Guardians of Mountain Life

Our commitment to biodiversity revolves around three key initiatives:

1. Biodiversity Patches: Within our vineyards, we preserve native vegetation in dedicated areas, covering 45% of our total vineyard surface by 2022. This fosters a harmonious ecosystem that benefits both nature and vines.

2. Biological Corridors: Strategic preservation of biological corridors within our vineyards safeguards diverse flora and fauna, enhancing the vineyard's ecological balance.

3. New Plantations: Whenever we design a new vineyard, we prioritize preserving native vegetation, ensuring our expansion aligns with nature's harmony.

Our inter row soils are covered with vegetation throughout the whole year with a proportion of more than 66% of the land, reaching 100% in winter. In the other seasons, they are managed with minimal intervention and only when needed.​

We produce our own high-quality compost, to fertilize our vineyards, using the leftover grape's skins and stems from our winemaking process. Combined with cow and coat organic manure, we achieve a very high-quality and effective natural fertilizer, with organic nutrients highly available to the plant.

As from February 2022, we are experimenting in two of our vineyards, Los Aromos and Las Compuertas, the plantation of 1000 trees in 70 hectares in order to generate a good microclimate for the vines, prevent frosts, increase biodiversity, generate shady places where birds and insects nest. Some of the species we’ve planted are golden and red ash trees, prunus, arabias, acacias, aromos and silky oaks.

In collaboration with IADIZA from CONICET, we explore plants in our vineyards to uncover their valuable contributions. They act as natural coolants, promote biodiversity, and combat erosion. They enrich the soil and capture CO2. Our research enables us to cultivate vineyards in harmony with nature, benefiting both us and the planet sustainably.

In order to understand each species living in our vineyard's ecosystem, all teams and visitors of our vineyards can collaborate photograph native flora and fauna of our vineyards and upload them to the collaborative platform ARGENTINAT, allowing us connect the images with naturalists and researchers that identify the species and some of their characteristics. Currently we have 488 species identified of animals, insects and plants within our 12 vineyards.

The Nest Boxes project is a collaborative effort with local research institutions “National Institute of Agricultural Technology“(INTA) and “Argentine Institute of Arid Zone Research” (IADIZA) and our teams. Data collection in our vineyards was carried out by dedicated collaborators who observed and monitored the nest boxes' progress weekly. Crafted from recycled pallets, the project promotes sustainability and circular economy practices. Preliminary results show successful use of the shelters by native insectivorous birds. This collaborative initiative raises awareness about biodiversity and contributes to a more sustainable vineyard ecosystem.

Along with the “National Institute of Agricultural Technology“ (INTA) team, we conducted various insect and vegetation samplings in three sectors located at different distances from native vegetation areas in our Caicayén estate. The objective was to estimate species richness and abundance of native bees, predatory wasps, and hoverflies, and correlate these variables with the existing vegetation at each site. These results were compared with other estates in the Gualtallary area to assess the importance of native vegetation sectors in maintaining biodiversity. Additionally, the study investigated how the characteristics of the present vegetation affect these insects and the effect of distance from natural sectors to the vineyard on their distribution.

In our quest for eco-friendly solutions against excessive fertilizers and agrochemicals, we've partnered with UNSL for a two-year study of 40 vineyard soils.

Our goal: to discover Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), which are microorganisms that assist vines in adapting to environmental stresses.

What we've found is promising—a rich community of beneficial microorganisms, including phosphate-solubilizing ones.

This research isn't just about science; it's a transformative step toward sustainable viticulture, where these microorganisms enhance vineyard health and reduce chemical reliance, ushering in a greener era for the wine industry. With each soil sample, we edge closer to this sustainable future where nature's allies safeguard our cherished grapevines.

We are collaborating on a project Lic. Ivan Procheret, which is focused on the assessment to determine the impact of the invasive exotic species Sturnus vulgaris on Vitis vinifera crops in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. This species was introduced due to its perceived beauty, without considering the associated risks. Detecting its presence is crucial to implement necessary measures. Additionally, we aim to raise awareness about the environmental harm caused by the introduction of exotic animals.

21 teachers across 14 schools from kindergarten to special education. They're fostering forest nurseries and raising eco-consciousness. Promoting Mendoza's culture, environmental values, and tree and water conservation. Students adopt trees, with some planted in nearby public areas.

In Luján de Cuyo, 10 public schools launch a PET container collection campaign. It raises environmental awareness and encourages eco-friendly habits. Collected containers are sent to recycling centers, and schools receive incentives like school supplies and sports equipment based on the PET collected.

18 rural public schools, 11-15-year-old students, 500+ annual participants. Art contest fosters creativity with UNCuyo experts. 424 students showcased art, judged by local artists, faculty, and volunteers. Winning drawings featured on year-end cards, winners receive bicycles.

We support summer activities for kids at Educational and Sports Support Centers in Tupungato's Uco Valley. Children aged 6 to 12 benefit. We donate educational and recreational materials to 5 Tupungato Support Centers: Villa Bastias (2), Cordón del Plata (1), Centro Tupungato (2). Additionally, we hosted a fun educational day at our Club for 50 children, including many who are children of our vineyard employees.

Choir activities provide musical and artistic training for children aged 5 to 12, focusing on musical expression and body interpretation. This fosters creativity, memory, and attention development, while also promoting responsibility, commitment, and teamwork.

Introducing the 'Reconnecting with Creativity' program, an Artistic Educational Project tailored for Visual Arts Teachers, inspiring sustainable artistic experiences. With three successful editions to date, this program is open to all Mendoza Visual Arts teachers. Since its launch in 2020, an average of 200 teachers annually benefit from this enriching initiative.

At the special school 'Maria Elvira Ferraris' in Ugarteche, 30 students aged 10 to 12 engage in a unique program developed by volunteers. These volunteers generously share their expertise and knowledge about the winemaking process, fostering an appreciation for Mendoza's viticultural culture and community. As part of the program, students get the opportunity to create their own wine labels and brand.

Designed for 4th and 5th-year secondary school students in Valle de Uco, this program aims to inspire and prepare young individuals for higher education and the workforce. Terrazas de los Andes warmly welcomes them to share our values and 'savoir-faire'.

Our core focus is on holistic wellbeing and integration. We prioritize a comprehensive health environment, including physical, psychological, and emotional health. Through initiatives like Health & Safety Day and Family Day, we enhance our employees' quality of life and strengthen connections within our community. Integration, recreation, and building bonds are essential aspects of our approach.

Our focus is on training and development, providing tools for acquiring essential skills, both soft and technical, vital for professional growth and meeting business demands. Our Build Your Future Program comprises "Advancing Together" and "Unlimited Success" subprograms, supporting primary and secondary education, as well as FONBEC scholarships for tertiary-level employees and their families. Our dedicated volunteers assist employees in their educational pursuits, underlining our commitment to personal and professional advancement.

We're dedicated to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our culture. Our focus includes gender diversity, supporting vulnerable young job seekers, aiding individuals with diverse abilities, and those in socially vulnerable situations. Our ongoing initiatives include a diagnostic assessment (results in September) and the development of projects and initiatives based on the assessment, as we work towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.