveCabo #CaboforLife

A Green Desert

A GreenDesert

The biggest news about Cabo lately is that, last week we had one of the biggest rain we have had since 2007.

A normal year in Cabo, is very dry… when it rains is maximum a half of a day, and maybe three times a year, top. So having strong rain for three consecutive days was a little bit more than what we could manage. This was as we say colloquially “un aguacero” and we were not prevented, we have made it through hurricanes, but the thing with them is that is a lot of wind and not much water, or at least not that perseverant. Consequently both cities San José and San Lucas had lots of problems, streets turned on rivers, and cars unable to work, places with 2 or 3 inches of water inside and so on…

Fortunately it has been a week after the rain, and we are almost good to go. The streets are being fixed and eventhough we may have some dirt left (water that came down from the hills to the lower areas) Cabo is now working, stores are open and tourists are sightseeing as any other day before.

I have to say, one of our best friends came into town the last day of rain, and at night we felt like going for a beer, I do not know if it was adventurous or just bored, but we took the car and passed by all the water streets and finally ended in "Mango Deck", where we had some delicious Quesadillas and Guacamole, and of course, couple of Pacificos. The ambiance was wonderful, people dancing, live music, it was like being in a traditional Mexican Wedding with all the salsa and the cumbia famous songs. After dinner we went to "Nowhere Bar" and "Mandala". We met ladies from San Diego that told us how they went out a night before, it was raining all night but every soul was still having fun at Squid Roe, even dancing on the rain! How fortunate! I wish we would have gone out a night before…

Anyway, the reason I decided to write about the rain, is mainly because it has impressed me these last days how green a desert could turn out! Really, I am sharing you some pictures, wish you were here to witness… is amazing all these trees that before seemed like no-alive now they are full of these small soft leaves, so green, so beautiful.

We have a saying in Spanish “Viejos los montes y reverdecen” meaning how even when the hills are very old, they can still go green again. Is just a little message to let us know how not matters how dry we could have been before, how old we are, we still can be green, alive with new energy, new strenght.

Love Cabo,Live Cabo

Cabo For Life

A weekend in Todos Santos, BCS

Todos Santos

Located on the Pacific side of Baja CaliforniaSur, Todos Santos means “All Saints” and is been named by UNESCO as a “Magic Town” since 2006.

The new highway that goes from Cabo to La Paz is now finished, and it makes very easy traveling from one city to another.Todos Santos is located almost at the middle of the way to La Paz, is about 50 minutes away from Cabo.

When visiting Todos Santos you can stay one or two nights, there are many good hotels there. One of the most famous hotels there is Hotel California, which apparently is the one of the Eagle's Song. From a personal experience I highly recommend Hotel Guycura, with amazing views, rooms, food,  Beach Club. On our way back we discovered Hotel Rancho Pescadero, it was really amazing, for next time we will try it. We had one cocktail made with orange juice and mezcal, it was delicious.

About Restaurants in Todos Santos Area, well there are many options… Italian, Mexican, even Oriental food. I have not been able to try them all, but if you allow me to recommend one, my favorite is Café Santa Fe, right in Downtown… if you like Italian food made with super fresh ingredients, you will sure like this place.

Another very interesting place is “Art and Beer”right in Pescadero, by the high way, Km. 69. You can stop there for a Michelada or a Piña Colada, is such an experience. Owners are in charge and will give you the tour in their property, surrounded by dessert plants and pictures of every kind of visitor to this little art and beer sanctuary.

Michelada "Art & Beer"

And of course, the traditional Cerritos Beach Club is something that you can’t miss. Swimmable beach, ceviches and cervezas, whatelse do you need in life? You can go with your family, your dogs and/or your surf board. Times passes so quickly there, we would have loved to stay there forever, and just live the ocean, the sun, the taste of lemon and shrimp in the“Aguachile”. If you go in Sunday, you will be able to listen to Daline Jones, jazz singer that will make the Cerritos experience even better. Do not forget to take sunscreen and a towel because they do not have any there.

So take the road and explore this magnificent Pacific side of Baja, so many other places to talk about, so many things to enjoy and people to discover.

Live Baja, Love Baja. Cabo For Life

Summer in Cabo

SUMMER IN CABO

For those fortunate ones that will stay in Cabo for the summer, just forget for a while the fact that is going to be a hot summer and let’s think about all the fun things you will get to do in this season.

