Mexican wines and wineries

Ruta del Vino: Build and They Will Drink (2/3)

2008-05-21T08:45:00.004-05:00

By Steve Dryden

According to Miguel Fuentes, “Hospitality is the key here and we plan to built a family-oriented project where there is something to offer the entire family from young children to grandparents. We are a family that respects and appreciates the needs of everyone in a family and we plan to share that perspective with our guests. The children can play in the recreation area with supervision, while the parents enjoy wines in our tasting room. We’ll offer food in our family-style restaurant, snacks on the patio, barbecues, and even host special events to include birthday parties and weddings. We’re creating a venue where we can offer something for everyone in
an environment based on fun, education and family entertainment.”

Viños Fuentes has seventy hectares of natural and sustainable land on both sides of the Guadalupe Riverbed. Twelve hectares are planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo with several additional plots are planted in table grapes to include: Ruby Red, Globe, Superior and Thompson seedless grapes. The vines range in age from two years to twenty-five years. In 2008, Miguel will plant Nebbiolo, Syrah, French Columbard and Muscat vines to compliment his vino portfolio. The winery facility, boutique gift shop and restaurant are located in a 8,250 square foot building on a beautiful and natural farm setting. Miguel currently creates small quantities of high quality wine to include: 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon/Grenache blend, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon/Grenache blend. Coming soon will be his 2007 Merlot and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Viños Fuentes wines are a Baja California “super value” at $10 to $15 US per bottle with additional case discounts. Hours of operation will start with Thursday through Sunday from 10 am until dusk. Tasting fees are $3 person - refundable towards wine purchase. The winery is located on the paved road (Calle Principal No. 290) that passes through the small village Francisco Zarco, almost directly across from the entrance to Monte Xanic winery. For more details contact: 646 155-2044 646 171-7070 cell or 152*135047*2 Nextel

Another “hidden gold nugget” in southwestern Valle de Guadalupe is Viñas Pijoan, and the new road will open an exciting world for wine lovers and for the Pijoan family. I’ve interviewed several winemakers in Baja’s premier wine country and if I were a professor in viticulture and enology I would give Pau Pijoan an “A” for doing his homework. He studies wine the way Einstein studied physics - meticulously, passionately, relentlessly - and that’s what separates him from the pack. After a few minutes into conversation with Pau, you realize he’s intensely focused on creating “honest wines of integrity.” He’s so committed and determined that he loses ten to fifteen pounds every season during harvest just trying to manage his selected vineyards and detailing his winemaking procedures. This kind of passion and love for the wine culture is what drives his heart and soul, so it’s no surprise that Pau’s wines are so incredible! He’s another important player in the Mexican “wine team” that’s driving the quality of Baja wines into “world class” wines of distinction and sophistication. Serious wine aficionados should note this gentleman and seek out his wine!

Pau Pijoan began his interest with winemaking in England during his post graduate years. His little apartment in London looked more like a winery than living quarters, but it was the beginning of a long relationship in wine craftsmanship and scientific research that eventually led him to Guadalupe Valley in Baja California. He sees this wine region as one of the most important wine growing areas in the world, providing the right climate, soils and conditions to get mature grapes of great structure and concentration. In 1999, he enrolled in a winemaking program directed by enologist, Hugo D’ Acosta, thus taking another step in the direction of fulfilling his passion for creating serious wines. Hugo and Pau have established a working relationship and friendship allowing Hugo to mentor and consult Pau in his desire and passion to develop superior Mexican wines. Hugo D’ Acosta is a former winemaker for Santo Tomas winery and is one of the revolutionary Mexican leaders in the movement helping to create artisan winemakers and boutique wineries capable of creating “world class wines.”

Continues here: http://winesfrommexico.homestead.com/TravelBajaCalifornia02.html

New Releases from 2006 and 2007 in Baja Wine Country (2/3)

2008-05-21T08:38:00.003-05:00

By Steve Dryden

Don Miller from Adobe Guadalupe Inn and Vineyards is another partner of Hugo D’ Acosta. Together they team up to make high quality wine from Don and Tru Miller’s vineyards. Their Uriel 2007 Vino Rosado is a crowd-pleasing wine with a unique blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera and Moscatel. Hugo presented two of his own outstanding white wines, one from Casa de Piedra and one from Paralelo winery. He continues to create amazing Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from his estate grown grapes and from other regions in Baja California. In addition his red wines are considered to be some of Mexico’s best.

