Praön de María

The Praön de María vineyard is a small private winery just west of the capital city of Aguascalientes. The state, overall, is Mexico's fourth biggest producer of wine, and home to some seven commercial wineries, and some 24 different little wineries and vineyards. This comes as a surprise to lots of visitors, but Aguascalientes is a compact and accessible wine route that lets visitors feel like they visited the whole thing and all while sampling some of the region's most characteristic wines. Focus tends to be on very high quality rather than on mass market wines. For that, the region is widely celebrated.

Aguascalientes is some 1,970 meters above sea level, and with famously calcareous and stony soils. Wines here have a reputation for strong mineral structure and character. Praön de María is growing Syrah, Malbec, and Merlot grapes, and producing a sparkling Syrah called Serendipia Espumosa. All of them bear the noticeable mineral structure, but they're also reasonably priced and fun to enjoy on a day trip from the capital. 

The family here originated in Asturia in Spain and brought their tradition of wine making and great food with them. Wines produced here are often feted at the most important industry and culinary events held in the region, and nationwide. The winery is home to a celebrated events venue, but day guests are welcome at the restaurant, or even in the swimming pool and gardens areas. The Casa Praön is an onsite boutique hotel that lets guests extend their stay. The entire complex is surrounded by the vineyards, that stretch to the horizon, and guests can walk the fields or simply enjoy the gardens.   

From the center of Aguascalientes, Praön de María just about 25 minutes west, following the highway to Calvillo. Most guests will arrive by car, although guests are also encouraged to call ahead.