Mexican Wine

Cinco de Vino! is here! Join the paw-ty as we explore festive Mexican wines, vineyard tales south of the border, and canine-approved pairings to celebrate in true vino style. Salud!

Cinco de Mayo may be best known for its festive flair, but behind the margaritas and mariachi music lies a powerful story of resilience and pride. The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862—a moment that came to symbolize unity, resistance, and the fight for sovereignty. This year on wineblogwithadog.com, I’m raising a glass not just to the history, but to the bold and beautiful wines now emerging from the very country that once fought so fiercely for its identity.

When I moved from rural South Dakota to San Francisco in 1986, it felt like stepping into an entirely new world—vibrant, electric, and brimming with culture. I was especially drawn to the Cinco de Mayo celebrations, which seemed to pulse through the Mission District with music, dance, and a deep sense of heritage. I quickly embraced the culture, falling hard for the city’s incredible Mexican food scene. Spicy food became a passion—habanero, ghost pepper, even Carolina Reaper levels of heat never scared me off. I'd always pair that fiery heat with a well-chilled, crisp acidic white or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir to balance things out. Back in those days, my two chocolate labs, Bonnie and Sydney, were my constant companions, always eager to head to the Mission District to go to La Cumbra with me, tails wagging, ready to explore the flavors and sounds of the city right alongside me.

¡Salud from South of the Border! Discovering Mexican Wine with Annie and Lucy

When you think of Mexican beverages, Pacifico,tequila and mezcal might come to mind. But recently, my current dogs Annie and Lucy and I took a detour from our usual vineyard paths to explore something delightfully unexpected—Mexican wine. And not just any wine, but three bold bottles that left a lasting impression: El Bastardo, Pionero, and Djemba. If you're ready to expand your palate and explore one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in North America, pick up a bottle of these Baja-born beauties!

Annie the golden retriever rocking a sombrero and stealing hearts! The sombrero, with its wide brim and high crown, has deep roots in Mexican culture—originally designed to shield workers from the sun, it became an iconic symbol of Mexican identity through charros and mariachi musicians. Today, it’s a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and pride—much like Annie’s festive flair!

The Landscape: Where the Vines Meet the Desert

Mexico’s winemaking history dates to the 16th century, but it’s only recently started to capture the global wine spotlight. The Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California is the epicenter—think Napa Valley with a splash of desert charm, ocean breezes, and boutique producers pushing the envelope. With over 150 wineries and a climate that mimics the Mediterranean, this region is perfect for grape growing—especially bold reds and aromatic whites. And yes, many vineyards are dog-friendly, with sprawling grounds and relaxed vibes perfect for your four-legged sidekick. Annie, Lucy, and I would love to visit the Baja region, exploring sun-soaked vineyards and coastal wineries for our wine and food blog, capturing the flavors and stories of this vibrant wine frontier.

Tucked in the corner of my backyard sunbaked wall behind Lucy, this weathered figure reminds me of the countless migrant workers whose labor has quietly shaped the vineyards of America for over two centuries. From pruning vines to harvesting grapes under the blazing sun, their unseen hands have built the foundation of the wine industry we celebrate today. As we sip, may we also remember.

Bottle One: El Bastardo – The Rebel with a Cork

This bottle had me at the name. El Bastardo lives up to its cheeky title with a punch of personality in the glass. A blend (possibly Grenache, Syrah, and Tempranillo), it poured a deep garnet and greeted me with dark fruit, leather, and a whiff of Mexican spice—think molé meets mulberry.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Black cherry, smoked paprika, and sunbaked earth.

• Palate: Juicy with firm tannins and a spicy kick at the end.

• Pairing: Chargrilled carne asada, or for the veg crowd, spicy black bean tacos. I mean habanero spicy.

Dog-friendly pairing tip: Annie gave it a tail wag of approval while lounging under the table, eyeing the brisket. This is a wine for a backyard BBQ with your pup curled up by your side.

Bold name, bolder flavor. The 2022 El Bastardo brought attitude and depth to our Cinco de Vino celebration -- dark fruit, earthy spice, and just enough edge to keep me sipping. Proof that Mexican wine doesn't pull punches.

