Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico - Forget Sonoma: North America's trendiest wine region is located south of the border. The burgeoning region between the Baja California town of Tecate south to Ensenada boasts brand-new wine-tasting rooms, striking natural landscapes, unique boutique hotels and boundary-pushing restaurants. So, why haven't you ever heard of it?

Mexico has been making wine for centuries, but Baja's Mediterranean-esque wine country, the fertile Valle de Guadalupe, has been flying blissfully under the radar of most oenophiles. All that is about to change. With bottles labeled "Baja" popping up on wine lists at the hottest restaurants in Mexico City and San Diego, the Valle de Guadalupe is poised to make a serious splash.

Now's the time to pack your corkscrew and go. You'll find most wineries conveniently located off Route 3 (Carretera Federal 3) in the Valle de Guadalupe, just 10 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and about 2 hours by car south of San Diego. Fittingly, it's known as "La Ruta del Vino."

Sip

Casa de Piedra
Covered in bright bougainvillea and surrounded by vineyards, this unassuming stone farmhouse yields some big wines. Try the tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon blend known as Vino de Piedra, or the Piedra del Sol (it's 100 percent chardonnay). Visitors should call or email to make an appointment for a tour and tasting. VinosCasaDePiedra.com

Adobe Guadalupe Vineyards & Inn
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful winery in Baja; more than 60 acres are planted to vine, the modern tasting room serves up striking mountain views and the six-room Persian-inspired inn is surrounded by lush gardens. The on-property stables offer horseback riding through the vineyards. Here, visitors can sip on bottlings named after the archangels, including the Gabriel, a vibrant blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec. AdobeGuadalupe.com

Las Nubes Bodegas y Viñedos
Scenic views are par for the course at this vineyard. The owner, Victor Segura, was purportedly inspired by the film A Walk in the Clouds, and las nubes translates to "the clouds." When you sit on the winery's deck, it's easy to see the connection. You'll take in sweeping valley and sky views and taste red vinos named after cloud formations. VinosLasNubesBC.com

Eat

Corazon de Tierra
Since the name means "heart of the land," expect to find the freshest local, seasonal produce on your plate (ingredients are often pulled from the property or within a few miles' radius). Dishes are creative treats, such as black cod sprinkled with onion embers drizzled in a lemon verbena sauce, with local wine pairings to match — all in a hyper modern setting created from recycled materials. CorazonDeTierra.com

Finca Altozano
Want to eat under the stars? Head to this unique, open-air eatery to experience a menu of modern grilled meats, including juicy lamb and beef ribs, alongside craft beer and Baja wines in one of the Valley's prettiest outdoor settings. FincAltozano.com

Malva Cocina de Baja California
Rustic wood tables and a graffitti wall make this alfresco winery restaurant feel modern (it's located at the winery Mina Penelope). Here, Chef Roberto Olcocer whips up homemade dishes depending on what he can grow or pick that day. The lamb is sourced from the property's own herd. This is farm-to-table dining, Mexican style. facebook.com/MalvaCocinaDeBajaCalifornia

Stay

Hotel Boutique Valle de Guadalupe
This colorful, 21-room boutique hotel offers guests a lively on-site restaurant and pool. From here, it takes just a few minutes to drive along dusty, bumpy roads to wineries such as Adobe Guadalupe, Barón Balch'e and Vinicola Torres Alegre y Familia. HotelDelValleDeGuadalupe.com

Encuentro Antiresort
Hyper-modern, unique, minimalist — all apt terms to describe these box-like cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the heart of an ecological reserve deep in central Guadalupe Valley. On weekends, the property hosts a market with locally made goods such as jams and olive oil that make perfect gifts, in case your bags are already stuffed with Baja's best bottles. AntiResorts.com