### Celebrating 96 Years of L.A. Cetto: Challenges and Expectations
The story of L.A. Cetto is one of the most successful in Baja California, gaining international recognition for its innovative wine production techniques, which have earned numerous awards and medals. Founded over seven generations ago, this esteemed winery celebrates its 96th anniversary in 2024.
Each year, L.A. Cetto hosts the traditional Fiestas de la Vendimia, a colorful event that showcases the winery’s exceptional wines. Luis Alberto Cetto, the group’s director, emphasized their ongoing mission to enhance event quality and make it more accessible to a broader audience.
“We aim to host around 200,000 visitors this year. Serving 2,000 guests in a single day is challenging, but we strive to provide the best experience. We draw significant attention in the region, especially during harvest season when about 600 people visit daily,” said Cetto.
Highlighting the importance of connection with the community, Cetto noted that the annual festivals symbolize sharing the fruits of their labor, embodied in every grape and bottle of wine. “It’s not just about the awards and medals,” he added.
However, maintaining this legacy has not been without challenges. A critical issue for the winery has been securing a sustainable water supply. “We primarily depend on groundwater, but we are close to completing a project for an aqueduct. The source will either be Tijuana or Ensenada,” Cetto explained. The plan involves using treated water from the Naranjo plant for agricultural purposes, which will undergo additional treatment before facilitating its use in the Valle de Guadalupe.
Innovation remains at the heart of L.A. Cetto, which blends modern techniques with traditional practices. For instance, after initially adopting stainless steel tanks for fermentation in the 1960s, the winery has recently returned to using concrete tanks. Cetto predicts that the industry will continue toggling between these methods as technology evolves.
The winery’s vision includes experimenting with novel approaches and diversifying its product line. “We are exploring different wine varieties, including orange and blue wines. We have about 80 hectares dedicated to experimental vineyards and conduct micro vinification to test new ideas,” said Cetto.
Consumer preferences also drive the winery’s innovation. While drier wines were once popular, there is now a significant demand for sweeter red wines. “If that’s what the consumer wants, we must deliver. We are also watching trends like low-alcohol wines, though we believe we are far from perfecting those,” added Cetto.
Despite these advances, the winery recognizes the need for further development within Mexico’s viticulture industry. With only 20% of the domestic demand for wine met by local production, there is tremendous potential for growth.
It has been a fruitful year for the Valle de Guadalupe, with 15,000 to 16,000 tons harvested, translating into approximately 1.3 million cases of wine. Currently, L.A. Cetto exports 8% of its production to countries including Italy, Spain, France, and the United States, with ambitions to expand further.
As L.A. Cetto continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the wine industry, it remains committed to innovation and quality, forging a promising future for the Valle de Guadalupe.
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### Secondary Article: The Enduring Legacy of L.A. Cetto
In an industry marked by tradition and innovation, L.A. Cetto has achieved a remarkable milestone—surpassing 95 years of excellence. Recognized globally for its high-quality wines, the winery has adapted to numerous challenges while maintaining its dedication to innovation.
Fostering Tradition and Innovation
In its pursuit of excellence, L.A. Cetto seamlessly blends traditional techniques with modern innovations. By revisiting methods such as concrete tank fermentation, previously replaced by stainless steel, and exploring experimental vineyards, the winery stays at the cutting edge of winemaking.
Water Sustainability Initiative
The winery is currently working on a crucial project to secure a sustainable water supply, an essential step given its reliance on groundwater. Plans include using treated water from nearby facilities to ensure continuous, sustainable production.
Expanding Global Presence
While 8% of its production is currently exported, primarily to Europe, North America, and Asia, L.A. Cetto is set on expanding its global footprint. This initiative not only elevates the winery’s profile but also underscores Baja California’s potential as a leading wine-producing region.
Commitment to Excellence
With a strong foundation laid over nearly a century, L.A. Cetto continuously seeks to innovate and elevate the winemaking craft, ensuring that each bottle reflects the dedication and hard work invested by generations of winemakers.
As L.A. Cetto approaches its centenary, the winery’s ongoing commitment to quality and innovation sets a high standard for the Mexican viticulture industry and secures its position as a global leader in wine production.