Despite winemaking practices dating back to the 16th century, when Spanish settlers first arrived, Mexico is considered an up-and-coming wine country.
With a modern wine country that’s been mainly booming since the 1970s, there is so much potential to explore. In fact, there have been hundreds of new wineries over the last ten years.
We’re breaking down Mexico’s top winemaking regions, their most iconic varietals, and vineyards worth visiting.
The Best Wines from Mexico
Below are some of the most outstanding grapes from Mexico, now considered classics in the country.
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Merlot
- Chardonnay
- Tempranillo
- Syrah
- Grenache (Garnacha)
Now that we have several of the most popular Mexican wine varietals at a glance, it’s time to explore the area's top regions.
Discover Mexican Wine Regions
Here are the main wine regions of Mexico, each with its unique setting and standout varietals.
Baja California
Just fifteen minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Baja California is home to over 150 wineries and the “Napa Valley of Mexico,” Guadalupe Valley. Like California and Southern Rhone, the climate here is hot, dry, and Mediterranean with strong maritime influences, ideal for growing the country’s favorite grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon.
The sandy, clay, and granite soils of Valle de Guadalupe and range in elevation allow a variety of grapes to thrive. When traveling to Baja wine country, look out for esteemed varietals like Merlot, Tempranillo, Grenache, and Syrah for red wine and Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay for white wine.
Most of the Mexican wines you’ll find in the United States come from Baja California.
Sonora
If you prefer brandy to wine, this area on the northwest coast across from the Gulf of California is the place to be. You will find a few wines here. However, this dry region is prime for growing raisins and decadent spirits.
Coahuila
Coahuila boasts the prime grape growing area, Valle de Parras, which is home to the oldest winery in North America. Casa Madero was founded in 1597 by Spaniards and continues to produce some of the finest local wines in the region. With elevations of over 5,000 feet, the microclimates and snowy mountains foster a delicious and balanced Pinot Noir.
Other familiar grape varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay.
Durango
Like Sonora, the La Laguna wine region in Durango is known for its brandy production, with only 25% of its grapes used for winemaking. Look for bold, rich dessert wines like chocolate and raspberry Port in the lovely Durango region.
Zacatecas
Not far from Mexico City is Zacatecas, home to the highest-elevation wineries in the country. Grapes are grown in Ojo Caliente and Valle de la Macarena, though there aren’t many tasting rooms here. However, the most notable winery to see is Tierra Adentro, also known as the “Mexican Wine of Altitude.” You’ll find velvety versions of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other popular wines like Syrah and Tempranillo.
Aguascalientes
Located in the high plains desert at elevations nearing 6,000 feet is Aguascalientes, one of Mexico’s smallest wine-producing regions. This area has produced wine since the 1500s, when only monks could make wine. The standout varietal here is Nebbiolo, which comes from vines transplanted from Valle de Guadalupe. Blends like Sophie Blanco also stand out, a crisp, semi-sweet white wine with refreshing grapefruit and lemon notes. This famous wine combines Viognier, Chenin Blanc, and sometimes Sauvignon Blanc.
Querétaro
With beautiful vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, Querétaro is Mexico’s southernmost region. It is also one of the first places where grapes were planted in the New World. Querétaro is famous for its floral, aromatic wines like Macabeo, which is refreshing yet full-bodied with its nut and honey notes.
Food-friendly sparkling wines like blends of Paralleda, Macabeo, and Xarello are also sought after here. With aromatic fruit and floral notes, these wines resemble Spanish Cava, a crisp and effervescent wine. Brut Rosé crafted from Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
There are also unique blends of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc if you’re looking for a white wine combination bursting with acidity and semi-sweet tropical flavors.
This region is also closest to the historic city of San Miguel de Allende, which is known for its stunning Baroque and Neoclassical architecture.
Wineries to explore: Bodegas Jacques and Vinaltura.
Best Wineries in Mexico
There are hundreds of excellent wineries worth visiting in Mexico. However, these four continue to stand out amongst local and international wine enthusiasts.
Monte Xanic
Founded in 1987 with the dream of crafting Mexican wines of outstanding quality, Monte Xanic was one of the first boutique wineries in the country. It is also the first winery in Mexico to have produced premium wines, winning over fifty awards at various competitions.
The most popular grape varieties here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Chardonnay, which can all be enjoyed with outstanding authentic dishes at their restaurant Artio, which is known for having some of the best food in the area.
The spectacular views, fine wine, and food are a must if you visit Valle de Guadalupe.
Adobe Guadalupe
This historic mission-style inn and winery boasts some of the most beautiful vineyards in Mexico. Its iconic 2016 Kerubiel, with bold oak, vanilla, chocolate, cherry, raspberry, and smokey leather, is one of the top 1% wines in the world.
Here, guests can sip wine while enjoying the agricultural landscape and sampling top-of-the-line food trucks with some of the best tapas in the area.
Adobe Guadalupe has been delighting palates since 1997 and is a favorite among tourists and locals.
Finca la Carrodilla
For fans of sustainable winemaking, Finca la Carrodilla is one of Mexico’s most well-known biodynamic vineyards. This second-generation family-owned winery is also the first certified organic winery in the country.
The rustic setting and mountain views are the perfect backdrop for sipping smooth Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Visit their charming bakery, chapel, gardens, and friendly farm animals when you visit.
L.A. Cetto
Another favorite of Baja California is the quiet, longstanding L.A. Cetto winery. First founded in 1924, this vineyard is known for its long-stretching land and rolling hills. When seeking some of the finest red blends Mexican wine country offers, L.A. Cetto is certainly a favorite.
The Cabernet Sauvignon is full and oaky with rich plum and dark chocolate notes, complemented by a hint of eucalyptus. Some of their most famous blends include those crafted with 50% Cabernet, 10% Merlot, Malbec, and Petite Verdot.
Pairing Wine With Mexican Food
Like with any wine pairing, it’s best to consider the protein heat level and herbs of the dish you’ll be enjoying.
For instance, white wines pair best with light proteins like chicken, while robust red wines with high tannins are perfect for heavier meats like pork and beef.
When sampling spicier dishes, sweeter, light wines like Riesling are the most ideal, while dishes with lots of green herbs taste excellent with wines that have vegetable notes like Sauvignon Blanc.
Here are some classic Mexican food and wine pairings.
- Carnitas and Pinot Noir
- Mole and Syrah
- Al Pastor and Sparkling Brut Rosé
- Ceviche and Grüner Veltliner
- Enchiladas and Riesling
- Tamales and Tempranillo
- Chile Relleno and Sauvignon Blanc
- Chicken Tacos and Pinot Grigio
Viva la Mexican Wine!
Mexico may be a fairly new player in the global wine market, but it’s already making a name for itself.
Famous regions like Valle de Guadalupe are a must-visit for enthusiasts. There are also plenty of options for sipping Mexican wine locally now that you know what to look for.
Grab a few beautiful, blue-adorned Mexican wine glasses and serve a brut Rosé from Querétaro or a Nebbiolo from Aguascalientes.
If you’d like to enrich your wine knowledge further, check out our Podcast and Wine Online 101 for everything related to the world of wine.
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