Welcome to a captivating interview with Marcelo Burgos, CEO of Bodega Andeluna, an esteemed name in the world of premium wines and spirits. With the recent recognition as one of the TOP 100 Premium Wine & Spirits Brands of the World, 2023 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, we delve into the unique journey and philosophy that has shaped Bodega Andeluna into a global icon. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: It is an absolute pleasure to meet with you today Marcelo. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Congratulations on being named one of the TOP 100 Premium Wine & Spirits Brands of the World! What does this prestigious acknowledgment mean for the winery and its customers? 

Marcelo Burgos: It is a great pride to be among the 100 most prestigious brands in wine and spirits. Undoubtedly, it is a recognition of the journey taken over these 20 years. This would not have been possible without the work of all our collaborators and clients who always motivate us to strive for more.

LLA: Can you share the inspiration behind founding Bodega Andeluna and its unique connection to the Andes and the Moon? How does this influence your winemaking philosophy?

MB: Andeluna is a poetic name that reflects the union between the Andes mountain range and the moon, elements that are part of the identity of the Uco Valley. This name was created by Ward Lay, the founder of Andeluna in 2003. He later partnered with the Reina Rutini family, who led the project for 7 years. In 2011, our family took over the leadership of the winery. Our goal is to craft mountain wines that express the identity of this terroir, a place whose characteristics make it unique in the world for creating elegant, exceptional, and highly expressive wines. 

LLA: How does Bodega Andeluna interpret the rich history, flora, and changing colors of the Gualtallary region in the Uco Valley through its wines?

MB: Like all mountain soils, it is very picturesque but excessively wild, extremely intense, and expressive. Over these 20 years, we have worked to transform our wines into elegant ones, where the wild expression is translated into wines that consumers seek, without losing the essence of the place.

LLA: The commitment to sustainability is evident in Andeluna’s practices. How does this dedication to organic viticulture and eco-friendly winemaking contribute to the quality of your wines?

MB: Sustainability is part of our DNA. In recent years, we have worked diligently to certify our Gualtallary vineyard as 100% Organic. Fortunately, we obtained our certification in 2020, and currently, we are doubling down on our commitment as we are close to obtaining the sustainability certification from Bodegas de Argentina. This allows us to offer our clients and end consumers high-quality wines without harming the environment and while taking care of our community. 

LLA: Being an ambassador for Argentina’s wines globally, how does Bodega Andeluna represent the cultural heritage and identity of the country through its wine portfolio?

MB: Carrying the flag of our country through our wines is a great source of pride. The goal is to reflect the terroir of the Uco Valley and our interpretation of this place. Currently, Andeluna Winery is present in 35 countries, and our challenge is to continue conquering markets, positioning the category of Argentine wines and mountain wines. 

LLA: Can you highlight the role of the winemaking team at Andeluna in achieving the perfect harmony between soil, technology, and the human touch in crafting premium wines?

MB: We have an outstanding winemaking team at Andeluna, led by Manuel Gonzalez Bals, Chief Winemaker since the inception of Andeluna. While the raw material is exceptional, thanks to our location in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza, the interpretation of our team is crucial to expressing the typicity of this renowned Geographical Indication (GI). The selection of plots, the harvest timing, manual harvesting or using our own harvester to seize the perfect moment, the vinification method, among other tasks, along with the adaptation of our machinery over the years to complement and not compromise the expressiveness of our fruit, are part of our team’s daily decision-making process. This sets us apart from other brands and contributes to the global recognition of our wines 

LLA: Bodega Andeluna places a strong emphasis on efficient water management. How does this focus on responsible water usage contribute to the overall sustainability of the vineyard?

MB: In the face of the water emergency in Mendoza, the worst in the last 100 years, and recognizing the responsible use of an increasingly scarce resource, we decided to implement a more efficient management of this vital resource. 

At Andeluna, the water used for irrigating our vineyard comes from underground aquifers, and we have a drip irrigation system across the 67.5 hectares of planted vines. To ensure proper irrigation, we rely on the results of plant water stress measurements (Scholander chamber), which inform us about the amount of water the vineyard needs depending on the climatic conditions 

LLA: With the recent shift towards organic practices, how has the certification as an organic vineyard in 2020 influenced the character and taste profile of Andeluna wines?

MB:  Organoleptically, wines produced under organic certification show no differences compared to wines made using traditional methods. The main distinction lies in the treatment applied to the vineyard, specifically avoiding the addition of chemical fertilizers to the soil as a primary measure. This is rigorously monitored by the certifying body: ECOCERT 

LLA: As a family-owned winery, what values and traditions are integral to Andeluna, and how do they manifest in the winemaking process?

