When people think of Mexican drinks, images of golden tequila or chilled cerveza often come to mind. And rightfully so—tequila is sacred, born from the agave of Jalisco, and beer is woven into casual celebrations. Yet another story flows through Mexico’s valleys, equally vibrant: the story of Mexican wine.

The Oldest New World Wine

Many associate New World wines with California, Chile, or Argentina. But Mexico boasts the oldest winemaking tradition in the Americas. Spanish missionaries introduced grapevines in the early 16th century. Hernán Cortés ordered settlers to plant vineyards, and fertile lands in Coahuila and Baja California embraced the vines. By the late 1500s, winemaking flourished.

However, in 1699, fearing competition, the Spanish Crown banned commercial wine production, allowing only sacramental wine for the Church. For centuries, Mexico’s wine culture survived quietly in monasteries and hidden pockets.

A Revival Rooted in Passion

The modern revival began in the late 20th century. Visionary winemakers in Valle de Guadalupe, Coahuila’s Parras Valley, and beyond experimented with European varietals adapted to Mexican terroir. Today, Mexico has over 400 wineries producing wines celebrated worldwide.

The climate—arid days, cool nights, and scarce water—creates grapes of remarkable character. Mexican wine reflects resilience, blending Old World knowledge with New World confidence.

The Ritual of the Toast: “¡Salud!”

In Mexico, wine is shared, not just consumed. The toast, or “¡Salud!”, is simple but profound, a gesture of presence and respect. Eye contact is essential; breaking it is seen as bad luck.

More elaborate toasts are common, especially among older generations:

• “¡Por la vida, el amor, y la buena compañía!” (To life, love, and good company)

• “Que nunca nos falte el vino, el amor, ni los amigos.” (May we never lack wine, love, or friends)

Every clink of glasses symbolizes connection, gratitude, and celebration.

Wine as a Keeper of Memory

Each Mexican wine vintage captures the season: the sun, the rains, and the hands that harvested the fruit. It also carries stories of the pioneers who planted forbidden vines, families preserving tradition, and modern winemakers pushing boundaries.

To drink Mexican wine is to sip from history, honoring centuries of struggle, celebration, and resilience.

A Blossoming Legacy

Mexico’s wine regions are now destinations for wine lovers. Valle de Guadalupe has earned comparisons to Napa and Provence, yet remains uniquely Mexican. Visitors enjoy wines paired with Baja-Med cuisine, sunsets over desert hills, and hospitality rooted in cultural pride.

Toasts continue:
“¡Salud! ¡Por nuestros ancestros, por el presente, y por todo lo que está por venir.”
(Health! To our ancestors, the present, and all that is yet to come.)

Mexican wine does not replace tequila or beer. It stands alongside them, honoring a culture as rich and complex as the land itself.

Celebrate with Tierra Luna

Next time you pour a glass of Stella Z or Nova Stella under the stars, remember: you are part of a bigger story—one of legacy, migration, celebration, and pride.

¡Salud!