The Art, Cheese and Wine Route has more than 500 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of grapes and the Vendimias celebrate the process of harvesting grapes destined for the production of wine. Here you can find the calendar of upcoming activities in the state of Querétaro.
Querétaro is not only a state rich in history and culture, but it has also become a reference in the wine industry in Mexico. The region is known for its production of sparkling wines, thanks to its mild climate and calcareous soils that are ideal for growing grapes.
The Art, Cheese and Wine Route of Querétaro is one of the most popular, attracting national and foreign tourists looking to taste high-quality wines and experience Mexican hospitality.
Tierra de Alonso Vineyard is located on the outskirts of Tequisquiapan. The experience begins with a guided tour of the vineyards, where you will learn about the different grape varieties grown here and the traditional harvesting methods. Expert guides will take you through the grape selection process, explaining how each step affects the quality of the wine.
On this occasion, the guide was Fernando Alonso, leader of Tierra de Alonso, who also showed at every moment his passion for the land, the vines and the wines. Fernando insisted that wine is the only work of art that can be drunk.
One of the most anticipated activities is the traditional grape stomping, an ancestral practice that connects you with the history and tradition of viticulture, taking off your shoes and feeling the fresh grapes under your feet. Music and gastronomy invite attendees to enjoy and put a stop to the hectic life of the cities.
Wine Tasting
During the grape harvest at Tierra de Alonso, you can purchase admission to the Wine Tasting, which is guided by the sommelier Alex who will teach you to appreciate the subtleties and complexities of each glass.
The tasting is not only about tasting wine, but about understanding the art behind each bottle. You will learn to identify the aromas, flavors and textures that make each wine unique, and you will discover how the different production methods and the terroir of Querétaro influence the character of the wine.
The wines to be tasted were the Tinto Joven and the Rosado de Tierra de Alonso from the 2022 vintage, pairing with cheeses and bread. The rosé wine with aromas of strawberries and raspberries, with a refreshing acidity. And the young red wine was perceived as fruity and juicy, with notes of cherries and blackberries.
During the Tasting you learn about the evaluation of the wine, a visual review where the following are examined:
Color
Clarity
Brightness
An Olfactory evaluation was also carried out, where:
First Smell: Without shaking the glass, a first inhalation is made to capture the primary aromas, such as fruity and floral notes.
Second Smell: The glass is swirled to release more aromas and inhaled again, discovering the secondary aromas (derived from fermentation) and tertiary aromas (resulting from aging in barrels and bottles).
A third Phase is the Taste Evaluation:
First Taste: A small sip is taken, allowing the wine to cover the entire mouth. This helps to identify the initial flavors and texture of the wine.
Second Taste: Another sip is taken, oxygenating the wine in the mouth to perceive its more complex flavors and structure. The acidity, tannin, alcohol and body of the wine are evaluated.
Final and Persistence: The residual flavor left by the wine after being swallowed is analyzed, observing the duration and quality of this. It is also known as aftertaste.
Wine tasting in Tierra de Alonso is an enriching experience that allows visitors to connect with the essence of the wine, bread and cheese of the region. By following these recommendations, participants can fully enjoy each wine, appreciating its complexity and the art behind its creation.
VAI Cheese Factory
To complete the experience, we visited the VAI Cheese Factory, which is located in the Tierra de Alonso complex. The cheese factory offers a look at the cheese-making process, from the selection of milk to the ripening of the cheeses. It is an educational and delicious experience that perfectly complements the visit to the vineyard.
Harvest Calendar
The harvest season in Querétaro begins in June and ends in August. The next ones are:
August 10 – Vinos del Marqués
August 10 and 17 – Donato
August 16 and 17 – Hacienda Tovares
August 17 – Tierra de Alonso
August 17 – Viña del Cielo
August 17 and 18 – Puerta del Lobo
August 31 – Cava 57
August 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 – La Redonda
July 15 to September 30 – Vinaltura
Source: eleconomista
