The Art of Enjoying Mexico's Wines in Cancun

Forget the margarita! Any vacation to Cancun is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of Mexico’s best wines. It might be more famous for its tequila, but Mexico has been producing a variety of red and white wines since the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. And wineries from around the country make send their best vintages to Cancun. That’s because, with its beachfront restaurants, high-end resorts, and increasing recognition as a destination that has more than just partying, Cancun has become the prime place for tourists to discover and enjoy Mexico’s top wines.

There are some very distinct regions in Mexico known for their wine. Many of the country’s top wines coming from central and northern Mexico. The vast majority of the country’s wines are made on the Baja California peninsula, in the northwestern side of the country. It’s where approximately three-quarters of all Mexican wine comes from. This is probably because a large variety of grapes are able to flourish and grow here, making them more accessible for local wineries. But there’s also the Coahuila region, home of the Casa Madero winery that’s been making wine since the 1500s, In Querétaro, there’s a wine trail that stretches thirty miles with scenic vineyards that reach over six thousand feet high. Other regions in Mexico well known for their beautiful vineyards are wineries are Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, Chihuahua, and Guanajuato.

There are plenty of ways to familiarize yourself with all of the wineries and regions of Mexico. But a trip to Cancun is the best, especially if you know a few of the secrets to the art of enjoying Mexico’s wines in Cancun.

Go Underground at the “Vino de México” Wine Cellar at Xcaret Park

The Xcaret Wine Cellar is located below the main plaza of the Xcaret Park and is home to more than 180 labels of Mexican wine, making it one of the largest collections of Mexican wine in all of Mexico. Xcaret provides visitors with the opportunity to go on on a culinary voyage exploring the history and culture of Mexican wines. First, you’ll receive a guided tour along the cellar’s corridors and then enjoy a meal that culminates with a perfectly paired wine tasting. It’s an experience that’s made more unique because each visit is different, with the tastings specifically adjusted to the interests of the guests.

Learn About Wines from Mexico’s Boutique Vineyards at a Private Tasting

Hosted by City Art Tours Mexico, this is a private event where anyone taking cheap flights to Cancun can experience full-bodied and small-production wines, as well as learn about the history and stories behind the wines and the people who make them. The Cancun Private Mexican Wine Tasting is an attempt to offer a counter to the highly commercialized wines in Mexico and expose people to smaller and independent producers from states all across Mexico. It usually costs just under $170 per person and lasts one and a half hours.

Celebrate at the Cancun-Riviera Maya Food and Wine Festival

Visits can expect to enjoy a number of foodie-related events at the annual Cancun-Riviera Maya Food and Wine Festival. In previous years, the festival has drawn thousands of gourmands from all around the world and been a showcase for celebrity chefs, as well as a proving ground for fresh up and coming chefs. The festival’s events are often spread out across many different locations, usually resorts or high-end hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya area to the south. There are dinners, cooking demonstrations, live music, and (of course) wine tastings. The festival usually runs for about four days and is held every spring. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have forced the festival to go on hiatus but the Cancun-Riviera Maya Food and Wine Festival will hopefully be back soon.

Are you a fan of Mexico’s wine scene? Have you practiced the art of enjoying wine in Cancun? Do you have any recommendations? Tells in the comments section!