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Wine Regions of Mexico

  • Writer: ERRE
    ERRE
  • Sep 15
  • 6 min read

Updated: Oct 25

The history of wine in Mexico began in the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors brought the first European vines to the Americas. During colonial times, wine production was driven by religious orders, particularly in northern regions like Coahuila and Baja California. However, by the late 17th century, the Spanish Crown imposed restrictions on local wine production to avoid competition with Iberian wines.


It wasn’t until the 20th century that Mexican wine began to experience a resurgence. Over the past two decades, the country has witnessed a true wine revolution. Today, Mexico has not only earned international recognition for the quality of its wines, but has also forged a unique oenological identity.


Climatic conditions, soil diversity, and the artisanal approach of many wineries have helped position the country as an emerging wine destination.


If you're interested in discovering how these grape varieties express themselves in Valle de Guadalupe, we invite you to explore our full wine portfolio. You'll find labels crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Chenin Blanc, Syrah, among others all grown with respect for the land and a passion for wine.


Our collection reflects the richness of the region and the unique character of each varietal.


Key Factors Behind the Success of Mexican Wine


High-Altitude Climates, Diverse Soils, and Geographic Richness


One of the most important reasons behind the success of Mexican wine lies in its unique geographic conditions. Although Mexico is located at a latitude closer to the tropics than traditional wine-producing zones, its high-altitude climates compensate for this.

Many Mexican wine regions are situated at more than 1,800 meters above sea level, allowing for cool nighttime temperatures and slow grape ripening. This results in more complex wines with a good balance of acidity and sugar.

Another key factor is the diversity of soils from sandy and volcanic to clay and calcareous. Each soil type directly influences the wine’s profile. For example, volcanic soils tend to impart minerality, while sandy soils offer ideal drainage for bold red varieties like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.


Finally, the country’s varied geography offers unique microclimates in each wine-growing region, enabling a wide range of winemaking styles and expressions. From Valle de Parras to Querétaro and Baja California, this heterogeneity makes Mexican wine a rich and surprising sensory experience.


Baja California: Mexico’s Winemaking Powerhouse


The Heart of Mexican Viticulture


Baja California represents one of the most important wine regions in Mexico, accounting for nearly 85% of national production.


Its Mediterranean climate with maritime influence, along with rich and varied soils, make Baja California an ideal territory for viticulture.


Within this region, several subzones are notable for their unique enological characteristics. Valle de Guadalupe is the most recognized, followed by Santo Tomás, San Vicente, and San Antonio de las Minas. Each valley offers different microclimates and soil types, allowing for the cultivation of various grape varieties and resulting in distinct wine profiles.


The predominant grapes in this region are Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Syrah, all of which are perfectly adapted to the local conditions. This diversity allows wineries to produce everything from fresh whites to structured reds suitable for aging.


This diversity allows wineries to produce everything from fresh whites to structured reds and internationally recognized premium wines that reflect the Valley’s unique terroir.


If you visit during harvest season, don’t miss the Tomato and Wine Festival, a food and wine experience celebrating wine, land, and family tradition.



Rows of vineyard vines glowing under the golden sunset in Valle de Guadalupe, with mountains in the background

Querétaro: The Capital of Mexican Sparkling Wine


High-Altitude Elegance in the Bajío


Querétaro has gained renown as the capital of sparkling wine in Mexico, thanks to its exceptional geographic conditions. Although it's located further south in the northern hemisphere than other wine regions, its altitude over 1,900 meters above sea level creates an ideal climate for cultivating fresh grapes with good acidity and aromatic expression.


The key wine-producing municipalities in Querétaro are Tequisquiapan, Ezequiel Montes, and San Juan del Río. These areas have developed a robust wine tourism infrastructure with wineries, cheese dairies, and events that enrich the visitor experience.


The region focuses primarily on sparkling wines, whites, and rosés. The most widely grown varieties include Chardonnay, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot, used both in traditional winemaking and ancestral methods for sparkling wines.


For those wanting to explore beyond wine, an excellent option is to follow the path of Do you know the Wine Route?, a tour that blends the scenic beauty of Querétaro with vibrant flavors and authentic hospitality. This route has become a must for wine lovers looking for something different.



Vineyard landscape with a reflective lake and rustic winery buildings on a sunny day

Coahuila: The Cradle of Wine in the Americas


Centuries of Tradition in Northern Mexico


Coahuila proudly holds the title of being the birthplace of wine in the Americas, with winemaking tradition in Valle de Parras dating back to 1597, considered the oldest record of continuous wine production on the continent


In addition to Valle de Parras, other Coahuila regions such as Saltillo, Cuatro Ciénegas, and Torreón have developed interesting wine projects that add diversity to the state’s wine landscape.