MB: Our two main objectives are, first and foremost, growth, which is not necessarily economic, although it will undoubtedly come with the expansion of products and services. Second, and equally important, is for Andeluna to be a great place to work, where everyone can develop and grow professionally. As Andeluna, our significant commitment is to provide the tools and values, to form strong, committed teams. For 20 years, Andeluna has been dedicated to crafting high-quality wines through sustainable practices that reflect the identity of the Uco Valley and cater to the tastes of diverse consumers. Our motto is to produce mountain wines, and this wouldn’t be possible without the entire team’s collaborative effort. 

LLA: Andeluna’s winery architecture respects and enhances local elements. How does the physical setting contribute to the overall experience for visitors and consumers alike?

MB: The impressive architecture of the winery and the presence of the Andes Mountains are integral parts of the visual allure that Andeluna offers, representing our ‘ORIGIN.’ However, this wouldn’t be enough without the entire hospitality experience that our team currently provides: 

High-level gastronomy with ingredients from local suppliers. 

Menus paired with the most renowned wines of Andeluna. 

Winery tours. 

Recreational activities such as the blending game, cooking classes, and the exciting wine and chocolate workshop. 

To enhance this experience, we recently inaugurated our mountain accommodation: Andeluna Winery Lodge 

Adding the experience to our products is crucial; we believe it is the true differentiator that sets Andeluna apart 

LLA: The opening of Andeluna Winery Lodge marks a significant expansion into accommodations. What inspired this move, and how do you envision the lodges enhancing the overall experience for guests exploring the world of Andeluna wines?

MB: Over these 20 years, we have succeeded in becoming a reference in hospitality, and we believed it was time to complete the experience with the introduction of accommodation. This way, we could close the hospitality circuit. After a year of hard work, together with the team and the family, we inaugurated Andeluna Winery Lodge. 

There are 8 units designed to provide a moment of relaxation and enjoyment. Each room offers an unparalleled view of the Andes Mountains. Every unit is equipped with a King or Twin bed, a coffee area, air conditioning, radiator heating in all spaces, a dressing area, a bathroom with shower, wardrobe, safe, and minibar, among other amenities 

LLA: How has Bodega Andeluna strategically embraced tourism to showcase the unique terroir and cultural heritage of the Gualtallary region? Additionally, in what ways does the winery aim to create a seamless and enriching experience for visitors, allowing them to not only savor exceptional wines but also to immerse themselves in the captivating story and landscapes that define Bodega Andeluna?

MB: We understand that hospitality is not only about the place, and the ambiance but also about the people. We have worked on this aspect for the past 20 years, recognizing the privilege of being located in Gualtallary where nature has already contributed its share. We have ensured that our hospitality teams provide tourists with a unique and authentic experience. How did we achieve this? By conveying our family and company values, where TRANSPARENCY AND HONESTY are fundamental. Our team understands this and effectively communicates it, resulting in a genuine and enriching experience for our guests

LLA: As the CEO, what message would you like to convey to potential buyers and enthusiasts who are discovering Bodega Andeluna as one of the TOP 100 Premium Wine & Spirits Brands of the World? 

MB: At Andeluna, you will discover a family-owned winery with Argentine capital, dedicated to crafting high-quality wines that convey the identity of the acclaimed region of Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza. Andeluna’s wines demonstrate remarkable consistency over time and are produced sustainably. These are wines that transcend through the ages, as a great Argentine writer once said, ‘With time, you will learn 

In closing this exclusive interview with Marcelo Burgos, the visionary CEO of Bodega Andeluna, we have delved into the essence of a winemaking journey that transcends borders and captures the very spirit of luxury and excellence. As Andeluna proudly stands among the TOP 100 Premium Wine & Spirits Brands of the World, Mr. Burgo’s insights have illuminated the dedication to sustainability, the commitment to crafting wines that tell the story of the Andes, and the profound influence of the Gualtallary region. 

From the picturesque vineyards to the family-owned ethos, Andeluna embodies a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and respect for nature. This conversation with Mr. Burgos leaves us with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and passion that elevates Andeluna into the echelons of global recognition. 

As enthusiasts embark on a journey of discovery, they are invited to uncork the excellence encapsulated in every bottle, a testament to Andeluna’s unwavering pursuit of perfection in the world of premium wines and spirits. Find out more at https://www.andeluna.com.ar/es/