El Marqués, Querétaro: The Rising Wine Heart of Central Mexico

When people think of Mexican drinks, tequila or mezcal often come first. But in the rolling highlands of Querétaro, just two hours north of Mexico City, wine is quietly making its mark. At the center of this movement lies El Marqués, a region where altitude, climate, and tradition converge to create some of Mexico’s most exciting new wines.

A land of altitude and light

El Marqués sits at an elevation of around 1,800 meters (≈ 6,000 ft). This high-altitude setting is key: the days are sunny and warm, but nights cool quickly, creating dramatic temperature swings. This helps grapes retain fresh acidity while developing complex aromas—something that sets Querétaro wines apart from those of warmer, lowland regions.

The soils here are a mix of clay and limestone, with rocky sublayers that challenge vines and force them to dig deep. The result? Grapes with natural concentration, minerality, and tension.

A crossroads of tradition and innovation

Though winemaking in Querétaro dates back to the colonial era, El Marqués has become one of the new frontiers of Mexican viticulture. Here, small producers and innovative projects thrive, experimenting with PIWI varieties, regenerative farming, and natural methods, while also working with classic European grapes like Albariño, Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

The region is part of the Querétaro Wine Route, a growing tourism destination that combines vineyards, cheese producers, and cultural attractions. Wine here is not just agriculture—it is part of a broader lifestyle, celebrating food, music, and hospitality.

The taste of El Marqués

  • Whites: Often citrusy and floral, with vibrant acidity and a clean mineral finish. Perfect with seafood and lighter dishes.

  • Reds: Generally lighter-bodied, fruit-driven, and approachable—ideal for pairing with Mexican cuisine’s bold spices.

  • Sparkling wines: Querétaro, including El Marqués, has become known for high-quality traditional method sparkling wines thanks to its cool nights and high-altitude acidity.

  • Orange / natural wines: Younger winemakers are experimenting with skin-contact whites and minimal intervention styles, giving the region a dynamic edge.

Why El Marqués matters

El Marqués is a symbol of Mexico’s evolving wine identity: rooted in centuries of tradition, yet unafraid to experiment and innovate. Its high-altitude vineyards and dedicated winemakers are proving that Mexico can produce wines with freshness, elegance, and a strong sense of place.

| Feature        | Details                                                                                                               |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Location       | El Marqués, Querétaro, Mexico (north of Mexico City)                                                                  |
| Altitude       | ~1,800 m a.s.l.                                                                                                       |
| Climate        | Semi-arid highland climate; warm days, cool nights, marked diurnal variation                                          |
| Soils          | Clay-limestone with rocky sublayers                                                                                   |
| Grapes grown   | Albariño, Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, PIWI hybrids (resistant varieties)    |
| Style of wines | Fresh, crisp, mineral-driven whites; lively, fruit-forward reds; growing interest in sparkling and skin-contact wines |