Mexico has its first protected wine region. The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), an agency subordinate to the Ministry of Economy, officially granted the wines of the Querétaro wine region the status of a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) on March 24, 2025. The corresponding specifications had already been published on March 10th in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF).
The state of Querétaro is located between the 20th and 21st parallels north latitude, south of the Tropic of Cancer, in the central highlands of the Mexican Republic. According to the business magazine 'La Economista', the northern hemisphere's southernmost wine region has 550 ha/1,360 ac of vineyards at an altitude of just over 1,965m (approx. 6,447 ft) above sea level. The climate is known for its extremes, with risks of hail and summer rains that can cause sharp temperature drops at night.
Of the 18 municipalities in the state of Querétaro, 8 are wine producers: Tequisquiapan, El Marqués, Ezequiel Montes, San Juan del Río, Colón, Huimilpan, Cadereyta de Montes, and Pedro Escobedo. Four other municipalities, including the capital Santiago de Querétaro, have potential suitability for wine production. The PGI status applies to red, white, and rosé wines, as well as sparkling wines and 'Cosechas Tardías' (Late Harvest wines). Specific grape varieties are not mentioned.
15 wine-growing regions in Mexico
On the occasion of the new PGI presentation, Gertrudis Mercado Cruz from the Mexican Ministry of Economy stated that the PGI recognition represents "a concrete measure of institutional support for talent, innovation, and quality of Mexican products." She added that it contributes to consolidating the 'Hecho en México [Made in Mexico]' program, a component of 'Plan México' initiated by the President of Mexico, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, and the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard.
There are now actually 15 wine-growing regions in Mexico. Querétaro ranks as the third-largest cultivation area (and number one for sparkling wine), although the majority of Mexican wine is still produced in Baja California. Freixenet México has been active in Querétaro since 1979. According to 'La Economista', Mexico's table wine exports reached a value of more than $8m (€7.23m) in 2024, an increase of 14% compared to the previous year. The main export destinations are Japan, Europe, and North America. SP
