Rioja Alavesa Wines, Txakoli, and Ciders in Mexico: “A benchmark for the global Basque Country, open to new markets of quality and excellence”

• Mrs Amaia Barredo, Minister of the Basque Government, along with 23 Rioja Alavesa, Cider, and Txakoli wineries, held meetings with importers, gourmets, restaurants, distributors, and institutional representatives.
• Masterclasses and tastings at the Euskal Etxea in Mexico City.
• Mr Carlos Borboa, Director for Latin America and the USA of the Brussels International Competition, praises Rioja Alavesa wines.

Mexico City, 2025 09 03

Mrs Amaia Barredo, Minister of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture, and Fisheries of the Basque Government, stated in Mexico City that “the gastronomy and beverages produced in the Basque Country are the best presentation and benchmark for the global Basque Country, open to new markets characterized by quality and excellence.” Along with a delegation from 23 Rioja Alavesa wineries, Cider and Txakoli is currently holding various meetings in Mexico with importers, gourmets, restaurants, distributors, and institutional representatives to promote Basque products, opening new markets.

Among the various events held in the Mexican capital were the showroom, exhibition, masterclass, and tasting offered by the Basque delegation to a select group of food professionals, including Wenceslao Martínez, president of Provino; Marco Estudillo, president of the Valle de Guadalupe Vendors Association; and Andrea Peña, from Baja California.

Along with Amaia Barredo, Ainhoa ​​Apeztegia, delegate of the Basque Government in Mexico, and Raúl Pérez Iratxeta, participating in the promotional meetings. Specifically, the first Minister meeting took place at the Euskal Etxea/Basque House in Mexico City, to whom the group of 23 Basque wineries offered "new channels of collaboration for the contribution of ideas, styles, and products from all over the world, always based on the centuries-old tradition and culture of Basque cuisine."

Minister Amaia Barredo stated that "last year, Rioja Alavesa wines were the driving force behind Basque Wine exports, accounting for 69% of the volume and 90% of total revenue: 9.1% more liters were exported, representing a 4.5% increase in revenue." The main international markets for Basque wine are the United Kingdom—the leading market, with 6.6 million liters—and the United States, with 3.3 million.

“Basque-Mexican youth will surely develop cultural, economic, and social projects of great value for the development of Mexico. We are living through turbulent times around the world, but if anyone knows how to overcome them with hard work and dedication, it is Basque society, like the one gathered in this Basque Country,” Barredo stated.

Demonstrations

In the showroom and masterclass held in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City, the Basque delegation, with sommelier Mikel Garaizabal, showcased a selection of vintage, crianza, and reserva wines from Rioja Alavesa, “which have been acclaimed at the main specialized fairs in the European Union, along with Txakoli and Ciders.”

The Basque representation held a meeting with the "Women in Taninos" collective, which highlights the role of women in the wine industry: from production and oenology to distribution, communication, and consumption, in a sector historically dominated by men. This event creates opportunities for women to shape the present and future of wine in Mexico and around the world. Bibiana Parra, Joanna Vallejo, and Paz Austin attended.

Meetings were also held today with Paloma Palacios, representative of the Querétaro Government; Eugenio Parrodi Wiechers, president of the Wine Cluster; Halina Gama Arriaga, director of the CVQ; and with the Mexican government's Ministry of Agriculture. The meeting was aimed at addressing the international relationship and trade situation between the Basque Country and Mexico regarding food and beverages, exports and imports, the tariff issue, and the Basque Country's position as a benchmark in gastronomy. Various meetings will be held on Thursday in the city of Guadalajara

The wineries participating in the delegation are: Primicia, Covila, Bodegas de la Marquesa-Valserrano, Fos, Garcia de Olano, Señorío de Arana, Loli Casado, Lopez Oria, Ostatu, Valdelana, Valdemar, Virgen de Lorea and Familia Monje Amestoy. In Txakoli: Ameztoi Txakolina, Etxaniz Txakolina, Okendo Txakoliña, Astobiza, Talai Berri Txakolina and Txakoli Gaintza; cider: Bereziartua, Petritegi Sagardoak and Isastegi Sagardotegia; and the distillates are Licores Barañano and Basque Moonshiners.