Increase in wine demand benefits Mexican vineyards

With an increase in wine consumption and the celebration of the grape harvests, Guanajuato anticipates 13 million pesos benefit.

Published July 19, 2024

The demand for wine in Mexico went from 250 milliliters per capita in 2008 to 1.4 liters in 2023, this increase means an opportunity for the wine industry in the different regions of the country, in Guanajuato alone, the state’s vineyards received 350,000 people during 2023, Juan José Álvarez told this newspaper. Secretary of Tourism of Guanajuato.

Wine tourism represents approximately 6% of total tourism in Guanajuato, and is part of the state’s tourism development strategy, “it is a growing activity with a great future,” said Secretary Álvarez, in the context of the celebration of the 11 harvest festivals, which are expected to attract 5,000 visitors, from July 20 to October 19.

These festivities will generate a direct economic spillover of around 6 million pesos in the participating vineyards. In addition, visitors are expected to spend on other tourism and lodging activities, which will double the figure, reaching 13 million pesos between the four municipalities of the entity that will participate, San Miguel de Allende, Silao, Dolores Hidalgo and San Diego, estimated the state Secretariat of Tourism.

“It is a sign of the growth of wine tourism in Guanajuato and its ability to attract more tourists every year,” as it not only focuses on wine production, but also integrates a value chain that includes 150 tourism service providers, such as hotels, restaurants, food producers, as well as recreational and wellness activities. Brunel added.

Boosting the industry
Brunel said the state has grown in visitors to its vineyards due, in part, to the active promotion of Guanajuato’s wine industry, the Wine Industry Congress and festivals such as Vive el Vino that help maintain tourist attraction and the popularity of local labels. In the recent World Cup in Brussels, held in León, Guanajuato vineyards won 24 medals, ranking as the second state in the country with the most recognitions.

Guanajuato is the only state in Mexico with specific legislation and regulations to enforce the federal law for the promotion of the wine industry, which supports and promotes the development of the sector, with a robust legal framework that includes the creation of a state wine council, in charge of coordinating and promoting the necessary actions for the sustained growth of the sector.

These measures not only establish clear guidelines for producers and entrepreneurs in the wine sector, but also foster a safe and conducive investment environment for new projects, “favorable public policies have contributed significantly to positioning Guanajuato as an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs interested in viticulture”, in the last 12 years, Guanajuato has received more than 300 recognitions in various national and international competitions.

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