The Vines of Mendoza: the heart of wine, community, and luxury at the foot of the Andes

Traveling to a place where "nothing is impossible"... is, in fact, possible. In the heart of the Uco Valley, in the Mendoza area of Los Chacayes, lies The Vines of Mendoza, a slice of heaven at the foot of the Andes. While it is famous for The Vines Resort & Spa, a luxury hotel that stands out in the region, and its restaurant 7 Fuegos, led by renowned Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, The Vines is much more than that. It is a comprehensive project that includes several programs, such as Private Vineyards, which offers wine and terroir enthusiasts the opportunity to own their own vineyard and fulfill the dream of producing a unique wine. Additionally, The Vines Foundation aims to collaborate with the Tunuyán community—where the project is located—promoting solidarity and local development.

When was The Vines born?

In 2005, American businessman and wine lover Michael Evans visited the Uco Valley. His originally planned two-week pleasure trip took an unexpected turn when he fell in love with Mendoza. At that time, the Los Chacayes region was still a little-known and practically uninhabited area. "I never imagined I would be living in Mendoza for 20 years. I fell in love with everything: the mountains, the people, the barbecue, the soccer... and even Fernet!" Evans shares. His initial intention was to purchase just 4 hectares to fulfill his dream of producing wine, with the advice of his friend Pablo Gimenes Rilli, an expert in the wine world. "I thought I’d return to Mendoza every year," he confesses.

"I never imagined I would be living in Mendoza for 20 years"

However, something changed...

Upon returning to Washington DC, Evans shared his investment in Mendoza and his love for the Uco Valley with friends and colleagues, which sparked unexpected interest. Many wanted to follow in his footsteps. This is when Evans saw the potential to transform his personal project into something larger, offering the opportunity for other wine enthusiasts to own vineyards in one of the most prestigious areas of Argentina. "I wanted people not just to visit Mendoza as tourists, but to experience the province authentically, like a local," explains this visionary entrepreneur and owner of his wine label Uco 's Playground.

"I wanted people not just to visit Mendoza as tourists, but to experience the province authentically, like a local"

The Vines of Mendoza: A Comprehensive Project

Today, The Vines of Mendoza is much more than just a tourist destination. Spanning 600,000 hectares with over 35 grape varieties, it is home to more than 350 vineyard owners. Most of them are from the United States and Brazil, but there are also enthusiasts from all over the world. In addition to being a reference in wine tourism, The Vines has begun an organic certification process, and this year they will receive the distinction of "organic vineyards," making them one of the largest organic estates in Argentina.

The Vines Global: Passion for Wine and Community

Creating a community is, for Evans and his team, one of the most important goals. Vineyard owners, passionate about the Mendoza terroir, receive personalized guidance from Mariana Onofri, the director of wines, and Pablo Martorell, the winery's winemaker, who guide members at every step of crafting their wines. Mariana, who has been part of The Vines since the beginning, shares: "I know the story of each of the partners. Some have been with us for over ten years, and I’ve accompanied them in creating their wines, traveling with them to other wine destinations."

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Additionally, with the creation of The Vines Global, Evans has made it possible for partners not only to connect with Mendoza but also with other wine regions worldwide. The Vines Global organizes exclusive experiences, such as the “Smoke & Fire” event held last February, which featured chefs Francis Mallmann and Aaron Franklin, experts in fire cooking and Texan brisket, respectively. Over four days, members of The Vines participated in tastings, cooking classes, vineyard tours, and even horseback riding through the Andes.

The Vines Resort & Spa: An Immersive Luxury

When it comes to luxury accommodations and high-end lodgings, we’re talking about The Vines Resort & Spa, part of The Leading Hotels of The World. Founded in 2014, this exclusive villa resort offers an immersive experience into Argentine culture, with a restaurant signed by Francis Mallmann. “We employ only local staff because we want them to convey the true essence of Argentina to our guests,” explains Evans. This year, the resort will complete its expansion process, adding 20 new residences, some with private pools, and creating a new 7 Fuegos restaurant among the vineyards.

"We employ only local staff because we want them to convey the true essence of Argentina to our guests"

The Vines Foundation: Conscious and Sustainable Tourism

Committed to the local community, Evans founded The Vines Foundation during the pandemic to give back to the Uco Valley. The foundation collaborates with five soup kitchens in Tunuyán, providing more than 3,500 meals per month. Additionally, since 2024, it has been working on a vocational school project for local youth, offering training in hospitality, English, and trades related to the industry. "The local wineries need trained personnel, and many young people don’t have access to university studies. We want to offer them a career path," says Evans.

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The foundation also runs an animal rescue shelter, focusing on dog adoption, sterilization, and education on animal welfare for dogs in poverty, further demonstrating The Vines of Mendoza's commitment to the integral development of the local community.

The Vines of Mendoza represents not only an innovative vision of wine tourism but also a deep commitment to the local community and environmental care. By blending luxury, passion for wine, and social responsibility, Michael Evans and his team have created a space where wine is not just a product, but an experience that connects people from around the world to the land of Mendoza and its traditions. In this corner of the Andes, each glass of wine is a reflection of a dream come true, a personal and collective journey that continues to grow, yielding fruits not only in the vineyards but also in the lives of those who are part of this unique project.

To book at the resort, click here. For information and inquiries about The Vines of Mendoza, click here.