Fernando Martain of Cavas Valmar winery in Ensenada presented his new 2007 Chenin Blanc and 2006 Tempranillo. Both of these wines make the point that Fernando is creating consistent vintages of high quality wine. In addition he is “the man” behind many other artisan and boutique wineries. He was selected by the Baja Times as the Wine Industry Person of the Year for 2008 because of his leadership and vision that has led to a transformation of Baja California’s winemaking industry.

The wine presented by Viñedos La Farga was so good and exciting that I spilled it all over my new white shirt and pants. A wine that good, you just have to wear it! La Farga is producing some outstanding red wines from Valle de Guadalupe and is quietly moving towards the top of the pack with more outstanding wines every year. Villa Montefiori poured a delightful Nebbiolo that is rich, smooth, elegant and opulent.

Tres Valles Vitivinicola is always full of surprises with outstanding red wines of “old world style” that match well with gourmet delights from Baja California. And, Vinicola Pedrazo is an artisan winery based in Ensenada that is producing some good, high quality wines that are being sought out by wine lovers throughout Mexico and southern California.

Continues here: http://mexicanwineries.homestead.com/NewReleases02.html

Lifestyles: Mexican Wines

2008-05-10T12:14:00.003-05:00

Actually, Mexico produces some respectable wines in several distinct growing regions. The country is also home to the oldest vineyard and winery on the continent. All kinds of wines are produced there, including sparkling wines from one of Spain's most famous producers. So, in the spirit of NAFTA, I thought it might be fun to take a look at the wine industry south of the border, down Mexico way.

It turns out that there is a long tradition of winemaking in Mexico - not surprising, really, when you think about it. When the Spanish Conquistadors so politely moved into the country in the 16th century, they naturally brought with them from their native land a taste for wine. (Also a taste for murder, mayhem and genocide, but that's a story for another type of column.)

The Parras Valley is in the northeast of Mexico in the state of Coahuila. Exploring the region west of Monterrey, Don Lorenzo Garcia found an oasis among the surrounding desert. Here he found springs and native grape vines growing in abundance. The year was 1597. Don Lorenzo established Casa Madero, a vineyard and winery that are operating to this day - the oldest winery on the continent. Casa Madero concentrates on reds, producing Cabernet, Merlot and blends of the two. Recently they planted Chardonnay and it shows promise as well.

Continues here: ...

Ruta del Vino: Build and They Will Drink

2008-05-10T10:49:00.004-05:00

Travel Baja California By Steve Dryden

“A Field of Dreams” is what I call vineyards in the Baja California wine country. I think every person who plants grapes has dreams of creating something personal, special and significant. As a grape grower I maintain an intimate relationship with grape vines, my own private Italian family of Nebbiolo grapes. I’m blessed with spoiled Italian bambinos who demand organic food, water twice a week and won’t perform well unless I play Johannes Brahms and Frederic Chopin for them during the cool evenings, just before sunset! And, every vineyard manager, winemaker and winery owner has a vision to produce the best possible product, expressing the land, the
grapes, the passion and the likes of each individual.

Vineyards and wineries continue to sprout up in Valle de Guadalupe and Ruta del Vino is the link that now joins them all together. Gone are the days when wine tasting in the valley was a combination of the TV series Survivor, off-road racing and demolition derby.

Ruta del Vino (the wine route) has been expanded and the old dirt road from Francisco Zarco towards Monte Xanic and beyond to Bibayoff and Vinas Pijoan has been paved. In the next month or two (Mexican time) the road will be paved all the way from the little village of Francisco Zarco to the free road near El Tigre. This is a revelation and a revolution in the sense that you’ll no longer need “double strength”

Polident to keep your dentures locked-in as you fight the washboard roads where some unlucky folks often encountered potholes that could easily consume an entire car. And, now (for better or worse) you’ll see motor coaches at back country wineries that once were accessible only to Baja off-road vehicles, ATV’s, ATC’s, naive gringos or local adventurers. And, the new road traverses once hidden olive groves, tree farms, “old vine” vineyards, ranchos and “secret artisan” wineries.

Today, there are about ten to twelve wineries that can be easily accessed via the new Zarco - El Tigre Wine Route. In order of location from Francisco Zarco are: Vinicola Sueños, Fuentes Brothers, Monte Xanic, Chateau Camou, Adobe Guadalupe, Baron Balch’e, JC Bravo, The Wine School, La Villa, Bibayoff and Viñas Pijoan. And, there are a few more “hidden treasures” along the route waiting for your discovery, but I’m leaving that adventure to those who still want a place to hide, relax and avoid the crowds. For lovers of the wonderful wine of Monte Xanic, you might note that they are now open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 3 p.m. They do not take motor coach tours, no groups larger than twenty people and with prior approval only.

