A Blend of Coastal Beauty and Wine Country Charm

Ensenada was a vibe - sunsets, wine, and just the right amount of fun. Most of my time was split between the winery at Cuatro Cuatros, where the views (and drinks) hit different, and Casa Frida, where I somehow ended up partying with the DJ.

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Wine, Views, and A Little Bit of Chaos

If you ever invite me to a birthday trip to Mexico, just know the answer is an immediate yes. This time, a group of us made the trip down to Ensenada, which is such an easy getaway from San Diego. We crossed the border and had a pre-booked party bus waiting for us. If you’re going to do a wine day right, you do it with music, drinks, and zero responsibility for driving.

The ride itself was a vibe. Ensenada is only about a 90-minute drive from San Diego, so we had just enough time to pregame, blast music, and set the tone for the day before pulling up to our first stop: Cuatro Cuatros.

Cuatro Cuatros: Where the Views (and Drinks) Hit Different

If you’ve seen those jaw-dropping sunset photos from Ensenada, there’s a good chance they were taken at Cuatro Cuatros. This winery and luxury retreat sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and it’s a place where people come to sip wine, take in the scenery, and occasionally run into celebrities.

We grabbed drinks at Bar Bura, their famous hilltop bar with insane panoramic views. Sitting there with a glass of wine, watching the sun dip into the Pacific, was the moment. The food? Surprisingly good. We snacked on seafood and charcuterie, living our best lives.

Casa Frida: Wine, Art, and an Unplanned DJ Set

After taking in the sunset, we made our way to Casa Frida in Valle de Guadalupe, where things went from classy wine tasting to full-blown party mode. Casa Frida is more than just a winery - it’s a colorful, art-filled spot that turns into a club at night.

We got a table, ordered bottles of wine, mezcal cocktails, and way too much food, and fully embraced the energy. And because I apparently can’t go anywhere without ending up behind the DJ booth, that happened too. (At this point, I should start adding "guest DJ" to my resume.)

Perks of a Party Bus & a Perfect Day Trip

After a long night of dancing, eating, and making questionable life choices (like agreeing to more tequila shots), we piled back onto the party bus and headed home. That’s the beauty of a San Diego to Ensenada day trip - you get the best of both worlds. Epic wine country, unforgettable nightlife, and still waking up in your own bed the next morning.

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of views, vibes, and a little chaos, Ensenada should definitely be on your list.

Now that you've heard my Ensenada story, keep reading for my top tips and recommendations!

Travel Tips

Getting There: Drive or take a party bus. Ensenada is about 90 minutes from San Diego (border wait times vary). If you’re planning to drink, booking a party bus or private driver is the way to go.
Dress for the Weather: It can get windy and chilly in the evening, so bring a light jacket
Carry Cash for Tips: Some spots take cards, but cash is preferred.
Safety: Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe are generally safe, but always be aware of your surroundings.
Download Google Maps Offline: Cell service can be spotty

Cuatro Cuatros

This winery is nestled between the Baja desert and the Pacific Ocean, and is not just about good wine - it’s an entire experience. The property has vineyards, glamping tents, adventure activities, and one of the best sunset viewpoints in all of Mexico.

Tips

Make a reservation for Bar Bura, especially on weekends
Arrive early for sunset seating - the best spots fill up fast.
Dress in layers - it can get chilly at night, especially by the cliffs.

What to Expect

Breathtaking views - The main attraction is Bar Bura, an oceanfront bar perched on a cliff with insane views of the Pacific.
Wine and cocktails - Cuatro Cuatros produces its own wines, but if you're not a big wine drinker, they also serve mezcal and craft cocktails.
You can stay overnight in their glamping tents, which is mix of rustic charm and high-end comfort.
Celebrity hotspot - This place is no secret! Celebrities and influencers frequent Cuatro Cuatros, so don’t be surprised if you see a familiar face.

Food & Drinks

Salvia Blanca - Mexican-Mediterranean fusion dishes
Bar Bura - Their oceanfront lounge is where you go for drinks, charcuterie boards, and live music as the sun sets.

Casa Frida

If Cuatro Cuatros is all about luxury and sunsets, Casa Frida is where the party really starts. This is located in Valle de Guadalupe, and it’s a vibrant winery-meets-nightclub.