Published June 29, 2025

Why are the vineyards in San Miguel de Allende attracting more and more travelers? Perhaps it’s their architectural beauty, or simply the pleasure of toasting the sunset with a glass of red, rosé, white, or even sparkling wine. Well, so you can see why, we’re sharing this vineyard in San Miguel de Allende that captivates like a romantic enclave: Hacienda San José Lavista. Photos: Courtesy of Cynthia Benítez

The vineyards in San Miguel de Allende, a well-rounded plan

Wine enthusiasts and experts know that Guanajuato is one of the states making waves. Its impact is such that it has hosted important international competitions such as the 2024 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

Regarding the state’s historical importance in wine production, it’s worth noting that it has been around for over 400 years. Currently, this state has approximately 300 hectares dedicated to the love of vines.

It’s time to talk about Hacienda San José Lavista, one of the most beloved vineyards in San Miguel de Allende for its dedication to wine and romance. Just 25 minutes from the city center, this property spans more than nine hectares. Upon crossing its large gate, seven hectares of vines planted around the facilities and production center are revealed.

The story of this vineyard began in 2010. What was originally intended as a retirement estate for architect José Seoane evolved into a winemaking project orchestrated by winemaker Hugo D’Costa, a multi-award-winning personality with recognitions such as the Editor’s Choice Award at the Food and Travel Reader Awards for his legacy in the wine industry.

What is Hacienda San José Lavista like?

To capture this space, one of the most beautiful vineyards in San Miguel de Allende, suffice it to say that it inspires a sense of romance. It was one of the first wineries to embrace weddings as part of its offering; the chapel, surrounded by a small lake with ducks and aquatic flora, looks like the setting for a love story.

The architecture was inspired by the materials used in old haciendas: high ceilings, vaulted ceilings, adobe, and solid walls that revive the Mexican colonial style. It has two houses: one dedicated to the bride—El Casco Principal—whose rooms are named after the seven deadly sins; and another, the Casa Huésped, designed for the groom, with rooms named after the virtues. In total, there are 14 suites, usually rented for weddings.

Among the vineyards in San Miguel de Allende, Hacienda San José Lavista stands out for its organic management, as sommelier Estefanía Del Piano explains.

Amidst the green landscapes, we learned that they work with mycorrhizae—fungi living in the roots—that help the vines absorb more nutrients. They don’t use pesticides or agrochemicals and opt for natural methods to control pests, such as the use of olive trees that act as indicators. Furthermore, they don’t buy grapes from outside: they focus on maintaining quality rather than increasing production. A good harvest produces 20 to 30,000 bottles per year, and a difficult one, 10 to 15,000.

Are there tours of the San José Lavista vineyard?

Of course, there are tours of this vineyard in San Miguel de Allende. It is open to the public by reservation, offering visits ranging from the plantations, through the production area and the cellar, to a tasting of the labels on its terrace with a 360° view, accompanied by a cheese and fruit platter to play with the pairings.

During the tour, the sommeliers share details about each stage of the process. For example, they explain that their favorite grape is Malbec, which accounts for more than 60% of their production. They also show the four wooden barrels where the reds mature, which acquire a silky or peach-skin feel thanks to the polished tannins; their aging lasts 12 months and their reserva 24.

Soure: foodandtravel

Standing over a hill with breathtaking views of the world renowned city of San Miguel de Allende and it’s dam, surrounded by grape vines and olive trees; and conveniently located less than 8.5 km from the city centre, on kilometer 10.2 of the nuevo libramiento San Miguel, Guanajuato; is where it was possible to fulfill this ambitious project which started from scratch in 2010.  (See the MAP) We are known for being the most exclusive and beautiful wine estate in the area, where you can celebrate the wedding or event of your dreams, delight your palate with delicious dishes in our Restaurant Lavista or simply enjoy a guided tour of our vineyards and winery ending with a tasting of our 100% Mexican wines! San Miguel de Allende, ground zero for the Mexican independence, has positioned itself worldwide as a small cosmopolitan city; known for its friendly people, art, culture, security and pleasant climate, within an exponential framework of colonial architecture; it is no wonder that for the 2nd year in a row it has been named Best City in the World by Travel + Leisure and World Heritage site by UNESCO. Revisiting previously used techniques and materials in construction of haciendas, vaults and adobe become the star child of this majestic edification which rescues several architectural principles, putting to the test the null use of structural elements and solid walls over 50cm wide that bring back to life the essence of Mexican colonial architecture, generating an atmosphere of total tradition. Materials and details were used, which gave it a modern touch but at the same time they aged with dignity every one of it’s spaces so that every detail, managed to give that feeling of being at home, with modern facilities in all spaces and the best amenities. Designed with romantics in mind who would like to marry in this ambience, the hacienda has a charming chapel surrounded by a lake and gardens with an exceptional view of the vineyards. Fourteen suites divided between the Main House and the Guest House; each one with amazing views of the lake and the vineyards, together with all the comforts make for the perfect scenario to lodge both families and spend an unforgettable weekend. The rooms, interior courtyards, game room, cellar and terraces together with the objects, pieces of art and furniture collected over many years for the project recreate the charm of an old hacienda with the comfort of modern life. Without a doubt, each space of the more than 10 hectares that make up the Hacienda San José Lavista, the Lavista Restaurant, it’s winery and vineyards, are the perfect combination of technology, comfort, good taste and great architectural work. Generating the perfect setting to spend a dream day. Only 7 km from the San Miguel de Allende Railway Station coming from the Cieneguita-Guanajuato highway at km 10.2 of the Nuevo Libramiento by paved road.