By Alfredo Espinola
In the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, between stone walls and skies tinged with ochre at sunset, stands San José Lavista, a vineyard that has managed to combine three passions: architecture, wine, and hospitality. Fifteen years after its founding, the hacienda has become a landmark in Guanajuato and an emblem of what it means to make wine with a Mexican identity.
The origin of a dream
It all began with architect José Seoane, who imagined a personal retreat on this land, a country house inspired by 19th-century Mexican haciendas. However, fate dictated that this intimate project would grow into a prestigious winery.
The change came about thanks to Hugo D'Acosta, a renowned winemaker who, after visiting the estate, immediately recognized the potential of the terroir and convinced architect Seoane to plant vines. The first 10 hectares of Malbec did not thrive as expected and had to be replanted, but that setback turned into an opportunity, and new varieties arrived: Merlot, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, which today give life to the house wines.
Architecture that breathes Mexico
San José Lavista is distinguished not only by what it produces, but also by what it conveys. Walking through its corridors is like stepping back in time: thick walls, Spanish-inspired vaults, wrought iron details, and a collection of Mexican art that gives it character.
This atmosphere, which combines history and beauty, has made the hacienda one of the favorite venues for weddings and celebrations in San Miguel de Allende.
“Every corner is made with love, and people can feel it,” says Daniel Rodríguez, commercial director of the hacienda.
The philosophy of wine
San José Lavista wines are born from a clear philosophy: absolute respect for the terroir and classic French-style winemaking. Malbec, its flagship wine, has achieved international recognition as a “Guanajuato Malbec,” to which the region's climate and soil conditions give a unique character.
The vineyard produces around 45,000 bottles a year; although this is a smaller volume compared to other wineries, it reflects its conviction: not to sacrifice quality or the expression of the place in order to grow in numbers.
Wine tourism: experiences that leave their mark
Beyond the labels, San José Lavista is committed to wine tourism. Visitors not only taste wine, but also enjoy a comprehensive experience that combines gastronomy, hospitality, and landscape. The hacienda is an active part of the Guanajuato Wine Route, a collective effort by producers seeking to position the region as a first-class wine destination.
The inspiration is clear: to build a “Mexican Napa Valley” together, but with a deeply local identity, where culture, traditional cuisine, and wine interact in harmony.
The influence of San Miguel de Allende
The city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on July 7, 2008, and is recognized as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Its demanding tourism and love of good food have set the pace for the project, which focuses on hospitality and details, driving San José Lavista toward excellence.
“San Miguel forces us to be perfectionists,” says Rodríguez.
Looking to the future
The vineyard continues to grow, with new plots of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir beginning to bear fruit. Future plans include a hotel within the hacienda, designed as a natural extension of the ecotourism experience.
Identity, the word that defines everything
If San José Lavista had to be summed up in a single word, it would be Identity; Mexican identity in its architecture, Guanajuato identity in its wines, emotional identity in every celebration.
Not surprisingly, its motto is more than just a slogan: “From love comes sight,” because at San José Lavista, love for the land, wine, and culture becomes an experience that stays with those who live it.
A destination for the soul
Visiting San José Lavista is not just about getting to know a vineyard, it is about being part of a space where time seems to stand still, where every wall tells a story and every glass contains the soul of the Guanajuato land. Amidst the majesty of San Miguel de Allende, characterized by the warmth of Mexican hospitality, this place invites you to celebrate life.
Because more than just tasting wine, at San José Lavista you experience the feeling of belonging, even if only for a few hours, to a place where love truly blossoms before your eyes.
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