Location

The Mendoza Province, located northwest of Buenos Aires' urban metropolis, is a welcoming oasis of natural resources and agricultural prosperity. Mendoza is responsible for more than 70% of the country's wine production, an impressive number when considering that Argentina is the 5th largest producer of wine in the world. Just over ten years ago passionate investors, intent on growing the finest grapes and producing world-class wines, procured state of the art wine making equipment and the finest French oak barrels. One decade- and $1.5 billion (Wash. Post) in investments- later, Argentina is producing some of the best wines in the world. Today, Argentine wine makers' commitment to staying on top of the latest worldwide technological advancements has the wine world buzzing, and has redefined Argentina's place among the world's leading wine producers

A little over a century ago, European immigrants settled en masse and molded Argentina into a nation of refined culture who appreciates a high standard of living and sophisticated tastes. This resonates today in their passion for art, sports, leisure pastimes, style of dress, and fine food and wine. Though deeply rooted in European tradition, Argentina's wine producing culture has always maintained its own unique personality. And as the world's familiarly with Argentine wines grows, so too does international demand for it.

Although wine production has existed in Argentina for over four hundred years, it has just recently developed a wine producing culture that has drawn recognition and acclaim from its European peers and the rest of the world, so they must be doing something right. Argentina's wine regions spread from the foothills of the Andes Mountains and support thousands of vineyards. As one of the world's largest ecological reserves, the principle reasons for Argentina's agricultural prosperity are evident; the richness of its soil, its ideal climate, superior altitude variables, and the overall purity of its ecology. Simply put, Argentina is the ideal environment for grape growing.

Argentina's rapidly recovering economy, real estate appreciation, and growing wine market are irrefutable reasons to invest in wine estates now. The National Institute of Statistics and Census of Argentina (INDEC) announced that Argentina's wine exports continued to climb in 2007 with sales exceeding $496 million. Exports have risen 30% in the last 5 years, and industry professionals believe that by 2010 exports will reach $900 million. Foreign investors with auspicious foresight are rapidly taking advantage of the opportunities Argentina's wine regions have to offer. Mendoza has indisputably become South America's very own Napa Valley.

San Rafael

Nestled in the southern heart of Mendoza Province is San Rafael, a city often described as one that suits all needs, and one that boasts the most breathtaking views in all of Mendoza. San Rafael's sprawling ranches, vineyard estates and spacious rural countryside give cause for many to consider it a preferable alternative to Mendoza City's more urban feel and greater population of nearly 1 million residents. San Rafael rests in scenic wine country, and with about 170,000 inhabitants it is the province's second largest city. It is a safe city with little to no crime and a distinct European feel, and it sees over 300 days of annual sunshine. At over 100 years old, the quaint city is experiencing a full upswing of economic, cultural, and demographic expansion and offers its visitors the celebrated distinction of its sidewalk cafés, tree-lined roads, green spaces, vineyards and wineries, museums, and neighboring resorts and lodges. San Rafael also accommodates a branch of one of Argentina's leading universities.

With the Sierra Pintada and Andes Mountains as its backdrop, the city lies comfortably between the Rio Atuel and Rio Diamante, two of Argentina's most exciting natural attractions. These two rivers host a myriad of popular tourist activities including white water rafting, canoeing, camping, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, recreational fishing and more. Valle Grande, Argentina's miniature answer to The Grand Canyon, is conveniently located just 20 miles away. And one of South America's greatest ski resorts, Las Leñas, is also nearby and offers winter sport activities and ski runs with over 25 mile extensions.

San Rafael is also home to our premiere boutique winery, and wine & golf estate homesite development, Algodon Wine Estates. Just a ten minute drive from a major airport, Algodon Wine Estates has found the perfect home in the unspoiled beauty of San Rafael's charmingly rustic surroundings.