While Visiting Puerto Vallarta Mexico, You Don’t Need to Give Up Your Passion for Wine

Summary

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers a vibrant wine culture with unique experiences for wine enthusiasts, showcasing a rich selection of Mexican wines alongside international varieties through establishments like Di Vino Dante and the delivery service Uncork Mexico.

Abstract

Contrary to the stereotypical image of tequila and beer dominating the Mexican vacation scene, Puerto Vallarta stands out for its sophisticated wine offerings. The destination caters to wine aficionados with a deep history of winemaking, represented by establishments such as Di Vino Dante, owned by Gena Guarniere, who brings an extensive wine list and culinary pairings to locals and tourists alike. Additionally, Uncork Mexico, a delivery service founded by Natalia Castro and Vanessa Pedrozo, provides access to a global selection of wines with a focus on Mexican vineyards, enhancing the local wine experience even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article emphasizes that travelers do not need to compromise on their appreciation for wine while visiting this beautiful Mexican city.

Opinions

The article challenges the common perception of Mexican vacations being limited to tequila and beer, highlighting Puerto Vallarta's lesser-known but rich wine culture.
Wine in Puerto Vallarta is not just available; it is celebrated, with fine dining restaurants and specialty wine services offering extensive selections of Mexican wines.
Di Vino Dante is praised for its exceptional combination of high-quality cuisine, an extensive international wine list, and attention to Mexican wines, all in a relaxed, art-filled environment.
The success of Di Vino Dante is attributed to Gena Guarniere's passion for wine, influenced by her education and experience abroad, and her decision to return to her roots in Puerto Vallarta.
Uncork Mexico is recognized for its innovative approach to wine sales, adapting to the pandemic by shifting from a brick-and-mortar shop to an online platform and delivery service, thus ensuring continuous access to fine wines for locals and tourists.
The founders of Uncork Mexico, Natalia Castro and Vanessa Pedrozo, are commended for their commitment to enhancing the wine scene in Puerto Vallarta and their dedication to sourcing from Mexican wine regions, contributing to the growth of Mexico's wine industry.
The author expresses enthusiasm for the variety of wines available in Puerto Vallarta, including local microbrews and the opportunity for visitors to explore new horizons in wine tasting, suggesting a holistic indulgence in local beverages alongside the expected tequila and beer options.

Experience Mexican Culture in a Glass of Vino

When you see travel ads for Puerto Vallarta (or, for that matter, any Mexican tourist destination), you typically don’t see people enjoying an elegant glass of wine. You might see tequila shots, various fruity margaritas, or an ice-cold Pacifico or Corona adorned with lime.

But if beer and tequila don’t represent your libation of choice, you don’t need to avoid a Mexican vacation if you want to enjoy a delicious glass of vino with dinner. Even if you’re a full-fledged wine enthusiast, Puerto Vallarta won’t disappoint you when it comes to wine experiences.

We’ve been hearing more about Mexican wine over the last couple of decades, but the history of Mexican wine goes back centuries. Casa Madero represents the oldest operating vineyard in North America. Spanish monks planted the vineyard in Monterey, Mexico, in 1597. To this day, you will still find Casa Madero wine in shops throughout Mexico. Due to shipping complications, purchasing a bottle of Mexican wine at your local liquor store may not likely happen. But, as the demand grows for Mexican wine, online options that ship to most US states continue to become available.

Let’s suppose you’re vacationing in Mexico, particularly Puerto Vallarta. In that case, you won’t experience any difficulty buying wine at shops or restaurants from Mexican wine regions such as Valle de Guadalupe, Queretaro, or Guanajuato. A couple of opportunities in Puerto Vallarta especially stand out when experiencing what Mexican wines offer.

Di Vino Dante:

You will find impressive selections of Mexican wine at many fine dining restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Some restaurants serve Mexican wines exclusively. And, when I say fine dining, I’m not referring to dress codes that include ties, jackets, and close-toed shoes. You will blend right in at most white table-clothed establishments, even dressed in shorts, a tank top, and sandals.

Di Vino Dante represents one of the restaurants that go above and beyond when it comes to their offerings and knowledge of wine. Owned and managed by Puerto Vallarta native Gena Guarniere, this establishment offers the best in culinary creations and an impressive wine list of well over 100 selections.

While completing her art degree at the University of Vancouver, BC, she took a class in wine science to fulfill a science requirement. That class ignited her passion for wine. Before she knew it, Gena found herself taking a London-based Sommelier course in Vancouver, BC. Though she intended to work in the vineyards of Napa, she returned home to Puerto Vallarta to help care for her father.

Gena decided to open up a wine and tapas bar adjacent to the Galleria Dante (a fabulous place that her mother, Claire Guarniere, runs). The success of the wine and tapas bar turned it into a full-fledged restaurant that continues to delight residents and tourists of Puerto Vallarta twelve years later.

Gena works closely on the international wine list paying particular attention to the Mexican selections. She also coordinates with the Chef to make sure the high-quality food looks as good as it tastes and puts together wine pairing recommendations. And, as if terrific food and wine weren’t enough, they also offer exquisite décor and fabulous live music.

Truly, Galleria Dante and Di Vino Dante restaurant represent a feast for all your senses. Whether you live in Puerto Vallarta or you’re planning a vacation, make sure to put these places on your must-do list, especially if you love wine.

Uncork Mexico:

Long before COVID-19 started influencing our lives, Natalia Castro and Vanessa Pedrozo figured out that Puerto Vallarta’s wine scene needed a delivery service. In addition to doorstep delivery in the Puerto Vallarta area, Uncork Mexico also ships anywhere in Mexico.

Before the pandemic started complicating the way we live, Natalia and Vanessa ran a wine shop in Centro where they also offered wine tastings. COVID forced them to close the brick-and-mortar store, but they still maintain an online presence. You may purchase wine through their online store, join the wine club, and book a private tasting. And, not only that, but they also offer a terrific selection of gourmet cheeses and other delectable goodies.

Natalia, who hails from Guadalajara, Mexico, and Vanessa from Peru, enhance their knowledge and passion for wine by taking frequent trips to the wine regions of Mexico and building relationships with the winemakers. Uncork Mexico offers wine from all over the globe, but they feature superb wines from Mexico.

When you visit Puerto Vallarta, you’ve got to treat yourself to tequila and, if you’re a beer drinker, make sure you indulge in a Mexican Cerveza. Mexican beer goes far beyond Corona and Pacifico; they also offer excellent microbrews. But, know that wine lovers will also get the chance to expand their passion’s horizons. Salud!

Marcia Gage currently resides with her husband in downtown Minneapolis. She has four adult sons and five grandchildren. Marcia is an AWAI Certified Copywriter and a member of International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance (ITWPA). She specializes in travel, wine, CBD and alternative health, psychology, and self-help.

Her background is in Education and Development. She holds an MS in Psychology. In addition to writing, she loves reading, music, gardening, and baseball. Follow her on Facebook here.