Families looking for quality wine with “super value” pricing and a place for kids to play while mom and dad taste wine should explore Viños Fuentes winery near Km 1.25 on the new Zarco-Tigre Wine Route. One of the newer members in our regional “wine boom” is the family of Hector and Miguel Fuentes, along with brothers Mark and Hector Fuentes Jr. These native Baja Californians have a long history of farming in Mexicali and Valle de Guadalupe. Over the last several years they have been converting their former fruit orchard into a family oriented winery, recreation area, boutique gift shop, traditional Mexican restaurant and steak house.

Continues here: ...

New releases from 2006 and 2007 from Baja Wine Country

2008-05-09T10:32:00.003-05:00

By Steve Dryden

Baja California wine continues the climb towards “world class” status with each new vintage. Every year in April the wine industry presents a seafood and new wine release festival in Ensenada. This year’s food and wine extravaganza took place at the cruise ship terminal on the scenic plaza overlooking the harbor with a backdrop from the mountains of La Bufadora and Punta Banda. Several of the best culinary establishments between Rosarito Beach and Ensenada provided guests with gourmet delights and an opportunity to match up new wines with superb entrees. Within minutes of the opening presentation it was obvious that Baja California is reaching superior levels in winemaking and culinary arts. Mexico has something to be very proud of with food and wine from this region and Ensenada is becoming the food and wine capital of the country.

Pau Pijoan of Viñas Pijoan was a “shining star” of the event with his new release of 2006 Domenico. It was the most stunning wine I tasted that day with rich, elegant and deep layers of flavor, perfectly balanced with a long and graceful finish. This blend of seventy-five percent Grenache, fifteen percent Petite Sirah and ten percent Cabernet Sauvignon is artistically crafted from selected “old vines” grown in sandy soil of Valle de San Vicente. Pau continues to create superior wines under the guidance of Hugo D’ Acosta.

Continues here ...

Mexican wines from Copia event

2008-04-27T13:59:00.001-05:00

By Jessica Yadegaran

As promised in today’s column on Mexican wines, here’s a selection of the best Baja wines I tasted at the Copia event last weekend. Check each winery’s Web site to locate a distributor (most are in Los Angeles) and find out if and when they will be available in the Bay Area. Some are headed into our stores as early as spring. As you’ll see, I was particularly taken with their blends.

Not to be a downer, but I do have to warn you about something that’s come to my attention. There has been a significant rise in the kidnappings of American tourists in Baja this past year. Seems our respective federal governments are too busy working on other security issues to shed light on this problem. So please be informed before you visit.

On to the wines:
Monte Xanic: 50,000 cases produced annually.

2004 Chenin Colombard: Well-balanced and bursting with tropical fruits and acidity.
2004 Gran Ricardo: A velvet-cedar-raspberry blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that is aged for 18 months in French oak.

Casa de Piedro: 3,000 cases produced annually.

2005 Vino de Piedra Tinto: An elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo that has become quite the trend in Baja blends. This one showed tart berries, light grilled meats and vanilla on the finish. It was gorgeous.

2005 Parallelo Ensemble Arsena: a medium bodied blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah and Barbera from the hillsides of San Antonio de las Minas. This wine is very balanced with dark fruits, leather and smoke. Very impressive.

Chateau Camou:

2004 Gran Vino Tinto Merlot: Beautiful ruby color with good, structured tannins and a floral finish. What Merlot should be.

2004 Gran Vino Tinto: A traditional Bordeaux Blend where the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are aged separately in stainless steel tanks and then in new French oak for 13 months. Blending occurs just before bottling and the result is cassis, coffee and spice.

L.A. Cetto: 600,000 cases produced annually with 14 different labels.

Vinicola Cabernet of Rose: I was blown away by the crisp, sherbert acidity of this dry rose made from Cabernet Sauvignon. Have it with sushi and be dazzled. And here’s the kicker: it costs $6.50 and is widely available in the U.S.

Reservas Privada Nebbiolo: This is L.A. Cetto’s premium label. This wine is tar-kissed with rose petals and violets on the nose. It’s got great tannins and impeccable finish. Here’s to the new Piedmont.

