I’ll admit it: I arrived in Jalisco thinking about blue agave fields and shots of tequila. I left days later, raising a wine glass at sunset, overlooking Lake Chapala and the rolling green hills of Los Altos. This emblematic Mexican state is quietly writing a new chapter—one defined by refined enotourism.

Recently, regions such as the Chapala Lakeside and Los Altos de Jalisco have earned recognition for their boutique vineyards and thoughtfully curated experiences. These are not just tastings; they are immersive encounters with the land, its people, and its evolving wine identity.

My journey began at La Finca La Estramancia, an intimate vineyard set on the slopes of the Mujer Dormida Mountain. From here, Lake Chapala—the largest lake in Mexico—unfolds like an endless mirror. The experience is personal and unhurried: walks among Malbec, Tempranillo, and Syrah vines, guided tastings, and rosé, red, and sparkling wines enjoyed with the landscape as the star.

Nearby, in San Luis Soyotlán, El Tejón offers a hands-on immersion into vineyard life. Here, wine lovers don’t just learn about winemaking—they live it. With more than 20,000 vines and an impressive range of grapes—from Sauvignon Blanc and Viura to Garnacha Tinta and Malbec—guided tours and private events are tailored to create a truly bespoke experience.

In Tuxcueca, I discovered Cava Post Data, a small-scale, artisanal project producing limited editions. Thanks to its volcanic soil, the vineyard achieves something rare: two harvests per year. Tastings, available by appointment only, showcase distinctive white, rosé, and red wines crafted from Shiraz, Tempranillo, Garnacha, and more—each sip revealing a sense of place that feels almost secret.

The route then led north to Los Altos de Jalisco, birthplace of mariachi and charrería, where the landscape opens into wide, sunlit plateaus. At the Hacienda San José de Tepozán in Encarnación de Díaz, Los Altos Norte Vinícola stands out for its natural and sparkling wines of international caliber. One of them earned a gold medal at the 2022 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles—a testament to the region’s growing prestige. Tastings and guided tours of the estate seamlessly blend tradition and innovation.

In the Magical Town of Lagos de Moreno, the historic Jaramillo de Abajo ranch is home to Tierra de Luz Hacienda Vinícola. It’s a place that invites you to linger, pairing wines with local cuisine, photography sessions, and guided visits—an ideal setting for a refined and leisurely escape.

Finally, in Jalostotitlán, Viñedo Cerca Blanca offers one of the most celebratory wine experiences in the region: its annual harvest festival, held between July and August. Guests take part in the grape harvest, enjoy house wines paired with local dishes, and listen to live music—a joyful reminder that wine is, above all, a celebration. Throughout the year, guided tours and its versatility as an event venue make it a must-visit.

Traveling through the vineyards of Jalisco is discovering another side of Mexico—one that is more serene, more intimate. Amid lakes, volcanic soils, and green hills, wine becomes a pretext for exploring, savoring, and toasting. For the foreign traveler seeking unique and authentic experiences, Jalisco is ready to be served in a tall glass.