1 El Cielo wines receive 12 awards at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and the winery’s signature restaurant Latitud 32 earns recognition as a Recommended Restaurant in Michelin Guide’s historic first selection for Mexico
Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico (July 17, 2024) – El Cielo Resort and Winery, one of Valle de Guadalupe’s premier destinations, proudly celebrates a double triumph, securing top honors from two of the most prestigious international wine industry award bodies. At the 31st Concours Mondial de Bruxelles which took place last month, 11 El Cielo wines were awarded 12 medals – including the Mexico Revelation Trophy, two Grand Gold Medals, six Gold Medals and three Silver Medals. Additionally, El Cielo’s signature restaurant, Latitud 32, earned a coveted spot in Mexico’s inaugural Michelin Guide selection, highlighting the culinary excellence that complements its renowned winemaking.
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, an esteemed international wine competition established in 1994, held its 2024 edition in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. The event brought together a distinguished panel of 350 judges to evaluate 7,500 red and white wines from 42 countries across five continents. El Cielo Winery’s Zeus 2020 shone brightly, capturing both the esteemed Mexico Revelation Trophy and a prestigious Grand Gold Medal. Similarly, the G&G by Ginasommelier Gran Reserva Malbec 2019 also triumphed with its own Grand Gold Medal accolade. Capricornus 2020, Copernicus 2020, Centaurus 2018, Polaris 2019, Cassini 2020 and Ginasommelier Blanc de Blancs Brut 2019 each secured a coveted Gold Medal and Capricornus 2021, Hypatia Brut 2019 and Orion 2019 were awarded a Silver Medal.
“We are thrilled with these honors at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles as it underscores El Cielo Winery’s unwavering commitment to excellence in the global wine industry,” says Georgina Estrada, El Cielo Winery’s head sommelier, national brand ambassador and deputy general manager. “Our estate wines are meticulously crafted by our expert team, led by winemaker Jesús Rivera Covarrubias, ensuring the highest quality at every stage of the winemaking process.”
Jesús Rivera Covarrubias has proudly served as the head winemaker at El Cielo Winery for over a decade, collaborating closely with his son and assistant winemaker, Jesús Rivera Rodríguez. Notably, Jesús Rivera Covarrubias is the only winemaker in the world to produce a red and white wine that have both received the prestigious Revelation Trophy at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
The accolades from the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles follow the inclusion of El Cielo’s signature restaurant, Latitud 32, among the top 157 Mexican restaurants featured in the inaugural Michelin Guide for Mexico which was released in May. Latitud 32 is celebrated for its innovative Baja-Yucatan fusion cuisine, which reflects the Yucatan heritage of El Cielo Resort & Winery Founder and CEO Gustavo Ortega. Featuring inventive combinations of flavors and textures, the six-course tasting menu and wine pairing offers an ideal way to savor the diverse offerings of the extensive menu and award-winning wine list.
“We could not be more honored to be recognized by two of the world’s top judging bodies for our distinctive wines and cuisine,” says Ortega. “At El Cielo, our exceptional team thrives on pushing limits, and we are thrilled to see this recognized internationally. We believe that the best is even yet to come.”
The passionate team behind El Cielo Resort & Winery is on a steadfast mission to produce world class Mexican wines with the best grapes in the region using honest, authentic processes and sustainable practices to ensure the highest quality and most exquisite tasting experience. Celebrating 11 years in September 2024, the winery grows an impressive variety of grapes due to the region’s unique microclimate, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Primitivo, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache and Pinot Noir, as well as new types of grapes that produce modern blends like Nebbiolo. With a density of over 1,486 plants per acre, a total of 325,562 vines, El Cielo’s clay-rich land is irrigated with high-quality low-sodium water from its own well. Currently 164 acres of El Cielo’s vines are certified organic, and the winery is working towards being 100% certified organic.
About El Cielo Resort
El Cielo Resort is a luxury hospitality project with a wine tourism concept located in Valle de Guadalupe in Ensenada, Baja California. The property includes an onsite winery, a boutique resort with 95 suites and villas, two specialty restaurants, Latitud 32 and Polaris; the new Equinox Terrace with spaces for corporate events, social events and weddings. In addition to a consecrated chapel, the property is surrounded by 1,640 feet of beautiful vineyards and olive trees, mountainous landscapes and two idyllic reservoirs. The property is also a recipient of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. For more information, visit: www.elcielovalledeguadalupe.
About El Cielo Winery
Located in Mexico’s most celebrated wine region, El Cielo Winery or Vinícola El Cielo, celebrates 10 years in 2023. It was built in 2013 with ecological functionality and energy efficiency in mind, and in 2015 the Ensenada City Council recognized El Cielo Winery as the First Eco Responsible Company. The winery has 242 acres of planted land where it grows a healthy variety of grapes, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Primitivo, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache and Pinot Noir. With a density of over 1,486 plants per acre, a total of 325,562 vines, El Cielo’s clay-rich land is irrigated with high-quality low-sodium water from its own well. Currently 164 acres of El Cielo’s vines are certified organic, and the winery is working towards being 100% certified organic. The passionate team behind El Cielo Winery is on a steadfast mission to produce delicious Mexican wines with the best grapes in the region using honest, authentic processes and sustainable practices to ensure the highest quality and most exquisite tasting experience. For more information on the winery or wines, visit: www.vinoselcielo.com.