Source: http://www.ibabuzz.com/corkheads/2008/02/06/mexican-wines-from-copia-event/

Looking for Mexican wine of Casa Madero in the USA

2008-04-14T12:22:00.001-05:00

Hi,

We had a very good bottle of wine while in Cancun last week, from Casa Madera, and are interested in purchasing some. We had a chardonnay that we really enjoyed, and would like to try the Semillon. How can we find some that can be shipped to the USA?

Thank you, Miff

miffmark@rangeweb.net

Question about wine grapes

2008-04-14T12:17:00.002-05:00

Dear Senors:

I undestand that the 2007 census of agriculture has been published. I am looking specifically for the section on grapes. Do you happen to know how I can obtain this? Thank you.

Sincerely,

Patrick W Fegan, Director
CHICAGO WINE SCHOOL
1942 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60608
312-491-0284
www.wineschool.com
PWFegan@aol.com

Visit Monte Xanic

2008-03-08T13:14:00.004-06:00

The highlight of my tour through the valley was a stop at Monte Xanic. As luck would have it, Backhoff was cooling off in the tasting room on this scorching hot day.

Backhoff is an old acquaintance. He and I have both judged at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, and he came to San Diego a couple of years ago to judge at the San Diego International Wine Competition, where I am Director and Chief Judge.

He greeted me with a bit of a gleam in his eye, for he had a couple of special wines to share. Monte Xanic is well known for its Cabernet, its Bordeaux-style red and white blends and its Chardonnay.

On this day, Hans was on to something else.

"These are experimental wines, they are not for sale," he said.

One was a red blend of Aglianico and Nebbiolo, about 90 percent of it Aglianico. This is the most important red grape of southern Italy and produces a world class wine under the right circumstances.

"The Aglianico is doing beautifully," said Backhoff. "The cuttings came from a man locally."

The Nebbiolo Aglianico was exquisitely balanced and beautifully structured, a complex, world class red that's easily among the best wines I've ever tasted from Baja. The other wine that had Backhoff humming was a Petit Verdot, a gorgeous fruit bomb of a wine that reminded me of fresh blueberries.

"We usually blend this for color, but this was so good we had to bottle some on its own," said Hans.

I remember thinking as I left that I couldn't believe these two incredible wines were made in Mexico. Then I remembered my first visit to Monte Xanic many years ago. I went home with a bottle of Chardonnay and poured it during a blind tasting for a number of wine enthusiasts who met regularly at a local restaurant.

The Monte Xanic bested a stellar selection of French white Burgundies and California Chardonnays. As the winner was unbagged, one of the tasters, a confirmed Francophile, buried his face in his hands and cried: 'I don't believe I voted for a wine from Mexico over the Puligny-Montrachet!'
Source Robert Whitley

Visit LA Cetto

2008-03-08T13:07:00.002-06:00

L.A. Cetto, well run and with high standards despite its size, was a different experience. Its tasting room and picnic grounds were teeming with tourists, but despite the crowd the staff remained in good humor and extremely helpful.

Much to my surprise Cetto poured an excellent Viognier, a white wine made famous in France's Rhone Valley. A Cabernet Sauvignon, a red Bordeaux-style blend and a Rose of Cabernet were all first-rate, too. I purchased a bottle of the L.A. Cetto Nebbiolo to take home. Though impossible to find in the U.S., I did run across this wine once in a wine bar in Paris. It's probably the finest Nebbiolo I've ever tasted outside of Italy.

Source Robert Whitley

"Viñas de Camou" wines from Chateau Camou

2008-02-25T05:02:00.002-06:00

In the classic style of the wines of Bordeaux, the Sauvignon Blanc wines have been fermented 100% in new French Oak Barrels (225 lts Seguin Moreau) for 12 months. Yellow green in color, great transparency and brightness, tropical fruit (passion fruit, guava, apple, peach, melon). Citrus and toasted oak aromas provide a character with great balance, unctuous body and a nice fresh evolution followed by a long aftertaste.

The micro-climate, the sandy-clay soil of Cañada del Trigo, as well as the mixing of 60 year old vines with young ones from the variety of Chardonnay produce this great wine. Made in the most traditional way, fermentation in new French barrels (225 lts Seguin Moreau) during nine months. Golden - Yellow in color, clean and brilliant. Delicate aroma of tropical fruits, peach, butter, honey and toasted oak, a complex and balanced flavor; oily body and a long - lasting aftertaste.

