Querétaro Wine and Cheese Route: Mexican Wine Country’s Hidden Gem
If you dream of escaping to Mexican wine country, set your sights on Querétaro, Mexico!
Querétaro is an emerging wine mecca located in central Mexico. Located approximately three hours north of Mexico City, Querétaro is a must-see destination in Mexico for its breathtaking scenery.
While Querétaro is typically much lesser known that cities such as Mexico City and Cancún, there are many unique things to do in Querétaro, making it an ideal vacation destination for someone looking for a spot that is a bit different!
Within the region you can find the rugged Sierra Gorda mountain range, expansive desert scapes, fertile valleys, relaxing hot springs, and over 30 vineyards and wineries that produce some of the most coveted wines in Mexico!
While Mexico is not widely known as a major producer of wine, the quality and variety produced here is exceptional.
As someone who loves to discover underrated wine regions around the world, I have been pleasantly impressed with everything that Mexican Wine Country has to offer!
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About Querétaro Wine Region
Viticulture should not be able to thrive here, but Querétaro grapes defy science. The ideal latitude range for wine production is 30-50 degrees north. In Mexico, this correlates with Baja Mexico.
Querétaro sits 10 degrees south of that latitude, yet still grows fantastic wine! Fortunately, the area has a secret weapon: its diverse microclimates allow producers to experiment with different grape varieties.
With 600 hectares of vineyards and 300 local wine brands, Querétaro has exceeded expectations to become the second largest wine-producing region in Mexico.
The region is famous for Vino espumoso (sparkling wine), but red wines like Tempranillo, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon have also gained a stronghold. Though less common, you’ll find white varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc at a few wineries.
Querétaro’s Cheese and Wine Route
Did someone say cheese and wine!? If Querétaro didn’t already sound special enough, this wine region is home to its very own cheese and wine route! *swoon*
For anyone wishing to sip fine wine while eating delicious artisanal cheese, this is the place for you.
There are many guided tours available of the cheese and wine route that will take you on a jam-packed adventure of the wine trail! This is an ideal option for anyone that wants to take the hassle out of planning, but still wants to enjoy a perfect day sipping and enjoying.
If you prefer solo travel, you can easily download the map of the wine and cheese route and set out in a rental car or public bus.
The journey will take you from Santiago de Querétaro, the state capital, to the small towns and countryside where wine production flourishes.
I have narrowed down the 5 best wineries in Querétaro you MUST try along the wine route. For any first-time visitor of Querétaro, these wineries are sure to leave you wanting more!
Best Wineries in Querétaro
1. Viñedos Azteca
Viñedos Azteca is one of the oldest wineries in Querétaro, making it the perfect stop for anyone the enjoys Mexican history! The estate was built in the 18th century, and is surrounded by lushious green meadows, flower-filled gardens and gorgeous lakes. Located only 1 hour from Santiago de Querétaro, it is easily accesible by car.
The winery oozes calmness, and is the ideal setting for enjoying a glass of local wine while you kick back and soak in the natural beauty.
As for the wine, Azteca Vineyards cultivates six varieties of red wine grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, and Tempranillo.
The winery offers tours and tastings, where experts will walk you through the wine-making process from vine to bottle. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to try their award-winning red, white, and rosé varietals.
If you want an in-depth look at viticulture and special techniques used in Querétaro, you can even sign up for a workshop at Viñedos Azteca to teach you more about their wine making process!
On the estate, you will find an on-site restaurant that serves authentic Mexican food that pairs perfectly with Azteca’s house wines.
A wine tasting at Viñedos Azteca is very afforadable. You can take a VIP tour with six wine tastings and a table of cheeses included for $25 per person.
2. Vinos Del Marqués
Vinos del Marqués is a newer winery on the block, opening its doors in 2013. As a more modern winery, the winemakers blend classic and artisanal practices to create delicate and luscious wine that is worth tasting!
Nestled high up in the mountains at 6,500 feet altitude, Vinos del Marqués is a regional leader in extreme, high-elevation viticulture. It is the closest winery to the capital, located just half an hour outside Santiago de Querétaro in the El Marqués municipality.
In addition to tours and tastings, Vinos del Marqués offers an exciting experience that few other wineries do: the opportunity to create your own bottle of wine! For $57, you can take home three bottles of wine, each made to your preferences and crafted with your choice of grape varieties, corks, bottles, and labels.
Tastings at Vinos del Marqués cost US$23 for five wines and $17 for three wines. Both feature a selection of red, white, and sparkling varieties, along with a table of cheeses and crackers.
When your tour ends, you can unwind in the garden by a fountain, sip more wine, and enjoy an oven-baked pizza. Don’ forget to stop in the store before leaving so you stock up on all of your favorite wines!
3. Los Viñedos La Redonda
La Redonda is one of the most visited wineries in Querétaro and has been operating since 1975.
Perched 6,397 feet above sea level in the mountains, the climate surrounding this winery is mild and nearly identical to the Mediterranean! As a result, its wines hold up against those from the most famous viticulture regions in the world.
