Winery
Our winery is a tribute to the mountain, which gives the identity to our wines.
“We cultivate wines. Our work begins in the vineyard. In the winery we need to be very respectful so that our wines express, with transparency, the place where they come from.”
– Sebastián Zuccardi
A WINERY
rooted in the vineyard
When we began our journey in the Uco Valley, we sought those places that had captivated us with the unique expression of their wines. In the early years, we learned a lot about the genesis and diversity of the soils. We started dividing our vineyards by soil type, and only then, after forming our philosophy, did we begin to build the winery.
THE BUILDING
is a tribute to the mountain
In 2016, we inaugurated our Zuccardi Valle de Uco winery.
It is our tribute to the mountain range. From the first moment, we wanted it to be part of the environment, integrating completely into the landscape.
To construct it, we used only natural materials from the area: stones, sand and water. Surrounded by native vegetation, it is entirely made of concrete, both inside and out, from the stone walls to the vessels for the elaboration and aging of our wines.
Research
& Desarrollo
In 2009, Sebastián Zuccardi gave new impetus to the research and development department (I+D – Investigación y Desarrollo -– in Spanish) with the aim to study the Uco Valley in great depth. Here, we study the terroir and the various variables that impact wine quality, analyzing and controlling everything from the vineyard to the winery. From the beginning, we worked on classifying different microregions within the Uco Valley with varying soil types, where we refined all our vineyard practices, such as irrigation periods, the use of different training systems, the most suitable grape varieties and the optimal harvest time.
Concreto
AN ALLY IN EXPRESSING
IDENTITY
As we began deepening our style as viticulturists, where the mountain marks the identity of our wines, we felt the need to give great respect for the grapes that arrived at the winery.
For this reason, after years of studies, we defined that the ideal material for the vessels for our wines would be concrete, without any type of coating. Especially, conical-shaped vessels, which allow the wines to be made with the minimum intervention possible.
From the first moment, we were excited by the idea that our wines would be in contact with natural materials. Concrete does not impart flavors or aromas to the wine, and preserves the pure expression of its place of origin.
The small micro-oxygenation that concrete allows and the great thermal stability also contribute to better care at each stage of the winemaking process.
From the beginning we sought to be able to work in a more sustainable way with the environment, and this material allows a significant reduction in energy consumption.
Our team
Sebastián zuccardi
Winemaking Director
Trained as an Agronomist, Sebastián is part of our family's third generation and leads our Winemaking and Viticulture teams. Alongside his father José Alberto, he spearheaded the construction of the Zuccardi Uco Valley winery, inaugurated in Paraje Altamira in 2016. He is also one of the members of Alma 4, a project of sparkling wines crafted using the traditional method, which he initiated with three friends in 1999. He has participated in numerous harvests in different countries of the new and old world.
Laura Principiano
Head Winemaker
Laura graduated as an Agricultural Engineer from the National University of Cuyo, and she leads our Winemaking department and the Research and Development department (I + D, Investigación y Desarrollo, in Spanish), which brings together young winemakers and agronomists dedicated to studying the terroir and factors that influence wine quality and each micro-region. Since joining the winery in 2009, she has worked on the foundational concepts for the winery's design and construction. Among her experiences, she has participated in harvests abroad in Italy and Spain, as well as in various wineries in Mendoza.
Martín di Stefano
Viticulturist
Martín is responsible for the development of our vineyards in the Uco Valley. He started working at Zuccardi Valle de Uco in 2010, in the Research and Development department (I + D, Investigación y Desarrollo, in Spanish), the same year he graduated with honors as an Agricultural Engineer. In June 2010, he joined our vineyard management team full time, while also travelling to different wine regions around the world for harvest programs, including France, Italy, South Africa and Chile. His work philosophy revolves around a contemplative viticulture approach, based on closely observing the natural development of the plants, respecting the landscape and the unique conditions of each place, without imposing preconceived notions.
Sustainability
At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to building a fairer, more ethical, and more sustainable world—today and for generations to come.
Our co-founder, Emma Zuccardi, laid the foundation for this vision with the creation of the Familia Zuccardi Foundation, a legacy proudly carried on by her granddaughter, Julia. More than just corporate responsibility, this work is our way of actively contributing to a better future for all.
Our sustainability efforts are grounded in three essential pillars:
Environmental Sustainability | Social Sustainability | Economic Sustainability
In 2024, we were honored to receive the Sustainable Argentina certification (Argentina Sostenible) —a milestone that recognizes excellence across environmental, social, and cultural impact, as well as strong business ethics and integrity.
This certification, developed by the Corporación Vitivinícola Argentina and endorsed by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), is based on the five "General Principles of Sustainability in Viticulture" set forth by the OIV in 2016.
It also aligns with Argentina’s Strategic Plan for the Wine Industry (Plan Estratégico Vitivinícola, PEVI 2030) and the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Environmental Sustainability
In the vineyard
Our approach to viticulture is rooted in respect—for the land, for nature, and for the unique identity of each region we cultivate. We practice what we call contemplative viticulture, which emphasizes deep observation and harmony with each vineyard’s natural surroundings. Biodiversity plays a central role in our vineyard management. We actively preserve native habitats within our vineyards, supporting the development of local flora and fauna while fostering healthy, balanced ecosystems.
Given Mendoza’s desert climate, water is a precious resource—and we treat it as such. By carefully designing vineyard plots to match the soil's natural characteristics, we optimize irrigation and significantly reduce water usage. Every element—rootstock selection, planting density, and drip irrigation tailored to each soil type—has been developed to preserve water while ensuring vineyard health and vitality.
In the winery
Our winery is designed to blend seamlessly into its natural environment. Inspired by the surrounding Andes Mountains, the building is constructed using materials from the place: stones from Finca Piedra Infinita, and water and sand from the nearby Tunuyán River.
Natural light illuminates the winery through large windows and skylights, minimizing our energy use and reliance on artificial lighting during the day.
We ferment all our wines in concrete vessels, a sustainable, natural material that offers excellent thermal stability and significantly reduces energy consumption during the winemaking process.
Social sustainability
Our impact goes far beyond the vineyard. We are deeply rooted in our community and believe that true sustainability includes uplifting the people around us. Through the Familia Zuccardi Foundation, we invest in long-term social projects that promote education, inclusion, and well-being. We partner with local schools, small businesses, and producers to create meaningful projects, including:
Educational centers for adults to finish secondary education.
Early childhood daycare and educational support centers.
Enhanced school dining facilities.
Gyms and vocational training centers.
For us, sustainability is a path we walk every day, and we believe every action—big or small—makes a difference. From how we care for the vineyards to how we support our community, we’re committed to creating a future where people, land, and the culture winemaking thrive in harmony, preserving our legacy for future generations.