Wines and Wine Tastings - Sancho Panza Wine Bistro and Jazz Club - Cabo San Lucas

2008-02-25T04:41:00.003-06:00

The following are some of the wineries that we carry when available. (Product availability is one of the aspects that make our lifestyle here in our ocean side desert paradise of Cabo San Lucas more interesting, and our selection of wine is no exception. Therefore, our wine list is constantly evolving. This list is only a sampling of wineries we carry. At any time there may be more or fewer wineries in stock for your enjoyment.)
A note to our wine loving friends: You are entitled to bring 3 liters (or four 750 ml bottles) of wine or alcohol into Mexico duty free.

ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT NOTE TO OUR WINE LOVING FRIENDS:
We are adding a page to chronicle your winery memories. We want to share all of our travels through the world of wine with other wine lovers. If you have any special wine notes, winery experiences, or wine events that you would like to share with us please email us your comments, notes, and we will include them here for all of us to enjoy.

Mexican wines:
Chateau Camou
Flor de Guadalupe
Monte Xanic

More here: www.sanchopanza.com

Searching wine from Mogor Badan

2008-02-25T04:33:00.002-06:00

Hello,

Since my boss, Dr Pacheco, discovered your wine, Mogor Badan Cabernet, we have been trying to obtain this wine. It was introduced to him by a very good friend of his which is a restaurant manager at the Greenery in June of 2007. I would like to know how I can get a case of this infamous wine I'm curious to obtain myself and saver. You may email me or call me at your earliest convenience with information. Thank you and I look forward on your reply. Gracias

Isabel D. Murillo
IsabelDM8202@yahoo.com
915-861-7891

Mexican Wine in Chicago, by Oscar P Chavez

2008-02-14T09:53:00.001-06:00

We have wine from Cavas Valmar and Vinisterra:

Cavas Valmar, Chenin Blanc 2000 $ 15.99
Cavas Valmar, Tempranillo 2005 $ 16.99
Cavas Valmar, Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 $ 20.99
Cavas Valmar, Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 $ 21.99
Vinisterra, Cabernet-Merlot 2003 $ 25.99
Vinisterra, Tempranillo 2004$ 25.99

Please contact Oscar Chavez at 630-640-0247 or

visite www.thewinesofmexico.com

Vinisterra mexican winery and their Macouzet range

2008-02-14T06:15:00.002-06:00

How to get there ?

Vinisterra winery is a great spot to start wine tasting and is located on the west end of Guadalupe Valley in the village of San Antonio de las Minas at Km 94.5 off Highway 3. If you are coming from Ensenada, turn to the right in the center of this small village onto Calle Benito Juarez. Follow the only paved road in town thru the fifth stop sign and continue about 500 yards to the first left turn, go about 1/4 mile and turn right at the stop sign. The winery is ahead about 200 yards on the right side. Open Saturdays from 11:00 a.m to 4:30 and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Abelardo and Patricia Macouzet Rodriguez manage the winery and host the tasting room. Arrangements can be made for private tasting, large tour groups and special events. For information please call 646-178-3350 email: vinisterra@yahoo.com

What mexican wines to taste there ?
Try their Macouzet Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend, aged 30 percent in new French oak for 18 months with one year and six months bottle aging. Garnet color with aromas of ripe red berries with velvety balanced flavors. The end result is a soft, smooth wine with light hint of wood, ripe fruit, medium acidity, mid-soft tannins and good structure. Their Tempranillo is an outstanding wine aged 40 percent in new American oak with almost two years bottle aging. Dark ruby color with aromas of black cherry, vanilla and a hint of oak. Flavors of black stone fruit mix with good mid-mouth mild tannins, good acidity with a balanced finish. Rated 84 points in Copenhagen competition. This winery is one of the "best" wine producers in Mexico!

Source: http://www.rosaritoinn.com/valletour.htm

Mexican wines from Pedro Domecq

2008-02-14T06:01:00.005-06:00

White wines from Pedro Domecq

Domecq’s 2006 XA Blanc de Blancs made from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling was the “value” find of the trip. It was slightly buttery on the palate with hints of apricot and honey. The finish had just enough acidity so that it wasn’t cloying. Widely available, it only costs $18 in most restaurants, and it is often available in a half bottle (for a little less than half the price).

