Viñedo Meseta del Cielo

Meseta del Cielo, "heaven's plateau", is considered the first vineyard in Nayarit, a state better known for beaches and tobacco than for wine. It sits on the high plateau of Juanacatlán in the municipality of Jala, a short drive north of Ixtlán del Río, where the volcanic soil and mild highland climate turned out to suit European grapes.

The first vines were planted in 2019, and after testing several varieties the two that did best were Syrah, a red, and Macabeo, a white. The first wines came out in 2022, and the vineyard opened to visitors in 2023. It also makes an unusual drink called Santa Sirena from hibiscus flowers instead of grapes.

Visits combine a walk through the rows, where guides explain how the grapes are grown and turned into wine, with a tasting paired with regional cheeses. The setting is part of the draw: from the plateau you look across the valley to the dark bulk of the Ceboruco volcano.