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By Alfredo Espinola
“It's not just grapes or fermentation, nor is it a raised glass; it's history, it's pride, it's the voice of the land sowing seeds, it's the pulse of a region that learned to speak in aromas, colors, and heart.”
In the heart of Mexico, Querétaro has established itself as one of the most dynamic and renowned centers of national wine production. This growth is not the result of chance, but rather the joint efforts of producers, academics, tourism promoters, and authorities, coordinated through the Querétaro Wine Cluster.
In an interview with Halina Gama Arriaga, director of the cluster, we learned about the history, evolution, and achievements of this organization that has transformed Querétaro wine into a true cause common.
Halina Gama Arriaga
The origin: a friendship that sowed a movement.
The Querétaro Wine Cluster was founded in 2010, initially as an association of friends and wine producers who shared a vision: to strengthen the state's wine industry. Its main objective was to strengthen the state's wine industry, coordinate efforts, raise the quality of wines, and position the region as a wine tourism destination of excellence.
Among its founders are:
- Antonio Sierra, Finca el Rosario
- Jorge Ferreira, Viñedos Azteca
Over time, other key players joined, such as María Baro, a pioneer of wine tourism in Querétaro. Thanks to this evolution, in 2020 the association became the first and only wine cluster in Mexico.
An ecosystem that promotes Querétaro wine
Since its creation, the cluster has been a space for collaboration between producers, entrepreneurs, tourism promoters, academics, and authorities. Its focus has been on professionalizing the sector, strengthening technical expertise, and continuously improving the quality of Querétaro wine, which today allows us to enjoy growing recognition in Mexico and abroad.
One of the most important milestones has been the achievement of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), in collaboration with the University of Arkansas, Querétaro campus. This recognition is a guarantee of origin and quality and represents a significant step towards the international positioning of Mexican wine.
“Querétaro has become a benchmark for Mexican wine, not only for its quality, but also for the unity of all the actors that make up this ecosystem,” says Halina.
Beyond wine: culture, tourism, and territory
The cluster's impact is not limited to the productive sphere. It has also been key in promoting wine tourism and creating a cultural identity for Querétaro wine. Over the years, the region's wines have received international awards, and events such as festivals and exhibitions have brought local viticulture to an increasingly wider audience.
One of the highlights will be the International Art, Cheese and Wine Festival, which this year will be held from May 22 to June 8. This festival combines the promotion of local wines with gastronomic, cultural and ecotourism experiences, attracting both national and international visitors.
Looking to the future: innovation, sustainability, and expansion
The cluster is currently working to consolidate Querétaro wine as a high-quality brand, committed to innovation, sustainability, and partnerships with other wine-producing regions in Mexico. It is also promoting investment in infrastructure, including state-of-the-art wineries and improvements to the tourist experience.
An identity that grows with strong roots
“We are building a unique identity that combines tradition, innovation, and a great passion for the land,” concluded Halina.
The Querétaro Wine Cluster is undoubtedly a model of how collaboration and love for the land can transform an industry. Today, Querétaro not only produces wine: it tells stories, creates experiences, and proudly toasts its land.