After an exhausting 21-hour trek from Jamaica to Mendoza — routing through Panama with Copa Airlines — our group of seven touched down in Argentina’s famed wine country on Tuesday, April 28, on little more than adrenaline and anticipation. With only a narrow window to refresh before the 9:15 am rendezvous at Bodega Santa Julia, there was barely time to shake off the haze of long-haul travel before the promise of sunlit vineyards and world-class wines beckoned.

The travelling party comprised industry professionals and wine enthusiasts: Harbour Wines and Spirits Commercial Manager and sommelier Dr Debbian Spence-Minott; Grace Foods Regional Sales Manager Matthew Allen; Sip to Win a Trip to Mendoza competition winners Shaun Akinsola and Dwight Norman; Trio Wine Bar co-principal Carlos Max Brown; wine enthusiast Kimberley Stiff; and Jamaica Observer Senior Lifestyle Reporter Alayne Richards — each eager to immerse themselves in the rhythms, flavours, and stories of Argentina’s celebrated wine region.

April in Argentina feels almost cinematic, as autumn sweeps across the landscape in brushstrokes of gold and deep crimson, and the cool, crisp air gently coaxes you outdoors to explore.

Our arrival at the renowned winery Santa Julia, named for second-generation winemaker José Alberto Zuccardi’s only daughter, came just after 11:00 am. Within moments, it became apparent that family is not just a value here, but the very soul of the experience.

A legacy of winemaking

The winery stands as a beacon of sustainability and natural winemaking, its story rooted in innovation and an enduring respect for the land. It’s a journey that commenced in 1950, when engineer Alberto “Tito” Zuccardi started experimenting with irrigation systems in Mendoza, driven by a vision of efficient water use and environmental preservation. By 1963, he had planted a vineyard in Maipú — not just to grow grapes, but to demonstrate to local producers the transformative potential of his irrigation methods.

The Santa Julia brand would emerge decades later, gaining formal recognition in the 1980s with a clear focus on producing high-quality, diverse wines. Momentum built quickly in the 1990s: Exports began in 1990, and winemaker Rubén Ruffo — still an integral part of the winery today — joined the team, helping to shape its evolving identity. By the mid-1990s, the brand had firmly established itself, and by 1998, sustainability efforts deepened with the production of in-house compost to support healthier, more balanced soils.

Among its most defining milestones was the creation of the Santa Rosa vineyard in 1995, home to a unique nursery — Vivero de Vides — featuring more than 35 non-traditional varieties, including Caladoc, Ancellotta, and Albariño. This spirit of experimentation underscored the winery’s forward-thinking ethos. As the century drew to a close, organic practices took centre stage, with vineyards earning organic certification between 1998 and 1999, complemented by the use of compost and worm humus to naturally enrich the soil.

Today, sustainability and community remain at the core of operations, guided by third-generation winemakers Julia and Sebastián Zuccardi. Under their stewardship, the winery continues to elevate quality while honouring its heritage—cementing its reputation as a symbol of innovation, environmental responsibility, and a profound connection to the land.

Back to the visit…

We were warmly received by Bodega Familia Zuccardi Regional Export Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, Agustín Guevara, who then introduced us to Chief Winemaker Rubèn Ruffo. Eschew all thoughts of language barrier as an issue! The warm hospitality removed any such fear as we moved through the estate.

From the sun-drenched vineyards to the emerging site of a new Visitors’ Centre, then into the cool, reverberant Fermentation Room, each step affording deeper immersion into the Santa Julia story. The tour ended in a thoughtfully curated wine tasting led by Ruffo himself — a seasoned winemaker who has been shaping the winery’s portfolio since the early 1990s — bringing both history and craftsmanship vividly to life in every glass.

The wine flight included:

Santa Julia Reserva Chardonnay 2025 (Valle De Uco), bright greenish yellow hue. White fruits, apples and tropical fruits, combined with notes typical of maturation in barrels such as vanilla and coconut. Unctuous entry, balanced acidity and good volume.

Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2024 (Valle De Uco), dark violet, with bluish reflections. Typical Malbec aromas, with a fresh, fruity profile reminiscent of red and black fruits such as cherries, plums and blackberries. Medium-bodied, with friendly tannins and balanced acidity. Fruity and spicy finish.