La Redonda grows several grape varietals that were imported long ago from France, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc, and Moscatel. La Redonda’s craft allows these french varietals to be transformed into excellent and unique sparkling wine, white wine, and dry red wine.
One of the reasons La Redonda is so popular among visitors is because of the festivals it holds throughout the year, such as the Festival of the 100 Mexican Wines, Wine Colors Music Festival, and The Harvest Festival.
Harvest season takes place in August each year, and is the best time to visit La Redonda because you will get to experience the grape stomping and culinary fair.
The classic wine tour costs only $14 per person. After your tour, you can visit the on-site restaurant Trattoria, where 30 house wines are paired with Italian dishes that have a touch of local flair. Or, if you’re in the mood for lighter meal, stop by the wine garden or wine bar, where you will be served La Redonda’s full collection wines and an assortment of mouthwatering local cheeses.
La Redonda is an obligatory stop on the Querétaro Cheese and Wine Route, especially if you’d like to experience Mexican folklore, art, and harvest traditions.
4. San Juanito
San Juanito is an award-winning winery nestled in the Bernal Valley at 6,332 feet elevation, just outside the town of Tequisquiapan.
Imagine yourself seated on the terrace, sipping a glass of your favorite wine while you gaze at La Peña de Bernal—the area’s most famous landmark. La Peña de Bernal is a massive monolith, standing at 1,421 feet, making it the third largest monolith in the world! It creates a picturesque backdrop for tasting experience at San Juanito.
San Juanito cultivates four red grape varietals (Malbec, Tinta de Bernal, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon), plus three white varietals (Xarel-lo, Macabeu, and Parellada). The rosé, sparkling rosé, and red varietals they sell are 100% sourced from their vineyards, making it even more special to taste.
San Juanito has won 92 medals for its outstanding wines, including at international competitions, and was certified carbon neutral for 2022-2023!
Before visiting this winery, be sure to register for a tour ahead of time on their website. You will get to explore the vineyard in a cart pulled by a four-wheeler, guided by an expert who will share the secrets of how San Juanito wines are crafted. You will also learn how to distinguish various grape varietals based on leaf characteristics and discover the entire journey from grape to bottle. It is a truly special experience that any wine enthusiast will certainly enjoy!
The tour includes three wine tastings and costs only $17 per person.
If you’d like to extend your stay, San Juanito provides a rustic guesthouse for visitors of the winery. There, you can enjoy a two-night, all-inclusive package, featuring a wine tour and tasting, breakfast, a terrace pizza, a complimentary bottle of wine, and beautiful views of the artificial lake and countryside. The guesthouse comes highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience a little taste of Mexican Wine Country luxury!
5. De Cote
Last but not least, De Cote is one of the most luxurious wineries in Querétaro. Situated in the Bernal Valley, a 30 minute drive from Tequisquiapan, De Cote is something truly special. The estate is beautiful, with modern, sophisticated facilities, a vast lawn with shaded picnic tables. Wine is best enjoyed on the terrace, where you will encounter sweeping views of the vineyards and La Peña de Bernal.
The winery is not the only taste of luxury on the property. De Cote also boasts an upscale restaurant that has a six-course tasting menu that pairs the winery’s fine wine with regional Mexican cuisine.
For a relaxed, casual dining experience, order a charcuterie board with fresh local meats and cheeses to savor on the terrace or in the garden. De Cote has 21 varietals to choose from, including Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc.
De Cote offers tour options that are as unique as their wines. You can join a walking tour ($26), bicycle tour ($28), or train tour ($31) to best experience the vineyards on the estate. You can also observe the grape crushing process during specific times of the year!
There are two guided wine tasting experiences to choose from at De Cote. Atempo, priced at $34, includes tastings of white, red, and reserve wines. Gran Reserva, available for $42, provides a more exclusive opportunity to sample De Cote’s reserve wines. Your guide will explain how to best pair the wine with various foods to enhance its flavor.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or you are planning for your first wine tour, the captivating vineyards and wineries of Querétaro are sure to sweep you off your feet. Prepare to lose yourself in the awe-inspiring scenery, colorful traditions, and rich flavors that await you in Mexican wine country.
¡Salud!
FAQ’s
Can I bring wine back with me to the United States?
As long as you’re 21 or older, you can bring up to one liter of alcohol into the United States duty-free. While the legal drinking age is 18 in Mexico, it’s illegal for persons under 21 to import alcohol into the United States, even as a gift for someone else.
There’s no limit on the amount of alcohol you can import for personal use, but if it’s more than one liter you’ll have to pay duty and Federal Excise taxes.
This is good news, as you’ll probably want to take a bottle of delicious Querétaro wine to savor at home.
What is the best way to get around the wine route?
The best way to get around the wine route is by private car. I recommend renting a vehicle in Querétaro and driving around the wine route yourself. That, or you could book one of the many incredible tours from Querétaro!
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