2007 - Person of the Year in Guadalupe Valley:
Eduardo Liceaga Campos
by Steve Dryden
It seems like every wine region has a few heros and pioneers who stand out for their contributions, vision and determination. One such “special soul” is Eduardo Liceaga Campos, owner of Viña de Liceaga Winery in Guadalupe Valley. He is “a shinning star” in Mexico’s wine industry and was one of the founding fathers in the region’s early quest for creating high quality premium wines. His dedication in promoting, marketing and educating consumers on behalf of the wine industry in Baja California has been instrumental in encouraging and supporting development of superior wines and the wine culture in Mexico. So, it is with great pleasure that I have chosen him to be the focus for a special interview as the: 2007 - Person of the Year in Guadalupe Valley. Unfortuneatly, Mr. Liceaga passed away severvasl months after I wrote this articled.
Eduardo Liceaga Campos was born and educated in Mexico City. He received his college degree in Civil Engineering and spent most of his career working in Mexico City developing major construction projects for schools, airports, bus stations, hospitals, office buildings, and condominiums for the government and private companies. His father, Dr. Eduardo Liceaga was the famous doctor in Mexico City who fought for the installation of potable water and drainage systems in that city. In 1904, the senior Liceaga led the successful campaign to stamp out an outbreak of bubonic plague in Mazåtlan and brought the first anti-rabies vaccine into Mexico. Son, like father, was a natural leader who used his energy and wisdom to focus on educating his country about good wine and gourmet food. During that process, in 1982, after his completing his own incredible career, Eduardo retired to “personal projects” and moved his family to a beautiful location near San Antonio de las Minas in Guadalupe Valley. He purchased fifty acres and named it, Rancho el Paricutin. Today, the winery is known as Viña de Liceaga.
Eduardo’s “personal projects” soon evolved into vineyards, wine production, wine education and “living the good country life” emerged in Mexico’s developing wine industry and culture. And, it didn’t take long for him to move into a leadership role in promoting and advancing Mexican wine. Prior to his arrival in this premier wine region, he had been involved in the international wine culture for over fifty years due to the generosity and wisdom of his grandfather who first introduced him to Spanish and French wines at the early age of five years. Eduardo’s appreciation of wine, culinary art, classical music and other diverse interests allowed him to compose a life of sophistication and leisure for his family, friends and fans.
Currently, Mr. Liceaga is expanding his winery into an incredible multi-purpose wine and culinary center. This new complex will host small or large groups, provide educational displays and exhibits, feature a sophisticated wine tasting bar and provide gourmet delights from a modern kitchen. Guests, wine lovers and tour groups will have an opportunity to purchase wine-related goods while enjoying the natural beauty and ambiance of the property. The new food and wine complex will provide needed space for a private reserve cellar allowing for a gradual increase to about 10,000 cases of wine per year and the return of his famous Cabernet Franc within four years. Additional space will be available for commercial offices, cafe-bistro, and upscale restaurants. Live music will be offered on weekends and the facility will be rented for special events, meetings and celebrations.
Vina de Liceaga has been producing award-winning wines for several years. In fact, in 2002, his winery was selected as the Best of Nation (Mexico) by the “world’s biggest wine competition at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. Numerous other wards include: gold medals from Brussels, Austria and Mexico, silver medals from San Francisco, Israel. Los Angeles, Orange County and Mexico City. His Gran Reserva Merlot has been the focus of much attention and appreciation from global wine enthusiasts. This marvelous 2004 Merlot is a blend of ninety percent Merlot and ten percent Cabernet Franc. Today, lucky guests can expose their wine-loving palates to his 2003 Merlot Reserva or Vinto Tinto Castillo de las Minas which is a pleasant blend of Merlot and Grenache. His wonderful Castillo de las Minas Chenin Blanc 2005 is a dry table wine made with grapes from Valle de las Palmas. It has intense tropical fruity aromas of peach, pear, guava, apple, jasmine and citrus fruit. In addition to indulging in superior wine, guests are offered the rare opportunity to taste his amazing selection of Grappa called Aqua de Vid. Viña de Liceaga is the only winery in Mexico to make and sell Grappa commercially. Grappa is distilled spirit without color from black grape pomage fermented and gently pressed from several wine varieties.
Mr. Liceaga is one of the most knowledgeable wine and food specialists on the west coast and is a member of the International Wine and Food Society of London. This non-profit organization was formed in 1933 with the aim of raising the standard of selection, preparation and service of good food and wine. The common goal is for members to “learn more about food and wine and enjoy the pleasures of the table.” In addition, Eduardo Liceaga was the founder of the Chevaliers du Tastevin in Tijuana. The original Chevaliers du Tastevin was created in 1934 in Nuits-Saint-Georges in response to the economic crisis of the time. Two Burgundians decided to: “invite our friends to drink wine, everyone will come if we know how to make them want to.” Basically, the group strives to represent Burgundy, its products and traditions. Liceaga’s group in Tijuana does the same.
Today, Eduardo Liceage Campos is still a leader in promoting quality Mexican wines, food and entertainment. It’s no surprise that he is again leading the way in Guadalupe Valley with a new wine cultural center and resort development. So, if you’ve haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet Eduardo Liceaga, now would be a great time! Take time to expose yourselves to the magical world of Mr. Liceaga and discover his great wine, hospitality, and immense knowledge of the international wine and food culture. And, it’s time to support Mexico’s “silent revolution” in making and drinking high quality wine.
Steve Dryden is a wine, food, travel and Native Peoples writer living in Guadalupe Valley. He can be reached at your local Costa Baja Hotel Wine Country Tour.
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Article Originally Posted on mexidata.info