We should first let everyone know that Cabo is a paradise, and many people have chosen to live here for many reasons, one of them is the weather.

360 days of Sunny weather, and average temperatures of 80°F, except the summer when it can go up to 100°F or more. Yes I know what you are thinking, that is far from paradise weather! But the good news is these degrees are just for a few months, August and September are the hardest ones. Anyway, many of the local residents just run away to enjoy cooler summers up in their country. The rest of us, however, just have to stay, so we put ourselves the “Hot Summer” mode, we try not to complain all the time about weather and of course we have our advantages.

If you are planning to be in Cabo for this warm season, please take note:

SUP, or Stand Up Paddle, has become oneof the trendiest activities in Cabo. From a personal experience I have to say I am not a surfer and not fan of hard working exercise… so I was a little reluctant about doing it. But from the first time I finally did it, I have to say I am always looking for the time to do it again and again. Is almost like walking on the water, such a peaceful experience! The best time to practice SUP is early in the morning, before all the boats and wave runners start to pack the beach, perhaps around 7 or 8 am. If you go to Medano Beach you will find many options for renting the paddle and the surfboard, they will give you a 10 minutes first lesson and that is it! Go and enjoy it, feel safe there is nothing to fear of. Average rates are from 20 USD per hour.

Surf, even if I do not practice this amazing sport, if you like waves do not hesitate to come and enjoy the marvelous waves down in Cabo. Or if you want to learn, you can take lessons in many places along the Baja.

Restaurants discounts, well I must say this is my favorite thing! The list of gourmet places to discover in Cabo is almost endless, but the best part about the summer is that there are many restaurants that offer a very good discount for those who stay, imagine going to the best places in town for very reasonable prices.

Also the GolfCourses offer good discounts during the summer, as long as you cover yourself with Sun Screen and wear a cap, you will be totally safe and can practice this amazing sport. There are many choices, courses designed by personalities such as Jack Nichlaus, Tom Fazio and  Davis Love III are waiting for you.

Of course the snorkeling, fishing, cruising, camping by the beach, etc., are great to do with the warm weather. Also try excursions to Miraflores, La Paz, Todos Santos, the East Coast and the surrounding are full of adventures.

In doors activities with air conditioning such as going to the Cinema, shopping and a visiting a Spa are never a bad idea.

For more info visit the links:

Golf: Cabogolf.com

Surf: Surfincabo.com

Adventures: CaboAdventures.com

Real Estate: CaboforLife.com

A Farm in Cabo, an extraordinary dinner

I have been privileged to be able to enjoy very good food in different places in Cabo, I will eventually go through the great restaurants you definitely have to try when you are in Baja… but I want to start with my favorite one, the place is called Flora Farms, located in the area of Puerto Los Cabos in San José.

Flora Farms Web Page

My husband and I were invited to listen to Nena Anderson, owner of a very sweet voice and great talent, she is from San Diego and Flora Farms invited her to play in their restaurant. We were seated with the hosts and friends and really enjoyed this evening, such as everybody there, as the place was packed. The ambiance was perfect; delightful dinner; warm lights and flowers surrounding the restaurant and of course the music by Nina who made us all feel we have known her for a life time. The music was familiar but at the same time refreshing.

Want to hear about the food there? Is to die for!! First of all, everything they have in their menu is organic, the flavors are really the best you can get in your mouth, no chemicals... just the real flavor. They have these thin crust pizzas with all kind of ingredients, salads, pastas and the homemade bread is really addictive.  

All meats served at Floras Field Kitchen come from their ranch where animals are humanely raised on diets that do not include hormones or antibiotics.

My favorites here are the Beet carpaccio, the Margarita pizza and the fish of the day served with cous cous and eggplant.

Our dinners are always paired with the best wines. You see, my husband is a Sommelier for Baja Wines, so you can imagine he is always taking care of the good harmony in our table. Baja Wines has the best List of Wines covering all the areas in the world, all kinds of budgets but above all, supporting the best Mexican wineries from Baja California… so contact them if you wish to have a “sip” of Baja.

Baja Wines Web Page

For the ones with the sweet tooth, well be careful, desserts are DELICIOUS... chocolate cake, plums crêpes, carrot cake and a banana dessert that is so fresh and rich that you will become selfish for a moment and will not want to share it at all.

