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By Alfredo Espinola
Gustavo Ortega
To describe the Vinícola El Cielo is like being under an infinite sky, the vineyards unfold like a green dream, the breeze caresses the leaves, while the golden clusters shine in the evening light. Here, among the rows of vines, you can breathe love and promise; every sip of wine holds the secret of the sky and the passion of the earth.
But who better than CEO Gustavo Ortega to tell us about the Vinícola el Cielo.
Who is Gustavo Ortega?
I am an entrepreneur originally from Mérida, Yucatán, with roots on the island of Cozumel. Over the course of more than 35 years, I have developed my career in the business sector and in public service. I founded the Hacienda San Miguel hotel and the Playa Azul beach club, and together with my brother Jorge, Mr. Sancho's, a successful beach club that is still in operation. I also had the opportunity to serve as a Local and Federal Deputy, Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo, Municipal President of Cozumel and Delegate of Fonatur in Cancun.
Tell us a little about your career.
My career has been a combination of entrepreneurship and public service. I earned a degree in Administration at the Ibero-American University in Mexico City, and I have several postgraduate degrees in Mexico and the United States, including from universities such as Harvard and Cornell. From a young age I was passionate about creating projects that generated value, first in the tourism and hotel industry, and later in the world of wine. Thanks to this, today I am a Sommelier certified by the Association of Mexican Sommeliers and I am always learning and researching the latest trends in the wine industry around the world. My time in politics allowed me to contribute to the development of the tourism sector in Mexico, but my passion for winemaking led me to found Vinícola El Cielo in 2013, in the Guadalupe Valley.
Vinícola El Cielo
Tell us a little about your role as CEO of Vinícola El Cielo.
As CEO, my role is to lead the vision and growth of the winery. From the beginning, it was clear to me that we didn't just want to make quality wine, but also offer a complete experience that combined wine tourism, hospitality and gastronomy. My daily work involves making strategic decisions, coordinating the team and ensuring that each visitor has a unique experience at El Cielo.
How was Vinícola El Cielo born?
El Cielo was born from an inspiration I had after visiting French vineyards. I realized that in Mexico we had enormous potential to produce high quality wines and combine it with a first class ecotourism experience. With the backing of investors from Grupo Lomas Travel, we managed to make this dream come true. What began as a winery is today an enotourism complex with a 95-suite boutique hotel and villas, two specialty restaurants and an events terrace.
We currently have 90 hectares of vineyards, 35 hectares in the Guadalupe Valley, 30 in the San Jacinto Valley and 25 in the Ojos Negros Valley, with an average plantation of 3,850 plants per hectare.
We have 15 varieties of grapes:
- White grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Moscato di Canelli.
- Red grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Grenache, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Primitivo and Zinfandel.
The winery was designed based on three fundamental lines: oenological functionality, energy efficiency and ecotourism experience.
How many medals did Vinícola El Cielo win and which of its wines were awarded?
In 2024, we won 13 medals in the Mexico Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Among our most awarded wines are Galileo 2020, which received a Grand Gold Medal, and eight other labels that were recognized with gold medals. In the last 8 years we have been the Mexican winery with the most medals in both the national and international editions of this prestigious competition. We have also received important distinctions and scores for our wines from Decanter magazine. These awards are a recognition of the work of our team and the quality of our wines.
The wines of Vinícola El Cielo in 2024 have been among the most awarded. What do you attribute this great success to?
Without a doubt, the quality of our wines is the basis, but I believe that the success is also due to our philosophy of innovation and attention to detail. We strive to understand what our customers are looking for, to offer differentiated experiences and to be at the forefront of winemaking technology. We are committed to consistency at every stage of the process, respect for the land, organic management of our vineyards and a sustainable approach in everything we do. In addition, we have a great team, committed and motivated, who share El Cielo's vision and work with passion to continue raising the standard of our wines year after year.
As a visitor, what does Vinícola El Cielo offer us that we can't find at other vineyards?
El Cielo offers a comprehensive experience. Not only do we produce quality wine, but we also create an environment where our visitors can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards, tastings led by certified sommeliers and exceptional cuisine in our restaurants. We also have a boutique hotel surrounded by vineyards, where guests can relax in a privileged natural environment.
Among your ranks is Gina Estrada, one of the best sommeliers in Mexico and current president of the Association of Mexican Sommeliers. How important is the role of women at Vinícola El Cielo?
The role of women at El Cielo is fundamental. We have a diverse team where female talent brings experience, sensitivity and knowledge to each area, from production to marketing. Gina Estrada, with her vast experience, is an example of this. Her leadership in Mexican sommeliering enriches our team and helps us to continue growing.
How do you attract new generations to try and learn about Vinícola El Cielo wine?
The younger generations are looking for experiences, and at El Cielo we have focused on offering something more than just a glass of wine. Through social media strategies, themed events and collaborations with influencers, we have managed to get closer to a younger audience. We are also working on wine education, so that the younger generations learn to enjoy and appreciate it.
What does the Mexican wine industry need to continue growing?
We need greater investment in technology and training, as well as a joint effort to promote Mexican wine internationally. It is also essential that there are public policies that boost the sector and allow us to compete on equal terms with other markets.
Our readers (el Restaurante magazine) are owners of Mexican restaurants in the United States. What can you say to convince them to include El Cielo wines on their menu?
Mexican wine is a reflection of our culture and our land. Including El Cielo wines on your menu not only means offering quality products, but also sharing an authentically Mexican experience with your customers. Our wines have been recognized internationally, and each bottle carries the character of the Guadalupe Valley, a unique terroir.
Where can restaurant owners in the US find your wines? Do you have an importer?
Yes, some of our wines are currently only available in California through LMA Wines. Restaurant owners can contact us directly and receive advice on the best options for their wine list.
Finally, in your own words, what is wine from a romantic point of view?
Wine is more than a drink; it is passion, it is a story in a bottle. It is a reflection of the soil, the climate and the work of those who make it. It is a bridge between generations, a companion in special moments and a way of celebrating life. Each glass connects us with the land, with people and with emotions.
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