New Nine Holes

The new nine holes are certainly coming together, and soon our 18-hole course will be up-and running, adding to our reputation as the first golf course in Argentina to be surrounded by vineyards. (Though we’ll soon have to change our boast to; “We’re the first combined championship golf course, and championship tennis center, and championship polo center in Argentina to be surrounded by vineyards…”) Golfers will literally play through vineyards, walnut, pear and olive orchards, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierra Pintada Mountains with the Andes as its backdrop. The goal is to create a course that blends with the existing vineyards, indigenous plants, and topography so that it appears as one with the landscape. The design team has opted for a noninvasive approach by allowing the new course to “grow into” its surrounding, and once complete it should reflect a harmonious synergy with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The green will be 7,400 yards from the tips, and will be a challenge for the low handicapper; yet the 5 different tee boxes make the course accessible to the entire family. Again, the entire 18-hole course will be open for play in May, 2009, but in the meantime the original nine holes are still open for play. Summer will be starting soon in Argentina, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of visitors, especially with the press we’ve been getting lately. Check out this media mention; Algodon Wine Estates Barrel Ownership Program. --Scott Mathis

Golf, Tennis & Polo

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Viñas del Golf’s original 9 hole course is currently being expanded to 18 holes. We thought it a top priority to push all of the construction for the sporting facilities to the front of our “to-do” list. Algodon Wine Estates is, after all, a resort as well as a boutique winery and gated living community, and we want to make sure the draw of it being an incredibly equipped and versatile sport center was finished- or least well on its way- before we have people living on the property. I’m very pleased to say that most of our plans for the new facilities are underway and construction for most of the projects will be finished by or around May of 2009. That’s a little over 6 months away from the day that I write this post. I’d say we’re doing pretty well. Every time I get back down to San Rafael, I’m always amazed at how much they’ve accomplished since my last visit. And keep in mind; I’m usually down there these days about once or twice a month. The sporting facilities are just another aspect of the estate’s family friendly draw. In the next few posts I’d like to explain a little further about what exactly we’re building, and hopefully I can find a few renderings to post, as well. --Scott Mathis

Desert Village

This sector has the highest knolls within the estate, and from here the views are spectacular. You can pretty much see everything. We have big plans for this area including the construction of a high-end luxury hotel and wellness spa. Preliminary plans for the hotel are still in discussions, but we’re hoping to include approximately 50 modern suites featuring elegant contemporary design, and state-of-the-art amenities and services. The luxury spa, fitness, and wellness center will be accessible to guests of the resort as well as homesite owners. Homesites in this area will have incredible views of the estate, as well as the surrounding mountains. The estate’s largest reservoir will also be located here, as well. Although construction for several elements of this part of the estate won’t begin for some time, once it’s finished this village will no doubt be one of the most exciting within the estate. --Scott Mathis

South Vineyard & Orchard Village

This village is very interesting. It’s mainly made up of fincas (productive lots; i.e. vineyards, orchards…) and as a result, many of the homesites in this sector are much larger than homesites from the other villages. Those who are serious about wanting to reside on a vineyard estate and produce their own wine will most likely choose one of these homesites. I should say here that finca owners will have several options regarding their property's seasonal harvest and production. For example, a vineyard owner may choose have their vineyard tended, harvested, and processed by the estate’s staff and sold either under the Algodon label, sold to a third party, or ultimately under their own family label. A private wine cellar and tasting room are also available for estate owners who opt to bottle and label their own wines. This village borders on the Desert Village area, and sits adjacent to where the future luxury hotel will be situated. --Scott Mathis