If you are coming to Cabo, this place has to be on your list.

Hope you enjoyed these lines; I will keep you updated with more options and up-dates about our Paradise!

Cabo San Lucas Marina

Marina of Cabo San Lucas is just over a decade old, features 380 slips and accommodates yatchts up to 300 feet. The views of the marina are great, you can rent a boat to go fishing, sunset cruising or snorkeling, and they all are super fun to do.

When you are in the Marina, you can also find some of the finest shops in Cabo, so get ready to some serious shopping. The main mall is called Puerto Paraiso, and there are many stores, the big names such as CH, Salvatore, Choppard, Zegna and more are in the Luxury Avenue section. The mall is facing the Marina of Cabo San Lucas; you can start your day there and have lunch in Señor Sweets, where you will totally indulge yourself with some of the best ice-cream in town. 

Ice cream - SEÑOR SWEETS

Or just take a walk by the marina and discover the best places to have that special dinner. One of my favorites is “La Galeria”, they have these Thai Shrimps totally delicious, or if you are vegetarian, they are one of the few places where they actually have a couple of choices, my favorite is the Molcajete vegetebles, try them, you will love them too!

Later at night, maybe you are in the mood of people and party, then you can have a beer or watch your favorite team playing at Baja Cantina or Baja Brewing, they all will welcome you and give you their best service. You can also visit the famous "Nowhere Bar" and have a drink, or two...

Welcome to Cabo, the place with warm weather and warm people, welcome to the marina, the boats, the sea and the fun!

Contact me if you need a place to enjoy Cabo for a life time.

www.caboforlife.com

Love Cabo, Live Cabo, CaboforLife

After the G20 - Los Cabos

AFTER G-20

Today is Tuesday June 19^th. in Cabo San Lucas, sunny as usual. G20 Summit is about to end today, rumors say that Shakira is the one in charge of tonight’s big closure.

Mexican Government invested millions of dollars in infrastructure, not only in pavement, green areas and the big Convention Center, the first one in our state, but also in staff, in security gadgets and of course all the people behind its organization and logistics.

According to the official web page, www.g20.org, G20 has established the following priorities: economic stabilization, strengthening the financial system, promoting sustainable development, among others.

One thing we can be sure after the decision of having the G20 here, is that Cabo is safe. Well, now more than safe Cabo is a showcase full of all kind of security resources. You can see thousands of security agents, military, marines, aircrafts, helicopters, federal police, and even “The Beast”, is quite an amazing show to witness.

We are sure this Summit has accomplished its mission, but also the host, Cabo, has been privileged in many ways. Everybody is excited about all the media presence and how this can potentially bring us more groups, conventions, tourists and people interested in visiting this tip or Earth consider a “Paradise”.

We can call Cabo is a Paradise because of many reasons, starting with the magnificent Ocean and the fact that this is the place where the Mar de Cortés and Pacific Ocean find each other and embrace the rocks, the last tip of land, the Cape… El Cabo.

Some others think is paradise because of the weather, if you live in North America, where most of the year the temperature will not get higher than 75ish F, you will sure enjoy Cabo where the thermometer is always around the 85°F. But even for Mexicans, we feel this is a privileged area, because any other beach in Mexico will be yes around the 85° or more, but with much higher humidity than here, making you feel like you are about to melt if you do not drink margaritas constantly.

Also, we should consider the location, and how easy is to get a direct flight to Cabo from almost every main city in U.S.A. or Canada. Another favorable factor, for both North Americans as well as Mexicans, is that they want to be closer to their families or business and being able to take a 2 or 3 hours flight back home make them feel secure, and readily available.

This is the story of why an estimated 40,000 US and Canadian citizens live in Cabo. They were once just tourists but became part of the Locals community. All of them are now part of Cabo and that is why Cabo is all about a little bit of every single one of us, the fortunate residents of this “Paradise”.

And it has being a placer to me, as a Realtor to help many of these “Paradise” seekers, the dreamed home. Ventanas Residences offers you the best communities in town, one of the biggest Club House and that is why we have a very long list of “Happy Customers”. You can check out some of my Happy Customers at my website:

www.caboforlife.com/happycustomers

Come and visit us in Paradise, to enjoy the view, and feel the true experience of living in Cabo, you will not regret it.

Love Cabo, Live Cabo, CaboforLife