Bottle Two: Pionero – The Trailblazer

Pionero (Spanish for “pioneer”) is a fitting name for a wine that carves its own path. This one leaned more elegant—think old-world finesse with a new-world soul. Likely a Bordeaux-style blend, it showed restraint and balance, ideal for a more contemplative sip.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Cassis, pencil shavings, dried herbs.

• Palate: Medium-bodied, fine-grained tannins, lingering minerality.

• Pairing: Lamb barbacoa, roasted mushrooms with mole negro.

Vineyard vibes: This is the kind of bottle I’d bring on a quiet picnic hike—Lucy trotting ahead, Annie sniffing everything, and me sipping under an agave-framed sunset.

A tribute in every pour -- Pionero Coach's Selecta 2019 honors the resilent spirir of those who paved the way. This label, rich in story and soil, is a nod to the migrant hands that have cultivated legacy through labor. A bold vintage with roots deeper than the wine.

Bottle Three: Djemba – Rhythmic, Earthy, Wild

Named after the West African drum, Djemba is as expressive and full of rhythm as its name implies. This wine was the wild card—possibly a natural red with minimal intervention, unfiltered and unpolished in the best way. Think wild berries, savory herbs, and a texture that keeps you coming back.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Raspberry jam, rosemary, cracked pepper, wet clay.

• Palate: Bright acidity, a little funk, a whole lot of fun.

• Pairing: Wood-fired pizza with chorizo, grilled eggplant, or just a late-night dog cuddle session.

Aromas that make your dog sneeze? Lucy gave the glass a sniff and sneezed twice. It’s got that funky edge that might be polarizing—but if you love natural wine, this one’s a gem

The Djemba 2019 Red Blend from Aguascalientes, Mexico, is a testament to modern Mexican winemaking. Crafted by Santa Elena Winery in collaboration with Millerkey, this blend of Malbec, Syrah, and Nebbiolo offers a symphony of red fruits, spices, and toasted notes, thanks to 12 months of aging in French and American oak barrels. The label itself is a visual delight, reflecting the innovative spirit of the region's viticulture. Perfect with my carne asado burritos from Viva El Taco.

Why Mexican Wine Deserves a Spot on Your Rack

• Innovation Meets Tradition: Small producers are crafting world-class wines with a blend of European varietals and Mexican soul.

• Great with Food: These wines are made to complement bold, flavorful cuisine.

• Adventurous Spirit: Every bottle feels like an invitation to explore—from dusty trails to open-air tastings under string lights.

• Dog-Friendly Culture: Many wineries welcome your pup with open arms and sun-soaked patios.

  
  

Annie, mid-siesta with her favorite ball still in her mouth—commitment to play, even in dreams. In Mexican culture, the siesta—a traditional afternoon rest—emerged as a practical response to intense midday heat and heavy meals, reflecting a slower, more mindful rhythm of life. Similarly, dogs like Annie naturally require 12–14 hours of sleep each day to recharge, with puppies and active breeds often needing more. Both the siesta and canine snoozes remind us that rest isn't laziness—it's wisdom.

Final Sip

From the sun-drenched Valle de Guadalupe to the high-elevation vineyards of Querétaro, Mexican winemakers are creating expressive, rebellious wines that echo the spirit of the revolution—full of character, courage, and complexity. And let’s be honest: pairing a rich Nebbiolo or a spicy Tempranillo from Baja with tacos al pastor? That’s the kind of modern rebellion I can get behind. Viva el vino, and ¡Viva México!

Mexican wine is no longer a novelty—it’s a serious contender, offering complex reds, fresh whites, and a spirit of innovation that rivals anything from California or Europe. Whether you're curled up with your dog after a long hike or planning a tasting trip to Valle de Guadalupe, don’t sleep on wines like El Bastardo, Pionero, and Djemba. Annie, Lucy, and I will be returning to this sun-drenched corner of the wine world—and we think you should too. ¡Salud y colas felices!