A new wine and beer store opening next month at Jefferson and Polk will introduce the neighborhood to Mexican wine culture, said owner Arturo Flores.
Vinito Mexican Wine and Beer is planned to open Oct. 3 and will stock an array of wines from Mexican vineyards. The store will also sell a collection of Mexican beers, as well as some local brews.
“Mainly what the store is about is focusing on Mexican wine. The United States and people in general don’t know about Mexican wine culture. We don’t see it that often, when people see wine they think of France, Italy and Napa Valley,” said Flores.
Despite this, Mexico is home to the oldest winery in the Americas, Casa Madero, which was founded in the 1500s. (“Everything goes back to history,” Flores said.)
Flores said Baja California, Mexico is regarded as the countries Napa Valley, with the region producing the majority of Mexican wines.
The climate in Mexico makes it possible to cultivate many different grape varieties that Flores said can rival any European or Californian wine.
“A cabernet from Napa Valley can be compared to a cabernet from Mexico,” Flores said.
While Flores works as an engineer, he is also a certified sommelier. Flores is opening Vinito alongside a close friend, and said the store will be an opportunity to combine his many interests and his identity.
