A Collaboration that Speaks (and Sips) Mexican Artistry
When wine and art come together, the result should feel like magic—and Monte Xanic has managed exactly that. To mark the 15th anniversary of Vochol®, the iconic Huichol-beaded Volkswagen Beetle that became a global ambassador for Mexican folk art, the celebrated Baja California winery is raising a glass in a uniquely creative way.
Enter: the Gran Ricardo Edición Vochol®—a limited-edition, handcrafted, and bead-adorned bottle of Monte Xanic’s signature red wine. It’s equal parts collector’s item and cultural tribute, showcasing not only the winery’s legendary precision and terroir-driven excellence, but also the exquisite craftsmanship of Huichol (Wixárika) artisans.
500 Bottles, Millions of Beads, and One Deeply Rooted Story
Limited to just 500 bottles, this commemorative 2022 vintage is the result of a three-month collaboration between Monte Xanic and four artisan Huichol families. The beads were meticulously applied in two original designs, each evoking the “Xanic” flower, which symbolizes rebirth after the first rainfall—and also lends its name to the winery itself.
The result? A radiant, tactile work of art that reflects Mexico’s past and future all at once. Priced at $3,119 pesos, each bottle arrives nestled in an elegant wooden box and is available via Monte Xanic’s online store.
But it’s more than a bottle. It’s a love letter to Mexican identity, crafted bead by bead.
“This collaboration represents a celebration of who we are: a winery that honors its Mexican roots, recognizes the value of traditional art, and is committed to cultural innovation,” said Hans Backhoff Guerrero, CEO of Monte Xanic. “Gran Ricardo Edición Vochol is exceptional Mexico inside and out.”
What Is Vochol®, Anyway?
If you’re not familiar with Vochol®, picture this: a classic VW Beetle covered in more than two million tiny glass beads, each painstakingly applied by hand over the course of 9,000 hours by eight Huichol artists. It debuted in 2010 as a collaboration between Mexico’s Museo de Arte Popular (MAP) and AmigosMAP, with support from the states of Jalisco and Nayarit.
Since then, Vochol® has traveled the world—making appearances in Germany, France, Spain, and China—bringing vibrant indigenous art to international audiences. It remains the world’s first Huichol art object on wheels, and a symbol of creative cultural preservation.
Preserving Tradition, One Sip at a Time
This collaboration between Monte Xanic, MAP, and AmigosMAP is more than just a marketing move—it’s an inspired cultural alliance. The beaded Gran Ricardo bottle stands as a testament to ancestral technique meeting modern luxury, and to the idea that tradition doesn’t have to sit still—it can evolve, dazzle, and pour beautifully.
“Vochol® and Gran Ricardo share the same spirit: preserving our roots with creativity and innovation,” said Mercedes Vigil, President of AmigosMAP.
“It is an honor that this commemorative edition bears the stamp of talent of Huichol artists and continues to showcase Mexico’s cultural wealth to the world.”
About Monte Xanic
Founded in Valle de Guadalupe, Monte Xanic has grown into Mexico’s leading ultra-premium winery. Known for labels like Gran Ricardo, Ediciones Limitadas, Monte Xanic, and Calixa, the winery blends oenological mastery with a fierce devotion to Mexican heritage. This commemorative edition is the latest in a long line of releases that reflect the brand’s ethos: proudly local, exceptionally global.
For those who want more than just a taste of greatness, the Monte Xanic Wine Club offers early access to limited vintages, private tastings, and exclusive benefits.
A Toast to Culture and Craftsmanship
With Gran Ricardo Edición Vochol, Monte Xanic invites wine lovers, collectors, and culture enthusiasts to experience something rare: a bottle that tastes like excellence and looks exquisite. It’s a collector’s item. It’s a tribute. And above all, it’s a reason to raise a glass to the incredible artistry that defines Mexico—inside and out.
Photos courtesy of VW and Monte Xanic
