History

History of Hacienda Rinconcillo de los Remedios

In the heart of the Valley of Chamacuero, embraced by the waters of the Laja River and watched over by the ancient remnants of the Cerro de los Remedios, stands one of the most iconic estates in the region: Hacienda Rinconcillo de los Remedios. Its story is as old as the land it inhabits—land that has witnessed countless chapters of Mexico’s rich and complex history.

Ancestral Origins and Colonial Beginnings

The territory where the hacienda now stands has been inhabited since ancient times. Nearby, the Cerro de los Remedios holds archaeological evidence of pre-Hispanic settlements dating back to 300–700 A.D., a testament to the deep cultural roots of the region.

Around 1542, during the early days of Spanish colonization, conquistadors and Franciscan friars arrived in what was then known as the Community of El Cerrito. As the friars began their evangelization efforts, Spanish settlers established the encomienda system—laying the foundation for the first agricultural and livestock estates. It was in this context that the Hacienda Rinconcillo de los Remedios was born, named after the nearby village of Rinconcillo de los Remedios.

Agricultural Prosperity and Natural Wealth

Thanks to its fertile soil and strategic location in the Chamacuero valley, the hacienda quickly grew into a flourishing agricultural and livestock center. Over the centuries, its lands produced grains and a wide variety of fruits such as avocados, peaches, pomegranates, and limes. This natural abundance not only sustained the local population but also allowed the hacienda to become a key player in the region's economy.

On the Royal Inland Road

Hacienda Rinconcillo de los Remedios was part of the historic Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Royal Inland Road), the vital trade route that connected Mexico City with the northern territories of New Spain, stretching into what is now the southern United States. Along this route passed major historical figures such as Miguel Hidalgo, during the fight for independence, and the forces of Francisco Villa during the Mexican Revolution. Their footsteps echo in the stones of the path that once led them through these lands.

Architecture and Spiritual Legacy

Hacienda Rinconcillo de los Remedios still preserves several of the key architectural elements typical of colonial estates in the Bajío region: the main house, old granaries (trojes), working courtyards, and production areas. However, among its most valuable treasures are two “capillas de indios” (chapels of the Indigenous people), located within the estate’s lands and dating back to the colonial era.

These chapels were built as part of the evangelization efforts led by Franciscan friars and were intended specifically for the Indigenous communities who lived and worked on the hacienda. Modest in scale and design, these chapels served as sacred spaces for religious instruction and worship. Their presence reflects not only the colonial social structure but also the deep cultural and spiritual fusion that marked the history of rural New Spain. It is worth noting that, although not located within the hacienda itself, the Chapel of Our Lady of Los Remedios stands in the nearby town of Comonfort. Built between 1729 and 1731, it houses a beautifully preserved baroque altarpiece and is considered one of the region’s most important religious landmarks. This chapel, historically connected to the valley, further illustrates the intense spiritual life that has long defined the Chamacuero region.

The Porfiriato and the Arrival of the Railroad

By the late 19th century, during the Porfirio Díaz era, the hacienda adapted to the modernization sweeping through Mexico. With the expansion of the railroad, Rinconcillo de los Remedios became a key stop for trains crossing the region. Travelers, landowners, and tourists alike used the hacienda as a resting point, further enriching its legacy as both a productive and social hub.

Post-Revolutionary Transformation

Following the Mexican Revolution, the agrarian reform dramatically reshaped the country’s rural landscape. Like many other estates, Rinconcillo de los Remedios was partially divided, and some of its lands were granted to local peasants, giving rise to the community ejido. While its territory changed, the memory and spirit of the hacienda remained deeply rooted in the identity of the region.

Present Day: A Living Legacy

Today, Hacienda Rinconcillo de los Remedios has been lovingly restored and reimagined while honoring its historical roots. It now forms part of Viñedos Los Remedios, a thriving vineyard project that marries tradition with innovation. Its eight hectares of vines—featuring Tempranillo, Syrah, and Malbec—yield high-quality wines that have placed the region on the enological map.

The estate continues to nurture avocado, peach, and lavender orchards, which produce natural goods that enrich local cuisine and culture. Modern elements such as a carefully designed event hall integrate seamlessly with the colonial structures, creating a space where past and present coexist.

Its walking paths, shaded by centuries-old jacaranda trees, invite guests to reflect, connect, and rediscover the land. Along these trails, the two historic chapels remain—silent guardians of a spiritual past that still resonates in the present.

A Legacy That Lives On

Hacienda Rinconcillo de los Remedios is far more than an architectural landmark—it is a living story. From its pre-Hispanic origins, through the colonial era, the revolution, and into modern times, the hacienda stands as a resilient symbol of Comonfort’s cultural identity. Its legacy, carefully preserved and shared, is a bridge between generations. Each vine, each tree, each stone pathway carries the weight of centuries—and the promise of many more to come.