The reds from Pedro Domecq

The 2003 XA Cabernet Sauvignon is like the dozens of average Cabs you see from Chile. Medium bodied, it has flavors of lush ripe red berries with soft tannins. In all, it is a flabby but very drinkable wine for only $20. Moving up the quality scale is the 2003 Chateau Domecq Cosecha Seleccionada. This wine is round and supple with flavors of wild berries. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Niebbelo, it is a better deal at $23; I only saw it twice on the wine lists however.

In what I tasted from Pedro Domecq, the 2005 Reserva Real was by far the best. Made from Merlot and Petit Syrah, the wine has a burnt cherry taste with firm tannins. We definitely drank this one too young, but, at $26 a bottle, it did not hurt the pocketbook.

Source: http://findyourcraving.com/sipping/discovering-mexican-wine

Three fine Mexican Wineries

2008-02-14T05:50:00.004-06:00

Bodegas Santo Tomás

Established in 1938, Bodegas Santo Tomás was Mexico’s first commercial winery. It is also one of the largest and has a wide range of products. You are more likely to find the “reserves” in the U.S. and, if you’re lucky, the prized Unicos, which is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. The wines are varietally correct — i.e., the cab tastes0 like cab — and can give some California wines a run for the money. Reserves are about $15 to $20.

Château Camou

Chateau Camou in the Guadalupe Valley is one of the easier Mexican producers to find in California. Michel Rolland, the traveling French oenologist, consulted here for a while. Chateau Camou has three labels: Château Camou, Flor de Guadalupe and Vinas de Camou. The Flor de Guadalupe Zinfandel ($18) has been surprisingly good in the past, but look for a vintage that is fairly young, as this wine does not age very well. The Gran Vino Tinto Merlot ($30) is also worth seeking.

Monte Xanic

Monte Xanic, also in the Guadalupe Valley, is rumored to be former Mexican President Vincente Fox’s favorite Mexican winery, whatever that means. I often enjoy the Vina Kristel, an inexpensive sauvignon blanc/semillon blend ($12). The winery is also known for their Bordeaux-style red blends.

More information about Mexican wineries ?

Look at it here: http://winesfrommexico.homestead.com/wineries.html

Buy Mexican wines

2008-02-04T10:59:00.000-06:00

Dear visitor,

It is sometimes hard for us to know precisely where you live and thus where you want to buy Mexican wines. A special webpage (see indication underneath) gives you already some hints.
On other pages of our the Mexican wines' website you will also find more usefull information.

The wineclubs in Mexico mostly have a wine shop or a sales activity that can be of your interest. Look here for a complete list of them.

Another way to get Mexican wine is contacting each individual winery in Mexico. You will find their complete contact data (addresses, phones, e-mail etc) on this webpage.

And if you visit (or live in) the city of Guadelajara, Jalisco in Mexico, we advise you to have a look at the shop 'Sommelier Vinos Finos & Accesorios'.

Continues on this webpage: http://mexicanwines.homestead.com/BuyMexicanWines.html

Visiting Mexican wineries in Baja California Norte

2008-02-04T10:47:00.000-06:00

The following is a partial list of Mexico's wineries, many of which conduct tours:

Monte Xanic:

Located near the town of Zarco, 25 miles northeast of Ensenada, this winery is less than two decades old, but has quickly gained a reputation as one of Mexico's finest and is credited with putting the country's wine on the map. The winery produces three lines: Monte Xanic, Calixa and the Gran Ricardo, which has a limited production of 1,500 bottles and is only bottled in Magnums. The winery has received many awards, among them a bronze medal at the 2000 Challenge International du Vin in Blaye-Bourg, France for the 1998 Monte Xanic Chardonnay. The 1995 Monte Xanic Cabernet Sauvignon received a Gold Medal and the Civart Prix d'Excellence in the 1998 challenge. For more information, call (011-52-555) 545-1111 or visit http://www.montexanic.com.mx/

Chateau Camou:

Inspired by what he saw in the Monte Xanic winery, Ernesto Alvarez-Murphy Camou took his mother's maiden name, bought 1000 acres in 1995 and created Chateau Camou. Like Monte Xanic, Chateau Camou aims at creating top-quality wines and is considered one of Mexico's most modern and sophisticated wineries. It is best known for El Gran Vino Tinto, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The 1995 vintage won a silver medal in the 1998 Challenge International du Vin in Bordeax, France and the 1997 vintage picked up a silver medal at the 2000 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in Belgium and a gold medal at the 2000 Wines of the Americas fair in Los Angeles. Chateau Camou offers tours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon for US$3. For more information, call (011-52-646) 177-3303 or visit http://www.chateau-camou.com.mx/

