Hans Backoff Escudero

Hans Backhoff Escudero (September 19, 1946 – August 15, 2017 ) was a Mexican winemaker whose work in establishing the Monte Xanic winery helped to establish the wine industry in Baja California. His wines were the first from Mexico to receive international recognition.

Life Backhoff was born in Ensenada, Baja California to a German father and Mexican mother. The area did have winemaking when he was young and he had some exposure to it.

He studied biochemical engineering at Monterrey Tech, graduating in 1971. Living in England for five years and with a scholarship from the Mexican government, he earned his doctorate in food science from the University of Nottingham.

Wine experience Backhoff knew since he was young that he wanted to work with wine.

Monte Xanic

Monte Xanic was founded in 1987 (some sources say 1988) with several friends and partners, Tomas B. Fernandez, Manuel Castro, Eric R. W. Hagsater and Richard C. Hojel. Xanic is from the Cora language and means “the flower that blooms after the first rain,” referring a local desert phenomenon.

The goal from the beginning was to produce world class wines, with Backhoff assuming the role of oenologist.

The vineyard started with 80 hectares,