By Alfredo Espinola
Attendees at the International Day of the Sommelier celebration on June 3 in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, got a bonus: a sommelier masterclass led by a bevy of Mexican wine experts.
Among the leaders were key figures in the sector: Salomón Abedrop, president of the Mexican Wine Council; Luis Carranza, director of the Mexican Academy of Sommeliers; and the association’s board of directors, accompanied by producers, winemakers, media representatives, and special guests.
The event’s official sponsors—Banco Afirme, Larson Irrigation, TN Cooper, and Cristal, the association’s official glassware provider—were celebrated for their essential support.
Voices from the Wineries
The masterclass became a forum for dialogue and discovery, where each winery shared the philosophy behind its wines:
San José Lavista: Ximena Segovia and winemaker Trinidad Jiménez presented a Brut Nature made using the champenoise method, aged 58 months on the lees. A sparkling wine with precise acidity, elegant creaminess, and persistent perlage, awarded Grand Gold in Brussels.
Bodega Guanamé: The Torres family and Laura Zamora showcased their 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from organic vineyards at Rancho Pájaro Azul. A young, electric, and aromatic wine with tropical notes and vibrant freshness, recognized with Gold and Grand Gold medals at Bacchus Madrid.
Dos Búhos: Their Espontáneo Anaranjado, made from Moscato Giallo and aged for two months on the skins and one year in oak barrels, stood out for its citrus notes, orange blossom, and vibrant acidity.
Viñedos San Miguel: They presented their Syrah, balanced between ripe black fruit and oak aging, with notes of blackberry, plum, violet, cocoa, and roasted coffee.
Cuna de Tierra: The historic winery from Dolores Hidalgo presented its 2022 Shiraz, awarded Grand Gold at Bacchus 2026, with aromas of black cherry, violets, spices, and polished tannins.
Santísima Trinidad: Its 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, grown at an altitude of over 1,900 meters, displayed elegance and persistence with aromas of ripe fruit, tobacco, and chocolate.
Tres Raíces: They presented their 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, aged for an extended period and characterized by red and black fruits, balsamic notes, and toasty undertones.
Cava Manchón: To close the event, the Guanajuato-based winery shared its Mistela de Moscatel, produced using the solera method, with notes of candied orange, nuts, caramel, and honey, balanced by vibrant acidity.
A Day of Celebration
Beyond the competition, the event was a tribute to collective effort: producers, sommeliers, and academics united by the excellence of Mexican wine. Guanajuato, with its cultural diversity and unique terroir, reaffirmed its place on the international wine map.