Casa de Piedra:

This discreet vineyard, located at Km 93.5 in the valley of San Antonio de Las Minas, is considered by some as Mexico's most innovative and ground-breaking winery. Its red Vino de Piedra and white Piedra de Sol are considered among the best wines in Mexico. They are exclusive, expensive and hard to find, but many who have tried them say it's worth it. For more information, call (011-52-646) 155-3097 or visit http://www.vinoscasadepiedra.com/

Bodegas Santo Tomas:

Open since 1888, this winery has been producing wine longer than any other winery in Mexico. It is best known for having joined California's Wente Vineyard to produce Duetto, a 50-50 Santo Tomas/Wente blend. It is also known for its Santo Tomás Reserva Unico. The winery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (011-52-646) 178-3333 or visit http://www.santotomas.com.mx/

A great way to get to know these wineries and others is to attend the Vintage Festival (Fiesta de la Vendimia) in Ensenada, Baja California Norte, which takes places in August every year. The festival's wide variety of attractions-including wine tastings and contests, winery tours, fishing tournaments, cook-offs, gourmet food and concerts-are sponsored, organized or subsidized by area wineries. For further information about the events, contact the Winemakers Association (Asociacion de Vinicultores) at (646) 178-3038/3136 or 175-7233, e-mail fiestasvendimia@hotmail.com or http://www.ensenadawines.com/.

Source: Mexican Tourism Board

Feature some quality wines from Mexico

2008-01-13T13:55:00.000-06:00

Hello,

I am a Beverage Consultant for Restaurants and Hotels in the US and I have a client opening a South Western influenced restaurant and would like to feature some quality wines from Mexico. Alas even though I am a wine and spirits judge at the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago, I have not tasted nor do I have a lot of information about Mexican Wines and Wineries will you please help me?

I would like information about the Wine Industry in Mexico as well as Importers to the US and the distributors for the trade especially those in Arizona where the client is located. I would like to be added to your mailing list if you do any US tastings on your wines.

Trudy Thomas

Liquid Remedy Inc
700 W Van Buren 1407
Chicago, IL 60607
312.543.9260
Thomas.trudy@gmail.com

A stylish and luxurious book on wine cellars

2008-01-13T13:48:00.000-06:00

Hello,

VdH books, our publishing company specialized in books on art and culture, is designing a stylish and luxurious book on wine cellars. This publication features their architecture, their wines and their history.

In preparation of our publication we are looking for wine cellars of the whole world which we will include in our book.

We would like to ask you if you can give us a few tips of interesting, impressive, beautiful wine cellars / wine stocks in Mexico (like those of vineyards, restaurants, hotels, wine shops…).

We hope to receive some feedback soon, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you would have any questions or feel the need for more information.

I wish you a Happy New Year!

Best regards,

Astrid Fobelets
Editor
VdH | books nv

The ART publishing company
Rue Auguste Lambiottestraat 79
B – 1030 Brussels
T : +32 (0)2 733 66 07
F : +32 (0)2 245 76 92
E-mail : astrid@vdhbooks.com
www.vdhbooks.com

Annual Taste Of Mexico event in Austin, Texas

2008-01-13T13:32:00.000-06:00

Hello,

I am coordinating the annual Taste Of Mexico event for Mexic-Arte Museum in Austin, Texas. We have 20 chefs preparing food, Patron Tequila and Bohemia and Dos Equis beer. I am looking for someone to pour Mexican wines as well.

We have about 500 guests and all of the food and liquor is donated.

Can you recommend someone that you think might be interested? It’s a very upscale event with lots of good “bang for your buck” in market value.

Thanks!

Tina

Tina Heffernan
1822 Treadwell Street
Austin Texas 78704
Phone: (512) 448-2801
E-mail: maquette@swbell.net

Mexican wine country south of the border

2007-12-26T06:44:00.000-06:00

Introduction

Touring Mexico's wine country is quite enjoyable and very easy to do. If you find yourself in the San Diego area and have nothing to do for a day or so, consider touring the verdant Guadalupe Valley which lies approximately forty road miles south of the border at Tecate (which is thirty-eight miles east of San Diego). Three major wineries (Pedro Domenq, LA Cetto, and Monte Xanic) are separated by a scant seven miles so touring all three is a simple matter for a day's itinerary.

