Title: Exploring Wine Regions –México: Discovering México’s Quality Wines and Phenomenal Cuisine
Author: Michael C. Higgins, PhD
Publisher: International Exploration Society
ISBN: 978-0-9969660-6-1
Pages: 333
Genre: Travel / Culinary / Photography
Reviewer: Carol Davala
Hollywood Book Reviews
As the fourth book in the award winning series that takes us to wine producing destinations around the world, Michael C. Higgins’ latest release is the engaging and informative Exploring Wine Regions –México: Discovering México’s Quality Wines and Phenomenal Cuisine, a beautiful work to be savored by vacationers, foodies, wine connoisseurs, and armchair travelers alike.
While Mexico often comes to mind as a manufacturer of top-quality tequilas, here Higgins takes readers along on a remarkable journey and introduces the three key wine producing regions of Mexico. As tour guide, historian, epicurean, and wine aficionado, Higgins proves his expertise with a seemingly innate ability to share not only a wealth of knowledge, but the infectious joie de vivre he experiences in his immersive adventures throughout Mexico’s often unrealized wine territories.
The book is portioned into the three main wine producing regions, i.e. Valle de Guadalupe, Guanajuato, and Queretaro. Within each section, maps are appropriately included to help geographically orient the specific destination and note the surrounding area with any unique characteristics. Higgins then goes on to introduce select wineries with vintner history, as well as area restaurants, lodging, and relative local experiences which are sure to entice.
From simple tastings to multi-course epicurean meals with superb wine pairings, Higgins dispenses his personal experience to readers with an emphasis on the adage that “Life is too short to drink bad wine.” Higgins’ inclusions range from the more casual to the sublime. In this tour of regions, he imparts establishment names, addresses, contact info, price ranges for eateries, and places to stay – whether down-to-earth or upscale. For wineries he lists libation collections by type, quality, cost, and his favorites.
Truly a renaissance man, Higgins also provides the exquisite full-color photography that compliments the exuberant, descriptive narrative of his journey. Whether the magic of the Casa Frida grounds, named after the renowned Mexican surrealist painter and showcasing a stimulating array of art, food, wine, and merriment; a visit with the soulful animals at Pai Pai Ecotourism Park; or the beauty of the pink spired church at San Miguel de Allende, a thriving artistic village, Higgins captures glorious imagery with a clearly cultivated photographic eye.
With highlights of rolling vineyard landscapes, imaginative epicurean plates, and diverse options for respite or activity, Higgins’ visuals are a stunning homage to a land ripe with mainstay or off-the-beaten path wine-related attractions. There are tours and workshops where you can see the process of winemaking or “Be a winemaker for a day”; experience the ancient art of grape crushing, explore the breathtaking terrain on horseback, take cooking lessons, or attend a street festival. Opportunities abound.
Higgins’ book proves he is an intrepid traveler with a lust for life. Exploring Wine Regions – México is a shared discovery of delicious fermented potables, gastronomical wonders, and heartfelt insight for anyone considering a visit to any of this country’s unique wine-making destinations. Journey into the heart of Mexico like never before with Exploring Wine Regions – México. Michael C. Higgins, PhD, opens the door to a vibrant world of high-quality wines, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite cuisine. From Baja to Valle de Guadalupe and beyond, this visually stunning guide uncovers the hidden gems and rising stars of Mexico’s wine country—offering readers a taste of the culture, people, and places that make this destination unforgettable.