Tacos and…Wine? Celebrating Mexican Wine on Cinco de Mayo
When you think of Cinco de Mayo, odds are your mind goes straight to tacos, margaritas, and mariachi music. But there’s another reason to raise a glass today—Mexico’s vibrant and growing wine scene.
When you think of Cinco de Mayo, odds are your mind goes straight to tacos, margaritas, and mariachi music. But there’s another reason to raise a glass today—Mexico’s vibrant and growing wine scene. With a rich history dating back centuries, Mexico continues to quietly produce a host of exciting wines in a range of styles. This Cinco de Mayo, let’s take a moment to toast not just to the battle of Puebla, but to the deep roots and bright future of Mexican vines and wines.
Wine by Edict: A Brief History of Mexican Wine
Mexico is home to the oldest winegrowing tradition in the Americas—and it all started with a 1524 edict from Hernán Cortés. He ordered every Spanish settler to plant at least 1,000 grapevines to support religious ceremonies and daily life.
The vineyards thrived so much that Spain later banned new plantings to protect its own wine exports! That early spark, though, lit a passion for winemaking that still burns across Mexico today.
By the late 1500s, wine production was thriving so much that it worried Spanish exporters, who feared competition with the colonies. In 1699, the Spanish Crown prohibited new vineyards (unless they were strictly for church use), stifling Mexico’s wine industry for centuries. It wasn’t until Mexico gained independence in the 19th century—and especially after the Mexican Revolution—that the country’s wine culture started to reemerge.
Today, a new generation of Mexican winemakers is embracing this legacy while pushing it into thrilling new territory, crafting wines that are uniquely expressive of Mexico’s dramatic landscapes.
Where Mexican Wine is Made: Breaking Down Mexico’s Wine Regions
Mexico’s wine production is mostly concentrated in the northwest, particularly in the state of Baja California. But vineyards are increasingly popping up in other parts of the country as well. Here’s a quick tour:
Valle de Guadalupe (Baja California)
Often called “the Napa Valley of Mexico,” this valley near Ensenada is home to around 70% of Mexico’s wine production. Its Mediterranean climate and innovative spirit have made it the heart of modern Mexican wine. In Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe, cooling Pacific breezes temper the hot, dry desert climate, creating perfect conditions for grape growing. Days are sunny and warm, while nights are refreshingly cool—ideal for maintaining acidity and developing flavor complexity in the grapes.
Valle de Parras (Coahuila) & Querétaro
Home to Casa Madero, founded in 1597—the oldest winery in the Americas. This high-altitude desert valley blends history with a growing reputation for high-quality wines.
Valle de Parras and Querétaro rely heavily on elevation. Many vineyards sit at 5,000 feet or higher, which helps counterbalance the intensity of the sun and create a longer growing season. Rocky soils, minimal rainfall, and wide diurnal temperature swings lend themselves to wines that are robust yet balanced, often with a distinctly mineral-driven character.
Other Mexican Wine Regions
You’ll also find emerging wineries in Sonora, Chihuahua, Zacatecas, and Aguascalientes, each adding their own twist to the Mexican wine story.
Given Mexico’s arid climate, water scarcity is an ever-present challenge across these subregions, and winemakers here are masters of adaptation. Drip irrigation, careful vineyard management, and sustainable practices are helping ensure that Mexican wine can continue to flourish even in a tough climate.
Major Mexican Varietals: A Blend of Old and New
One of the most exciting things about Mexican wine is its diversity. Unlike more traditional wine regions that often focus on a few signature grapes, Mexico is a bit of a free-for-all—and that’s part of the magic.
Some of the major varietals you’ll find include:
- Red Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Grenache, Syrah, and Nebbiolo (which has found a surprising and beautiful expression in Mexico).
- White Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier are common, with some producers experimenting with Sémillon and Muscat.
Many winemakers opt for blends rather than single varietals, combining grapes in creative ways to highlight the region’s natural strengths rather than forcing a rigid style. You might encounter a Cabernet-Tempranillo blend, a Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre homage to the Rhône, or even a Nebbiolo that captures the dusty romance of the Baja terroir.
A New Era for Wine from Mexico
Today, Mexican wines are winning awards, impressing sommeliers, and finding their way onto wine lists around the world. Valle de Guadalupe alone has become a destination for wine lovers, with boutique hotels, farm-to-table restaurants, and wineries whose beauty rivals Napa and Provence.
Yet despite its international buzz, Mexican wine still feels rooted, personal, and refreshingly untamed. It’s wine made with passion, resilience, and a real sense of place—which, if you think about it, makes it the perfect drink to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
So this year, maybe swap out the margarita for a glass of Baja Cabernet, a crisp Querétaro sparkling wine, or a spicy Valle de Parras Syrah. Trust us—your taste buds will say gracias.