How to get there

From San Diego, take Interstate 8 (I-8) East to El Cajon. Exit at Second Street, and turn right at the signal at the bottom of the ramp. This is Jamacha Road. Follow Jamacha for about eight miles until you arrive at Rancho San Diego. Turn left onto CA 94 (Highway 94), which will be the second twin left turn lanes that you'll encounter on Jamacha Road. A sign marks the intersection (Tecate, Campo).

Follow highway 94 as it winds it's way up into the hills (Note: This is a very scenic drive especially in deep summer). Twenty two miles up CA 94 turn right at the marked intersection to Tecate. This highway is numbered CA 188. A scant two miles later you will encounter the border. On the left just before the border is a gas station that sells Mexican Automobile Insurance. Your US policy does not cover Public Liability and Property Damage in Mexico. Crossing into Mexico is about as hard as crossing a state line in the USA. For driving tips refer to the mini series "Rv'ing Mexico". After you enter Mexico, you will need to dogleg left at the first traffic light. So make a left and then a right at the next block.

You will be on the main road to the wine country and Ensenada (Hwy 3). Watch for stop lights and stop signs as you progress through the urban sprawl. When you encounter the traffic circle, all oncoming traffic turning in front of you has the right-of-way (important so please don't forget this rule). After you dodge a couple of cars keep going straight. The road will wind up a hill and soon the urban congestion will ease. Soon you will be in the midst of boulder studded grassland and chaparral. Keep your eyes open for slow trucks ahead and fast buses behind. After winding your way up and down a series of grades (about thirty-five miles worth) grape vineyards will appear on both sides of the road.

The LA Cetto winery is on the left about two miles down a well-graded road (there's a highway sign). The Pedro Domenq winery is on the right, near the highway in an imposing concrete structure.

A nearby full hookup RV park

On the way to Pedro Domenq, LA Cetto and Monte Xanic, you passed by a well-run RV park (Rancho Sordo Mudo). Retrace your steps just a little past LA Cetto. There will be a billboard type sign on the right for Rancho Sordo Mudo. Turn right and pick out a spot. The park is verdant and green. The restrooms are clean with hot water and showers. This rural park is administered by the Rancho Sordo Mudo (Deaf Mute Ranch) across the highway. Someone will be around to collect a donation in the morning--this is a charitable organization to assist the disabled, please reach deep into your billfold.

Aferwards

Continue south to Ensenada, or return back to Tecate? The choice is yours. Really smart RVers would have brought steaks to barbecue to go along with that "extra" bottle of Monte Xanic. One liter per person is the allowable limit to bring back into the states. Perhaps a bottle of Merlot to go along with some Chateaubriand grilled over shimmering mesquite coals? This is a fine adventure and fine booty to stock your wine cellar. If you have pretentious friends who claim to be wine snobs, imagine the look on their faces when you announce an occasion special enough to enjoy a bottle of "Mexican Red". I wish I could be there with you to enjoy the spectacle.

Author: David Eidell

Discover the Capricho’s Restaurant & Wine Bar

2007-12-26T05:16:00.000-06:00

Description

Capricho’s in Ensenada Mexico is a very unique restaurant. The food is a fusion of French and Mediterranean with original flavors of Mexico. The menu is extensive featuring pastas, fresh local Ensenada fish and meats. The recipes are created to be Mexican wine friendly. Outstanding entrees include filet of sole accented with a Roquefort cheese sauce, the savory chicken breast stuffed with red fruits and blue cheese, and the grilled rib-eye steak.

Their Mexican Wine list is extensive using Riedel crystal glassware and they have many Mexican wines by the glass utilizing WineKeeper’s nitrogen preservation system to retain freshness. The service is outstanding.

Contact Information
Contact: Carlos Garcia Travesi
Phone: 011 52 646 178 3433
E-Mail: cgtravesi@caprichos.com.mx

Other informations:
Hours:
Tues -Sat 1:00pm to 12:00am
Sun 1:00pm to 8:00pm

Credit Cards: Visa MC Amex
Corkage: $10.00

Source: BajaFoodandWines

Wines to drink with Mexican Food

2007-12-25T10:53:00.000-06:00

Chef and Mexican food authority Rick Bayless, owner of Chicago's award-winning Frontera Grill and Topolobampo recommends some wines to pair with Mexican dishes.

• With dishes having spicy red chile sauces pour a Merlot or a fruity red like a Sangiovese.

• With dishes having tomatillo-based sauces go for a Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot.

Rick also likes La Cetto Petit Syrah and Nebiolo.