Guanajuato, the heart of Mexico, has positioned itself as a benchmark in wine production nationwide. Over the past weekend, the region experienced a special celebration to honor the grape harvest, bringing together producers, enthusiasts, and wine lovers at the Museo del Vino in Dolores Hidalgo, CIN
Juan José Álvarez Brunel, Secretary of Tourism of the State of Guanajuato, was in charge of inaugurating this event on July 15. This act is the first of 15 parties that will take place during the year in the emblematic Wine Museum. More than 10 Guanajuato wineries presented their products, delighting attendees with tastings of wines, spirits, mezcal and a sample of the rich gastronomy and local crafts. The live melodies offered a lively and festive atmosphere.
The excellence of the Guanajuato wine industry has been highlighted in various contests, both national and international. The 43 state wineries have obtained a total of 235 medals. “Although Guanajuato has only been producing wine for a few years, it has established a quality standard that places it as a key destination in wine tourism,” said Álvarez Brunel.
The numbers support this claim. In 2017, the Guanajuato wine sector provided 380 jobs and produced 400,000 bottles. Today, the industry employs more than 1,650 people and produces approximately one and a half million bottles a year.
One of the most outstanding achievements is the collaboration between the State Government and the private sector. Guanajuato is the only state that has a Law for the Promotion of Wine Activities, functional regulations and a State Wine Council. This legal and organizational framework allows the state to distinguish itself on the national scene.
This year, at the Tianguis Turístico in Mexico City, Governor Diego Sinhue Rodríguez Vallejo presented the “Valle de la Independencia México” Wine Route, which, although it focuses its attention on wine, highlights the 117 tourist service providers on a 77-kilometer route, from Comonfort to San Diego de la Unión.
In the educational field, Guanajuato is strongly committed to training. It is the third state that offers a degree dedicated to viticulture at the Technological University of San Miguel de Allende. In addition, more than 2,500 people from the restaurant sector have been trained to improve the experience around wine.
Guanajuato’s geographical position is another of its strengths, with a strategic proximity to Mexico City and an international airport that connects with different states of the Republic and with international destinations.
Adrián Hernández Alejandri, President of Dolores Hidalgo CIN, expressed his gratitude to the State Government for promoting the wine industry. Thanks to the collaboration between producers and the Government, the Guanajuato Grape and Wine Association, which began in 2014 with 9 members, now has 36 registered members and close to 500 hectares of vineyards.
Elías Torres Barrera, president of the Association, commented: “We have done great teamwork.” And there is no doubt that this alliance has been fruitful.
For those interested in the upcoming grape harvest festivals, the complete program is available at www.guanajuato.mx