Santa Julia Magna Malbec 2024 (Valle De Uco), deep and lively violet red with bluish hues. Aromas of red and black fruits such as cherries, cassis, plums and blackberries, integrated with aromas of barrel maturation such as vanilla, tobacco and chocolate. Silky in the mouth, good structure, with a marked presence of red fruits, pleasant and sweet tannins.

Santa Julia Family Estate Pinot Grigio 2025, yellow colour with green tones. Very delicate with aromas of ripe fruit such as pears, apple, melon and some tropical notes of pineapples and banana. Good balance, nice acidity. Long and fresh finish.

Santa Julia Rosé 2025, very pale pink colour with salmon hues. Lively and delicate. Fresh red fruits like cherry, strawberry and raspberry aroma. Fruity, fresh and delicate. Very expressive and refreshing finish.

Santa Julia Chenin Dulce Natural, a wine made with Chenin Blanc grapes. It is a smooth, delicate wine, with a greenish-yellow colour and aromas reminiscent of white peach, apricot, fresh herbs, and some citrus notes such as lemon and grapefruit.

Santa Julia Dulce Tinto, ideal to pair with desserts and light, fresh meals. Enjoy as an aperitif with tapas, snacks, salads, or finger food.

The Santa Julia visit continued with lunch at on-site restaurant Pan & Oliva, and wrapped with an olive tasting facilitated by New York winemaker intern Lili Hicks.

Photos: Alayne Richards

The group of seven took the 30-minute journey from Royal Princess Hotel Gold in Mendoza to Bodega Santa Julia in Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina.

The smile you give when the trip finally makes it out the group chat! From left: Grace Foods Regional Sales Manager Matthew Allen; competition winner Dwight Norman; wine enthusiast Kimberley Stiff; Trio Wine Bar co-principal Carlos Max Brown; Harbour Wines and Spirits Commercial Manager Dr Debbian Spence-Minott; and competition winner Shaun Akinsola.(Photo: Alayne Richards)

Harbour Wines & Spirits Sip To Win A Trip To Mendoza Argentina competition winner Dwight Norman had the opportunity to taste Malbec and Torrontés, Argentina’s flagship red and white grape varieties.(Photo: Alayne Richards)

The group (from left) Bodega Familia Zuccardi Chief Winemaker Rubèn Ruffo; Bodega Familia Zuccardi Regional Export Manager Latin America & Caribbean Agustín Guevara; Grace Foods Regional Sales Manager Matthew Allen; Harbour Wines and Spirits Commercial Manager Dr Debbian Spence-Minott; competition winner Shaun Akinsola; wine enthusiast Kim Stiff; Trio Wine Bar co-principal Carlos Max Brown; and competition winner Dwight Norman secured a shot in the Fermentation Room. (Photo: Alayne Richards)

See, swirl, smell, sip, and savour with wine enthusiast Kimberley Stiff, and Sip to A Trip To Mendoza competition winners Dwight Norman (left) and Shaun Akinsola.(Photo: Alayne Richards)

Grace Foods Regional Sales Manager Matthew Allen (left) and Harbour Wines and Spirits Commercial Manager Dr Debbian Spence-Minott raised a toast as Trio Wine Bar co-principal Carlos Max Brown relished a glass of Santa Julia Malbec 2025.(Photo: Alayne Richards)

A perfect pour of Santa Julia Malbec 2025(Photo: Alayne Richards)

Cheers to an excellent start to the Santa Julia visit!(Photo: Alayne Richards)

A toast to a world-class wine-tasting experience with Harbour Wines and Spirits Commercial Manager Dr Debbian Spence-Minott; Bodega Familia Zuccardi Regional Export Manager Latin America & Caribbean Agustín Guevara (left); and Chief Winemaker Rubèn Ruffo.(Photo: Alayne Richards)

 Third generation winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi (standing) joined the group during lunch…(Photo: Alayne Richards)

Sebastian Zuccardi’s father, Bodega Familia Zuccardi Director José Alberto Zuccardi also popped in to meet Harbour Wines and Spirits Commercial Manager Dr Debbian Spence-Minott and her contingent. (Photo: Alayne Richards)

Santa Julia Reserva Malbec.

Santa Julia Julia Dulce Natural .

Santa JuliaTardio.