A Vineyard in Nayarit? It Sounded Unlikely Until a Few Years Ago
A vineyard in Nayarit sounded unlikely until just a few years ago. The state is famous for its beaches, mountains, and cobblestone towns, but no one associated it with wine. However, on the Juanacatlán Plateau, in the municipality of Jala, grapevines have been taking root in volcanic soil for some time. The result is Meseta del Cielo, a project that has placed the state on the map of Mexican wine and now welcomes visitors with wine tastings, vineyard tours, and mountain scenery.
Let us tell you how this place came to be, what you can do when you visit, and why it is worth staying a little longer to explore the surrounding area.
How the First Vineyard in Nayarit Was Born
The story began in 2019, when the first grapevines imported from Europe were planted. Among the varieties tested, Syrah and Macabeo adapted best to the plateau’s ecosystem, where volcanic soil and the mild high-altitude climate created unexpectedly favorable conditions for growing grapes. It was a risky venture: no one had ever produced wine commercially in Nayarit, and the project had to learn through experience what the land could offer.
The answer came quickly. In 2022, the first wines from Nayarit were released under the Meseta del Cielo label. Just one year later, the vineyard opened to visitors as a tourist destination. Recognition followed soon after: the 2022 and 2024 Syrah vintages were included among Mexico’s best wines of the year. For such a young project, being listed alongside wineries with decades of tradition was a tremendous achievement.
Wine Tastings and Tours at Meseta del Cielo
The visit revolves around two main experiences.
The first is a guided walk through the vineyard, where visitors learn about the entire winemaking process, from grape cultivation to fermentation and bottling. Walking among the vines in the cool mountain air may make you feel as though you are in one of the wine valleys of Baja California.
The second experience is the wine tasting, where visitors sample the winery’s labels paired with locally produced artisan cheeses while enjoying views dominated by Ceboruco Volcano. The vineyard also hosts afternoon wine gatherings for those who prefer relaxing with a glass of wine while enjoying the altitude, peaceful surroundings, and sunset.
Santa Sirena: Hibiscus Wine
In addition to its grape wines, Meseta del Cielo produces Santa Sirena, a wine made from hibiscus flowers that has become a favorite among locals over the years. Its flavor, unlike anything produced from grapes, makes it an ideal souvenir to take home as a taste of Nayarit. If your visit includes a tasting, be sure to ask to try it—it is the label that best reflects the vineyard’s unique character.
A Scenic Route Through the Mountains of Jala
If you’d like to turn your visit into a full-day experience, the Nayarit Tourism Secretariat promotes a mountain route through the Jala region that ends at the vineyard.
The journey begins in the village of Jomulco with a traditional breakfast and an herbal medicine workshop where participants prepare bundles of plants such as calendula, rue, and arnica.
The route then continues to the community of Rosa Blanca, on the Juanacatlán Plateau, where a local healer performs traditional cleansing ceremonies and teaches visitors how to prepare herbal infusions using native medicinal plants.
The experience continues with lunch overlooking the mountains and a handmade tortilla workshop before concluding at Meseta del Cielo with a vineyard tour and wine tasting accompanied by artisan cheeses.
It is an excellent way to experience the mountains of Nayarit in a single day.
Jala: The Gateway to Nayarit’s Vineyard
The vineyard is located within the municipality of Jala, a Pueblo Mágico known for its historic homes and winding streets beneath the shadow of Ceboruco Volcano, an active volcano whose last eruption occurred in the late nineteenth century.
Today, visitors can hike trails that cross ancient lava flows while observing the volcanic fumaroles that still release steam.
In the town center stands the Lateran Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, built from pink, green, and yellow quarry stone and considered one of the state’s architectural treasures.
Those visiting in August can enjoy the Corn Fair, which celebrates the region’s most important crop with competitions featuring corn cobs that have reached lengths of up to 50 centimeters, thanks to the same volcanic soil that now nourishes the vineyards.
Another recommended attraction is El Salto de Jomulco, a 30-meter waterfall located about 7 kilometers from the town. It only flows during the rainy season, from June through September, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Hours, Reservations, and How to Get to Meseta del Cielo
The vineyard is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Reservations and additional information are available via WhatsApp at 311 141 5142.
Advance reservations are recommended, especially during holiday weekends and public holidays.
To reach the vineyard from Tepic, take Federal Highway 15D toward Guadalajara. Upon arriving in Jala, follow the signs to Meseta del Cielo.
The drive takes approximately one and a half hours, with scenic mountain views that make the journey part of the experience.
Source: mexicodesconocido
