It was only a few years ago that Mendoza was announced as the world’s 8th wine capital, but since becoming part of the Great Wine Capitals network the annual awards ceremony in Mendoza (much like the awards ceremony in each capital) has become hotly contested between wineries in the region competing for the top honours.
This year however, the big winners were three winemakers who were recognised for their great achievements as international ambassadors to Argentine wine – promoting Argentine wine around the globe, and for their long, successful careers in the industry. Marcelo Pelleriti (Monteviejo, Marcelo Pelleriti Wines), Alejandro Vigil (Catena Zapata, El Enemigo), and Jose Alberto Zuccardi (Zuccardi, Santa Julia) each have undoubtedly been three of the most influential winemakers in recent history, and this award was an acknowledgement of their long term commitment to the industry.
Other winners on the night were of course the wineries:
Sustainable Practices
Gold: Nieto Senetiner
Silver: Bodega Lagarde
Bronze: Domaine Bousquet
Best Lodging
Gold: Casa de Uco
Silver: The Vines of Mendoza Resort & Spa
Bronze: Fuente Mayor
Small Winery
Gold: Renacer
Silver: Clos de Chacras
Bronze (joint place): Bodega Bressia / Gimenez Riilli.
Art and Culture
Gold: Mendoza local government
Silver: Renacer
Bronze: Casa del Contratista
Innovative Experiences
Gold: Huentata
Silver: Atamisque
Bronze: The Vines of Mendoza Resort & Spa
Architecture
Gold: O. Fournier
Silver: Andeluna
Bronze: Tempus Alba
Winery Restaurant
Gold: Bodega Séptima
Silver: Familia Zuccardi
Bronze: Los Toneles
Gold winners from Mendoza will go to the international ceremony in November to compete with the old category winners from wineries across the network.
