José Luis Clerc

As I’ve mentioned in an earlier post, we’ve partnered with José Luis Clerc, who happens to be one of the most recognized and revered professional tennis players in Argentina’s history. He will be promoting Algodon Wine Estates’ tennis center, and will also be overseeing the construction and design of the tennis center’s courts, clubhouse, and the overall tennis program itself. His official titles are Director of the José Luis Clerc Tennis Center (at Algodon Wine Estates), and Ambassador of Algodon Global Properties. The latter title is appropriate since he will also serve as a public relations conduit and provide his personal and professional international contacts with the goal of developing tennis exhibitions with former and/or top world players and futures tournaments to be held at Algodon Wine Estates. The fact that José is a very personable gentleman combined with his impressive place in the history of tennis truly makes him a uniquely qualified individual to represent our Algodon brand, both on and off the court.

His player’s history can be found here on Wikipedia. José began playing professionally in 1977, and won 25 ATP Titles, and retired in 1988. His highest rank was World No. 4 in August 4, 1981, following a run of 27 victories and 4 titles in one month, and had year-ending rankings 8th in 1980, 5th in 1981, 6th in 1982, and 8th in 1983. José represented Argentina for the Davis Cup from 1976 to 1989. He currently runs a tennis school in Argentina was recently a featured commentator for ESPN Latin America’s coverage of the 2008 US Open.

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.

Personal Update

I am pleased to report that the "bill of sale" for the estate homesites will be complete this week, and as a result we can begin selling the estate homesites immediately. We already have approximately 27 estate homesites that people have reserved, and we anticipate executing those transactions as soon as possible.

Regarding our golf course; as you know we started with nine holes and recently began building the back nine. The new nine holes of the golf course have now been completely excavated and shaped, with the fairways, greens, and tees complete. The drainage piping and sprinkler system are now being installed, and grass will be planted within the next 2 months. The complete 18-hole championship course will be open by April/May, 2009. We are working fast over here! That progress alone should add some nice value to the project!

We have 300 estate lots for sale (ranging from 1 to 15 acres) roughly averaging about 2.5 acres (1 ha) located on the vineyards, golf course, polo fields and tennis center with views to the mountains. As well as 50 luxury Villa Townhomes with great views of the vineyards, golf course, and mountains, and 12 Tennis Villas (approximately 2,000 sq ft each, and situated in a beautiful 50 + year old olive orchard), which are really nicely located and look over the tennis complex and center court stadium, and are also adjacent to the golf course with more great views of the mountains.

As far as the Algodon Tennis Complex goes, we have been working with José Luis Clerc (# 4 ATP in the world from 1979 - 1985) who is now one of Argentina's most recognized and respected sports figures, and was recently featured as an ESPN commentator for the 2008 US Open. He will be operating a tennis academy and bringing exhibition and tournament play to our estate. The restaurant expansion will have a view over the center court (similar to the court set-up in Monte Carlo) so that persons who wine and dine can enjoy the match play from their table.

Our project is truly "coming together" and I look forward to showing you the amazing progress in the very near future! As with any project, there have been numerous changes, delays, and problems, etc., but overall I am very pleased with the progress and what the team in Argentina has accomplished.

The Algodon Mansion in Buenos Aires is moving forward nicely and will be open in less than 5 months. Get ready to book your rooms!!! The mansion is small (20,000 sq. ft.) but it will certainly be one of the most exquisite hotel properties any of us have ever stayed in (and I make that a promise!) On the next trip down to BA you will see that the scaffolding/cover on the building will be gone and our 1912 Mansion is truly the most beautiful building on the Street. More updates to come!!!