Mexico is known for its beautiful dream beaches, Mayan culture and the famous “tortillas”. Who would have thought that Mexico also has a growing wine culture?
The wine culture in Mexico was introduced by the Spanish colonial settlers and the missionaries of the 16th century. Previously, there were only locally grown grapes used by indigenous communities to brew alcoholic beverages, such as “Acachul Wine” in the state of Coahuila. Since wine was such an integral part of daily meals for Spaniards and this new land offered great conditions for wine growing, they imported and planted grapes from Europe. Later on, these grapes were grown in such a way that they adapted to the conditions in Mexico and consequently no more grapes were imported, only Mexican grapes were grown.
Wine Exhibition
In Querétaro, there has been a boom in wine production in the last few years with wineries popping up in areas such as Tequisquiapan and Ezquiel Montes. The most produced red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. White wines are also grown there, especially Chenin Blan, Fehers – Zago, Pinot Blanc, Riesling Renano and Traminer and Grenache; Carignane and Pinot Gris are among the region’s rose wines.
To promote the Mexican wine culture and offer visitors an unforgettable experience, the city of Tequisquiapan organizes the “Feria del Vino y Queso” every year. A large number of wine and cheese producers from the region, as well as from countries in South America and Europe come together to present their wines and to bring their wine closer to visitors during wine tasting and conferences.
For more information: http://www.feriadelquesoyvino.com.mx/
The Route
If you are unable to visit this celebratory event, it is still worthwhile exploring the wine and cheese route. Drive through the semi-desert landscape to visit the local farms and wineries to experience first hand the cultivation of the grapes and the production of the wine and cheese.
For more information, visit the official wine and cheese route website: http://www.larutadelquesoyvino.com.mx/
