Algodon Wine Estates Tennis Center

The clubhouse that exists now at Algodon Wine Estates will be getting a major construction overhaul and will eventually include locker-rooms, more dining space, a second floor dining terrace, and an integrated golf and tennis pro shop. As I mentioned a while ago, the area will also include a large pool, which I’m sure estate residents will appreciate given San Rafael’s 300 days of annual sunshine. On his most recent visit to the estate, José Luis Clerc suggested creating the courts in two phases, which will include a center court stadium as well as 6 additional clay courts, 3 hard courts, and 1 grass court. (I’ll include a preliminary rendering in the next post.) The mini-stadium, which will be lowered for unobstructed panoramic views from above, as well as from the clubhouse restaurant’s second-story dining terrace, is based on an “in-ground” design from a popular tennis club in Monaco. The entire area will be surrounded by an olive orchard that is nearly 50 years old. It’s quite beautiful. The above photo is the inspiration for the in-ground stadium design at the future Algodon Wine Estates Tennis Center. The tennis courts should be in and ready for play by May, 2009. Tennis anyone?

Algodon Wine - Recent Praise

Great news, folks! Our Director of Project Development, Tourism & Hospitality at Algodon Wine Estates, Diego Coll Benegas, has informed us that our Cabernet Sauvignon has scored high at an American Master Sommelier wine tasting- with an 8 out of 10 rating! Our Cabernet also won the distinction of “Best Buy” of all the wines participating. We feel truly honored because the wineries we were competing against are absolutely some of the best wineries in all Argentina. The wine tasting event was hosted by Wines of Argentina. While on the subject, I also want to mention that our wine was chosen to be featured at the 2008 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards here in Manhattan in Jan ’09. This annual award ceremony is conducted by Wine Enthusiast magazine to recognize excellence in the crafting, marketing and distribution of wine and spirits worldwide. This year, Mendoza won for “Wine Region of the Year.” The ceremony planners asked 25 wineries to submit their wines to represent Mendoza at the event, and Algodon Wine Estates was one of ten selected. There are over 1,000 wineries in Mendoza…so again, quite an honor. I think things are looking pretty good for us.

Governor's Lunch at Algodon Wine Estates

I had lunch with the Governor of the Mendoza Province! It was pretty exciting, and dining with a major elected official really puts things into perspective in terms of the size and scope of our project, as well as its impact on the local economy and tourism trade. Governor Celso Jaque visited Algodon Wine Estates with the Superintendent (what we’d call the mayor) of San Rafael, Omar Félix, and they received the grand tour. We had a fine time, ate some great food at the restaurant, and we received many compliments! The Governor was really impressed with our project’s development, and was particularly enthused by the opportunities for the creation of jobs for San Rafael residents. He also made a point of expressing his enthusiasm for Algodon Wine Estates’ significant economic and cultural benefits for the entire province!

Press for Algodon

Hello Everyone! Another great press article on Algodon is hitting the newsstands. We’re seeing a lot of these lately. Be sure to pick up a copy of December’s Robb Report Vacation Homes featuring Algodon Wine Estates! They wrote a nicely done, full page article on us. We’ve also received mentions in Food & Wine Magazine, Black Book, Forbes- Life EW, Tennis Week, and many, many more. Go Algodon! Thanks to everyone for your support and confidence. Without your help, we could not achieve.