Aguascalientes Expands Support for Growing Wine Industry

Aguascalientes is strengthening its position in Mexico’s wine industry through targeted support programs, infrastructure investments and industry partnerships, while hosting the country’s first International Grape and Wine Congress, an event that brought together participants from 17 Mexican states and international experts from the United States, Portugal, Spain, and Argentina.

State authorities say the strategy aims to improve competitiveness across the wine value chain by supporting grape growers and winemakers with technical assistance, equipment, technology, and market access initiatives. The effort comes as Mexican wine continues to gain visibility domestically and internationally.

During the opening of the International Grape and Wine Congress, Esaú Garza, Head, Ministry of Economic Development, Science and Technology (SEDECYT), said the industry is becoming an important driver of employment and economic development in the state.

Garza said the government is currently conducting a mapping of the wine sector to identify producers, grape varieties and production capacities throughout the state. The information will be used to design more targeted support programs for the industry. “This event is a reflection of the actions being promoted to give Aguascalientes wine and Mexican wine the visibility they deserve,” he said.

State authorities are supporting producers through programs that facilitate access to machinery, equipment and specialized technologies. The government is also promoting more efficient irrigation systems to improve sustainability and profitability in grape production.

According to Isidoro Armendáriz, Head, Ministry of Rural and Agribusiness Development (SEDRAE), local producers now have access to training, technical assistance, infrastructure and tools that help modernize operations and improve the competitiveness of wines produced in Aguascalientes.

The state is also strengthening its Value-Added Center, where producers and wineries receive guidance and training aimed at improving production processes and increasing the commercial value of their products.

In addition, SEDRAE supports local wineries' participation in trade shows, business meetings and national and international events, helping them promote their brands and reach new markets.

The congress highlighted the broader growth of Mexico’s wine industry. Salomón Abedrop, President, Mexican Wine Council, said Mexican wine has increased its market presence by as much as 700% in recent years.

“We are proud to see Mexican wines competing in world-class contests and returning with as much as 10% to 12% of the medals, despite Mexico accounting for only 0.4% of global wine production. That demonstrates that our wines are on par with the best in the world,” he said.

As part of the event, the Government of Aguascalientes, GS1 Mexico and the Mexican Wine Council signed a collaboration agreement aimed at supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the wine sector. The agreement seeks to provide tools that help companies increase productivity and competitiveness.

State officials said efforts to promote local wine consumption and commercialization will continue as part of a broader strategy to consolidate one of Aguascalientes’ fastest-growing agribusiness sectors. The combination of technical support, market development initiatives and industry collaboration is expected to strengthen the state’s position within Mexico’s expanding wine industry.