The Vines of Mendoza

Not your Typical vineyard

Mendoza’s Uco Valley is a gem hiding in plain sight. Nestled at the southernmost tip of Argentina’s famed wine region, this is frontier wine making country at its very finest. The backdrop is arresting. The Andes mountain range frames the region and there are swift moving mountain rivers, hiking trails and assorted agricultural crops that abound. It is still possible to pop into a locals restaurant for a rustic lunch in between wine tastings or meet a handful of gauchos for a bare knuckled morning of horseback riding followed by Asado in the heart of the countryside. It is an area that in many ways feels untouched by tourism.

In the heart of the region resides one of the most unique platforms to be found in any wine country anywhere in the world: The Vines of Mendoza. I have watched this project grow from the initial dream phase when I first visited in 2005 and became acquainted with the owners and their team. Premised on the idea that this was a nirvana for any wine lover who had thoughts of making their own wine, the project has flourished into a much vaunted, multi-tiered offering.

‘Gentlemen Winemakers’ can own single or multiple acre lots, engage the services of a consultant winemaker and utilize the custom crush facility to bottle their own juice. You can be as involved as you wish, from getting your hands dirty while tending the vines through to harvest and that first sip of your own endeavors. In addition to private ‘vineyards’, the opportunity exists to design your own bolthole (or larger) hideaway to fully immerse yourself in the property. The cherry on the top is that the (now) multi thousand acre property hosts a phenomenal hotel, spa, gym and Francis Mallman’s revered Siete Fuegos restaurant. This is a lifestyle when you can have wine, food and glorious scenery wash over you all day long.

In a very forward thinking development, VoM has partnered with several sister platforms in iconic wine regions around the world. Owners can visit Italy and enjoy the same immersive winemaking culture – learning, socializing, traveling and of course, making and drinking iconic wines. I have watched with keen interest as a handful of our clients have become owners at VoM…retirement, anyone? Sign me up!

Happy to make introductions….