Located in the Tunal Valley, within the municipality of Parras, Viñedos Don Leo sits at an impressive altitude of 2,100 metres above sea level, placing it among the highest vineyards in the world. Surrounded by mountains, this unique geography delivers cooler nights and extended ripening periods, resulting in wines with increased aromatic concentration and clearly defined varietal character. Under the guidance of award-winning winemaker Francisco Rodríguez, Don Leo has emerged as one of Mexico’s most internationally recognised wineries, combining organic-minded viticulture, advanced technology, and a pioneering spirit that has reshaped perceptions of Mexican wine on the global stage.

The estate cultivates an extensive range of grape varieties, including Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Zinfandel for reds, alongside Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Chardonnay for whites. Grapes are hand-harvested during the coolest hours of the night and vinified under strict temperature control, with pump-overs designed to maximise colour and aromatic intensity. Wines are aged in French and American oak barrels, some for extended periods, reflecting Don Leo’s commitment to structure, balance, and longevity.

Beyond the cellar, Don Leo’s identity is rooted in family, innovation, and a deep respect for nature. With 10,000 hectares of mineral-rich soils, limestone aquifers, and a semi-desert climate, the winery benefits from what it calls the “luxury of selection,” ensuring consistency and quality across vintages. Milestones such as winning Best Cabernet Sauvignon in the World in 2020, launching Mexico’s first commercially produced Pinot Noir, unveiling a Blanc de Noirs Malbec, and opening a Wine Museum in 2024 all underscore Don Leo’s ambition to lead Mexican wine into its next chapter. Below, CEO David Mendel shares deeper insights into the winery’s journey, philosophy, and global aspirations.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

1. What were some of the early challenges in establishing vineyards in Parras Valley back in 2000, and how did those experiences define your approach to viticulture and winemaking?

One of our earliest and most persistent challenges was adapting to the effects of climate change. When we began planting vineyards in Parras Valley in 2000, we had to understand how shifting temperatures, water availability, and seasonal variations would influence the development of high-quality fruit. Establishing a vineyard in a desert environment required great resilience. And, as in all wine regions around the world, climate change quickly became the primary challenge shaping our decisions.

2. Among your wines, which expression do you feel best captures the essence of Don Leo’s philosophy, and why?

It is very difficult to choose a single wine that best represents Don Leo’s philosophy. First, our Don Leo Cabernet Shiraz, the first blend we created, represents our origins and our belief in discipline, hard work, and high-quality processes. This wine tells the story of where we began and forms the foundation of our entire legacy. I would also mention our Pinot Noir, the first wine of this variety to be commercially produced in Mexico. It reflects our pioneering spirit and our willingness to take risks to elevate Mexican wine. In the same vein, we cannot leave behind our Kosher Cabernet Sauvignon, as it is the only kosher wine produced in Mexico. And of course, our Don Leo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon unquestionably embodies the philosophy of our winery. This wine earned us the title of Best Cabernet in the World in 2020 at the Concours International des Cabernets in France; a distinction that marked a historic moment.

At Don Leo, every stage of production, from selection through vinification, aging, and bottling, is carried out with the highest level of excellence. It was the first time a Mexican wine received an award of this magnitude, placing our country on the global wine map. We made history, and this award reflects our deep commitment to producing truly unique wines.

3. What are your key export markets today, and how do you tailor your storytelling or brand communication for international audiences?

Our current focus is taking solid steps into the United States as our priority market. At the same time, we continue to seek opportunities to participate in international wine fairs to position Mexican wine abroad.

When speaking to international audiences, we highlight what sets us apart: the essence of Mexican winemaking and the uniqueness of our terroir. Our storytelling emphasizes authenticity, our family history, our high-altitude vineyards, and the passion behind every bottle. International consumers are increasingly curious about emerging wine regions, and we want them to discover that Mexico has a wine identity worth exploring.

4. As the global palate becomes more open to wines from emerging regions, how do you see Mexican wines—and Don Leo specifically—fitting into that narrative?

Mexico is gaining global attention thanks to its distinctive terroirs, and Don Leo is proud to be part of that movement. Our vineyards sit at 2,100 metres above sea level, one of the highest altitudes worldwide. This elevation creates a unique environment for grape growing, with cool nights and warm daytime temperatures that foster complexity, structure, and balance in the fruit.

Being located in Parras, Coahuila—a semi-desert environment—gives our wines a signature character. As emerging wine regions continue to rise globally, Don Leo contributes a unique expression of altitude, resilience, and tradition that enriches the diversity of the international wine landscape.

5. In 2015, you opened your vineyard to visitors, creating immersive experiences around your wines and terroir. How has wine tourism contributed to your brand’s growth?

Wine tourism plays a vital role in our growth. We welcome visitors in a personalized and intimate way because we want every guest to connect deeply with the world behind our labels. It is important to us that people understand not just the final product, but also our story, our physical space, and the hands behind the wines we produce.

Through tours, tastings, and on-site experiences, we help foster wine culture in Mexico. Visitors meet our team, explore our facilities, walk through our vineyards, and learn about our agricultural practices. Wine tourism has allowed us to share our philosophy in a direct and meaningful way. Opening our doors is more than showcasing our work—it is an invitation to experience the place and the people behind each bottle, and that connection has been fundamental to strengthening our brand.

6. The new Wine Museum at Viñedos Don Leo adds a cultural and educational dimension to your brand. What experience do you want visitors to take away from this space?

For us, education and culture are essential pillars. With the new Wine Museum, we want visitors to leave with accurate and meaningful knowledge about our family history, our region, and the winemaking processes that define Don Leo. Our goal is for the museum not only to inspire curiosity, but also to strengthen appreciation for Mexican wine.

7. As you continue expanding your vineyards and introducing new labels, what directions or trends are shaping your winemaking ambitions for the next decade?

Our winemaking philosophy remains rooted in tradition, complemented by cutting-edge technology to ensure precision and consistency. Looking ahead, our focus is on strengthening quality year after year and maintaining excellence in every vintage.

We aim to continue refining our processes, investing in state-of-the-art equipment, and adopting sustainable practices that respect both our land and our consumers. Consistency, authenticity, and innovation will guide us over the next decade.

8. Are there any upcoming projects, releases, or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?

One of our most exciting projects is our plan to take our wines abroad. We want international consumers, collectors, and wine lovers to experience the quality and diversity of our varieties and labels. By entering foreign markets, we hope to elevate the global perception of Mexican wine and showcase the potential of our region through future collaborations and partnerships.

9. What message would you like Don Leo wines to convey to those discovering Mexican wine for the first time?

We want people to know that our wines stand proudly alongside the great wines of the world. They reflect the passion of our team and carry a unique identity that allows drinkers to experience the elegance, structure, and authenticity of our high-altitude terroir.

For anyone discovering Mexican wine for the first time, our bottles are an invitation—to explore, to be surprised, and to understand the true potential of our country.

Header image sourced from Vinedos Don Leo.