The wine industry of Guanajuato once again positioned itself on the international stage by obtaining second place in the 34th edition of the Brussels World Competition 2026, with 52 awards.
Among the most outstanding achievements is the award for Best Mexican Wine granted to Gran Pago de Ricardo Vega 2021, from the winery Viñedo Cuna de Tierra, one of the highest distinctions a national label can receive in this international competition.
In addition, Gran Pago de Ricardo Vega 2023 received the special recognition as Revelation Wine of Mexico, an achievement that, for the Cuna de Tierra winery, represents a historic milestone within a trajectory that has accumulated more than 200 medals in international competitions held in Bordeaux, Madrid, London, and Brussels.
“Being considered by this important competition, which this year was held in Armenia, as Revelation Wine of Mexico, a distinction that only 13 other wines in the world obtained, is a great satisfaction,” said Ramón Vélez, commercial director of Viñedo Cuna de Tierra, in an interview with AM.
In the competition held from May 21 to 23 in Yerevan, Armenia, the state of Guanajuato was the second most awarded in Mexico, ranking only behind Baja California, which obtained 88 medals, and above Coahuila, with 47, reaffirming the growth and competitiveness of the state’s wine production.
High-altitude vineyards and wines
The results were announced on June 10 through the competition’s social media, a date highly anticipated by producers from different parts of the world.
“All producers around the world on that date were unable to sleep, waiting to learn the results of the competition; it is an all-nighter that accompanies us in each of the competitions where we submit our wines,” shared Ramón Vélez.
Ramón Vélez explained that one of the characteristics that allowed Gran Pago de Ricardo Vega to stand out is its elegant profile, with aromas of prunes, mushrooms, and truffle, as well as balance on the palate and an evolved forest-floor profile.
He also noted that the Valle de la Independencia, located between 2,000 and 2,400 meters above sea level, provides natural conditions that give freshness, tension, purity, and energy to the region’s wines. Although Guanajuato represents only 6% of the country’s wine grape vineyards, in major international competitions it obtains between 20% and 25% of the medals.
“Our high-altitude vineyards position us as the best Mexican wines, recognized for their elegance, freshness, and expression,” Vélez stated.
It is also worth noting that Syrah 2023, from Viñedos San Miguel, obtained a Grand Gold Medal, strengthening Guanajuato’s presence among the most outstanding wine regions worldwide.
Vélez emphasized that the main challenge for Guanajuato’s wine industry is to consolidate itself as a national reference for the freshness and expressive purity of its wines, while one of the winery Cuna de Tierra’s next goals is to increase direct sales to consumers and strengthen visitor experiences.
In a statement issued by the Government of Guanajuato, it was highlighted that the 52 awards were distributed as follows: 2 Grand Gold Medals, 12 Gold Medals, 10 Silver Medals, 27 CMB Merit recognitions, and the special Revelation Wine award.
The awards correspond to 13 wineries located in the municipalities of San Miguel de Allende, Dolores Hidalgo, San Felipe, Comonfort, and León.
Source: am
