Cheese & Wine in Queretaro
Juan says: Cheese is a big thing here in Queretaro! Even in the grocery stores you have a much larger selection than we had ever seen in other states of Mexico. Wine country offers so many opportunites for photo session backgrounds. Getting back to nature around the vineyard (and drinking a little wine!) inspires and relaxes everyone. There are hundreds of ideas for engagement photos, unique family photos or an outdoor portrait for your graduation picture.
Queretaro wineries are not that well-known internationally yet. But this state in Mexico boasts 10 vineyards that are top-notch. Apart from wine, Queretaro is also known for its cheese and is the cradle of Mexican cheese-making.
When planning your Queretaro wine route, it’s best to stay in the capital city, Santiago de Queretaro (Queretaro City). Hotels in Queretaro City start at US$45 per night and can go up to US$30.
During our visit to the wine route of Queretaro, we rented a car at Mexico City Airport and stayed at Ta Hotel for US$115 per night.
Having a car gives you more freedom but Queretaro’s roads are quite hectic and are not recommended to tourists who are not comfortable or have no experience in driving in Mexico.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can definitely hire a private driver, which we also provide here at Mexico Insider. Just get in touch with us and we will arrange everything for you!
Anyway, if you push through doing the Queretaro wine route yourself, here are our tips on what Queretaro wineries to visit, including information and prices and how to visit each vineyard.
While there are many wine regions in mexico, Queretaro is extra special because of the quality of its cheese. Apart from wine tasting, visitors can combine their Queretaro wine tour with cheese pairing in artisanal factories in the state.
The majority of the wines produced in Queretaro are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec, which are pretty high by Mexican standards.
Mexicans know Queretaro to be the best wine country in Mexico but internationally, this state is not yet known for its wine so that’s a reason to visit!
Geographically, Queretaro is best for growing quality grapes. Its close proximity to the equator means it has tropical weather but the altitude in Queretaro and the semi-desert terrain make its lands the best for wine production in the country.
As Queretaro is not a full-blown wine region yet, expect this wine route to be super local. You will barely see foreigners and if you do, they are probably expats in Queretaro.
Restaurants and wineries in Queretaro are very popular with the Mexican audience so the local experience is guaranteed.
We’re always the only foreigners and expats whenever we visit Queretaro wineries – it’s so amazing to be doing activities like this as Mexico has become a crowded tourist spot everywhere.
Of course, you will also get to know about the great wines of Queretaro and hopefully, you’ll like them and bring some bottles home.
#1: Donato Winery
Donato Winery is a Mexican-owned winery in Queretaro and has the best wine-tasting activity in the state. Donato has a big estate that features cellars, wine shops, and a restaurant.
The best part of the wine tasting at Donato Winery is the route. The estate is built to have that travel experience where you enter underground caves and end the tour at the top-floor restaurant.
Food served at Donato Winery is superb so you may want to dine here even if you are not taking a wine tasting tour.
A basic wine tasting (3 glasses) starts at US$15 which includes a vineyard and cellar tour. Groups of 4 people can add a meal to the tours for US$170 (all-inclusive).
#2: Viñedos Azteca
Viñedos Azteca is the brainchild of two friends from two different wine backgrounds and cultures, Jorge Ferreira (Mexico) and Miguel Gimenez Montesinos (Spain).They bought this estate in 2002 and started growing their own grapes. The project grew through the years and has started the Association of Winemakers in Queretaro and the School of Craft Wine, both of which aim to strengthen Queretaro as a wine and cheese route.
To date, Viñedos Azteca has 8 different wine brands that varies from white, roses, and reds.
#3: Viñedo de Cote
Viñedo de Cote has a relatively larger estate than the rest of the Queretaro wineries. Wine tasting is not the only thing to do on the estate as they have a full-packed menu of activities within the vineyard.
#4: Viñedos del Polo
Viñedos del Polo is located in an exclusive residential area which is the project of the owners. They first launched their wine tours in 2017 specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo grapes.
This Queretaro winery only produces 10,000 bottles per year, which is a relatively low production number compared to other wineries in Mexico, however, Viñedos del Polo has a large estate that hosts golf courses, hotels, and vineyards.
Original Source: Mexico Insider