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