Altitude, semi-desert climate, and the use of modern technology have made it possible to produce wines of great quality and personality.


The most common grape varieties grown in Coahuila include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, used to produce both young wines and well-structured aging labels.

While Coahuila honors its roots, Baja California is not far behind in celebrations. A great example is Viñas de la ERRE celebrating Día de los Muertos in Valle de Guadalupe, sharing a unique experience of wine, gastronomy, and Mexican tradition blending past and present in an unforgettable setting.


Aerial view of expansive vineyards surrounded by green mountains under a clear blue sky.


Aguascalientes: A Region with History and Revival


A Winemaking Legacy Flourishing Once Again


Aguascalientes is one of the oldest wine regions in Mexico, with a tradition dating back to the 16th century. For centuries, wine production was part of the state’s agricultural landscape, but it was during the 1990s that the region experienced a winemaking renaissance.


New generations of producers embraced modern techniques, recognizing the potential of the local terroir to produce high-quality wines.


Aguascalientes’ semi-arid climate with hot days and cool nights is particularly favorable for growing red grapes with good sugar concentration and balanced tannins.


Currently, the most common varieties in the region include Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Malbec, used in both single varietals and interesting blends.


This winemaking revival has also boosted wine tourism in the area, positioning Aguascalientes as an emerging destination for wine lovers.



Three glasses of white, rosé, and red wine placed in front of vineyard rows on a sunny day.

Guanajuato: Boutique and Artisanal Wine Tourism


Romance, Authenticity, and Unconventional Grapes


Guanajuato has emerged as a prominent wine region, known for its boutique and artisanal wine tourism. With hubs like San Miguel de Allende and Dolores Hidalgo, this area offers much more than wine: it combines colonial landscapes, art, culture, and intimate experiences centered around wine.


Unlike more industrialized regions, Guanajuato is dominated by small, artisanal wineries, where each visit becomes a personalized experience. This intimate atmosphere is perfect for those seeking direct contact with producers, exclusive guided tastings, and attention to detail in every glass.


The region also stands out for experimenting with lesser-known varieties like Albariño and Montepulciano, which bring freshness and originality to its wine portfolio. These unique labels attract connoisseurs who value innovation and non-traditional character.



Red wine being poured next to a charcuterie and cheese board overlooking a panoramic vineyard view.

Chihuahua and Emerging Regions: The Future of Mexican Wine


New Horizons for Mexican Viticulture


The wine map in Mexico continues to expand, and Chihuahua is shaping up to be one of the country’s most promising emerging regions. Thanks to its altitude, contrasting climates, and diverse soils, this region has begun to stand out for producing expressive, well-structured reds.


Innovation, along with the drive of young producers, has enabled the growth of projects with great potential.


Other regions such as Jalisco, Sonora, and Durango are also gaining prominence. Though not traditionally associated with viticulture, today they benefit from favorable agro-climatic conditions and growing investment in infrastructure and oenological training.


The most commonly grown varieties in these areas include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot, used to make modern wines with body and fruity profiles that appeal to both domestic and international markets.


Clusters of ripe grapes hanging among green leaves in a vineyard row.

Valle de Guadalupe: The Heart of Wine Tourism


Where Wine, Gastronomy, and Emotion Come Together


At the heart of Mexican viticulture lies our home: Valle de Guadalupe. This place has not only transformed the history of wine in Mexico, but also redefined how wine tourism is experienced and celebrated in the country.


Here, every glass tells a story, every vineyard sunset becomes a memory, and every visit leaves a lasting impression.


We are part of a community passionate about wine, the land, and the experiences that arise from both.


The valley is perfect for those looking to explore wine routes, enjoy exclusive events, taste new labels, or simply surrender to the tranquil rhythm of the vineyards.


For those looking for a more intimate experience, Viñas de la ERRE also offers private tastings, guided by our experts to help you discover the essence of each label at your own pace.


Our portfolio ranges from approachable labels to high-end wines, crafted for those who seek elegance, complexity, and the authentic spirit of Valle de Guadalupe.


Vineyard rows illuminated by warm golden hour light in Valle de Guadalupe.

And we can’t forget the culinary offerings that perfectly complement the experience: regional cuisine, fresh ingredients, thoughtfully curated pairings, and warm service that makes everyone feel at home.


At Viñas de la ERRE, we believe the perfect pairing isn’t just between wine and food—it’s also between people, moments, and landscapes.


 
 
 

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