Which Wine Goes Best with Burritos?

Sure, you might think of beer or margaritas when it comes to Mexican food pairings, but we believe that wine goes with practically everything, including this month’s recipe for Mission-Style California Burritos. Mission burritos are big — both in size and flavor. Originating in San Francisco’s Mission District in the 1960s, these foil-wrapped bad boys are stuffed with all of the things including meat, rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, guac, sour cream and salsa. Big, bold burritos call for big, bold wines. Find out which wine goes best with burritos and get the recipe below.

October is Farmer and Farmworker Month

October is California Farmer and Farmworker Month, a time to say a big thank you to people who work in agriculture. Immigrants have always played a major role in California agriculture and their skilled work in vineyards is no exception. From the earliest days of winemaking, the state’s winegrowers relied on the labor of working-class immigrants from around the world. They not only contributed their expertise and muscle power, but they also brought new grape varieties and planted new vineyards. These diverse groups worked in the fields and production facilities and were instrumental in getting the nascent wine industry off the ground. Many decades later, the Bracero program from 1942-1964 issued 4.6 million contracts for Mexican “guest workers.” And today, immigrants, about 80% of which are from Mexico (many on short-term H2-A visas), make up the majority of farmworkers in the Golden State.

California is the fourth-largest wine producer in the world. According to the latest Economic Impact Report, it generates $73 billion in annual economic activity in the state and employs more than 422,000 people. But of the 6,200 wineries statewide, only about 50 are owned by Latinos. Some, like Ceja Vineyards and Robledo Family Winery, are operated by families that originally participated in the Bracero program. Others like Bodega de Edgar were started by once-undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. with their parents when they were kids. 

Though their origin stories are as unique as the wines they make, what many share is a history of farm work — either their own or that of their parents or grandparents. Winemakers like Amelia Ceja, who immigrated with her family from Mexico when she was 12, have personal experience with the skills it takes to work a vineyard and understand the immense challenges faced by farmworkers. As the president of Ceja Vineyards, she’s committed to providing good wages, education and training for her crew. At the vineyard, they have a small farm where workers or their families can come and pick fresh fruit and vegetables so they can cook healthy meals at home. And she has donated countless hours to schools and nonprofits to help her community.

Strength in Community

With social equity being a main focus of sustainability, the wine industry has been prioritizing fair pay, health and safety and education and leadership training for farmworkers. Though many wineries have instituted their own training and educational programs as well as profit-sharing opportunities, farmworkers can also get assistance through several organizations. The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, for example, offers courses in professional development for vineyard workers including leadership and management, vineyard operations and safety. The organization has served over 25,000 people to date. And the Mexican-American Vintners Association founded by some of Napa and Sonoma’s Mexican-American winemakers not only exists to promote Latino-owned wineries, but also provides educational opportunities for aspiring winemakers. 

As the number of Latino winemakers continues to grow, they are working to appeal to both seasoned wine lovers and a burgeoning market of Latinos. Whether it’s by sharing recipes for traditional foods and the perfect wines to go with them or emphasizing safe and healthy work environments and respect for the skilled work that farmworkers do, they all have the same goal — welcoming fellow Latinos to the table to enjoy a glass of world-class wine. ¡Salud!