Querétaro's vineyards lie in central Mexico's Bajío, between 20° and 21° north, at an average altitude of about 1,965 metres. Summer rains can lower nighttime temperatures, but vineyard conditions vary with local microclimates and hail is a defining hazard. The protected soils are mainly clay-loam vertisols and phaeozems.
Grape production consolidated here in 1942. High production costs, low grape prices, limited knowledge of production technology and imports brought a severe crisis in the 1980s and 1990s. Vineyard area has since increased, alongside improving grape and wine quality. Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Marselan, Tempranillo and Cabernet are among the red grapes reported, while Macabeo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Xarel-lo are among the whites. Querétaro is Mexico's leading producer and exporter of sparkling wine.
The region has IGP protection under the name Vinos de la Región Vitivinícola de Querétaro.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within Queretaro clear, with a direct route back to the map.